Portrayal of Women in Shakespeare's Hamlet Shakespeare was perhaps the first writer to portray women as strong, cunning and intelligent. However, it still received criticism from feminists regarding its portrayal of women. Some even accused him of misogyny. There are only two female characters in the play Hamlet: Gertrude, Hamlet's mother and Ophelia, Polonius' daughter. Any debate based on gender roles must therefore focus on these two characters. Shakespeare portrays Gertrude as a powerful and intelligent woman - she was queen for a considerable period of time - we can safely assume at least 30 years - and is asked for advice on matters by King Claudius - "Do you think this is it?" (II.2.152). Gertrude is a woman who married her brother-in-law; perhaps to remain in his position of power. It is often debated whether or not Gertrude was involved in the killing of King Hamlet - in any case, Gertrude seems to have fully respected her marriage to Claudius - she does not seem at all offended by Claudius' presence - perhaps reason to suspect that she was unaware of Claudius' role in Hamlet's death, if she was not involved. The ghost tells Hamlet not to judge his mother, or seek revenge on her, telling him "leave her in heaven" (I.5.86). This calls into question Gertrude's "guilt". Furthermore, her apparent innocence, when confronted by Hamlet while exclaiming "Like killing a king!" (III.4.31) would indicate his lack of guilt or even knowledge of old Hamlet's murder. Hamlet himself is certainly convinced of this, as he tries to "conquer her", later in the scene: "Throw away the worst part, and live purer with the other half." (III.4.158-159).Gertrude's apparent innocence would highlight......half of the document......rch 1897), 70-76. Rpt. in Women Reading Shakespeare 1660-1900. Ed. Ann Thompson and Sasha Roberts. New York: Manchester University Press, 1997. Pennington, Michael. "Ophelia: madness is her only safe refuge." Readings on Hamlet. Ed. Don Nardò. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1999. Rpt. of "Hamlet": a user's guide. New York: Limelight Editions, 1996. Pitt, Angela. "Women in Shakespeare's Tragedies." Readings on tragedies. Ed. Clarice Swisher. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1996. Reprint of Shakespeare's Women. Np: np, 1981.Sardone, Frances J.: Gertrude: Queen of Denmark, available: http:www.netaccess.on.ca/~frances/gertrude.htmShakespeare, William: Hamlet. Published by Penguin 1996.Shakespeare, William. The tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 1995. http://www.chemicool.com/Shakespeare/hamlet/full.html