Comparing and Contrasting: Ophelia and Lady Macbeth

Abstract

Ophelia in “Hamlet” and Lady Macbeth in “Macbeth” have several comparisons and contrasts in their personalities. Both of them suffer from madness. However, Ophelia is submissive and Lady Macbeth is commanding. In this sense, they primarily appear like two opposed persons. But, they both display resemblances as they depend on men, and devoid of this dependence, they face devastations. The over-reliance of Ophelia on Polonius, Laertes, and Hamlet directs her into insanity once they are absent. Similarly, Lady Macbeth attacks the virility of Macbeth which leads to his rejection of her, triggering her eventual suicide.