Grumbling Gertrude and Ovulating Ophelia (Intro/Hamlet Essay)

In Shakespeare's Hamlet different characters have different speech patterns and language techniques. While analyzing the difference in speech patterns with Ophelia and Gertrude, Gertrude tends to use more mature and sophisticated words, while there is a sense of youthfulness with Ophelia. Because Gertrude is the Queen, she must act with politeness and class, therefore her word choice and stature reflects her high status in society. From reading Gertrude's text to the King and to Hamlet, her speech patterns are completely different. While Gertrude talks to Hamlet she talks down to him, while she is also being nurturing. And when she speaks to the King her language illustrates that they have a distant relationship. Ophelia also changes her speech patterns as she talks to different characters. When Ophelia speaks to her brother, she demonstrates confidence and a condescending and disagreeable tone. But when she speaks with Hamlet, the audience sees a different side of Ophelia, and through her light language, her love for him is expressed. Although the characters are completely different, their speech patterns are often similar. In Hamlet, Shakespeare uses different tones and techniques to express character's speech patterns, and through these patterns, we learn about the characters and their role in society.