Activity 1.4

Thesis
Did Hamlet really love Ophelia? (Yes he did)

Outline
Reason: He told her he loved her.
Example: “I did love you once” (Act 3, Sc 1, line 115)
Explanation: This phrase was said in anger to try and provoke an emotion from Ophelia. Even though it was said to provoke he was being truthful. He was using the truth to elicit a reaction.

Reason: He sent many letters to her.
Example: “And with them words of so sweet breath composed as made these things more rich. (Act 3, Sc 1, line 98-99)
Explanation: Ophelia was referring to letters that were addressed to her from Hamlet. This as she was returning them unopened. For Hamlet to react with anger, as he did, means that he put a lot of thought and probably poured his heart out to her in those letters.

Counter Reason: He told her he never loved her
Example: “I loved you not” (Act 3, Sc 1, Line 119)
Explanation: Hamlet has been truthful to Ophelia up until now. There is no reason to suggest that he would lie to her.

Rebuttal: Hamlet was in a rage and did not mean what he said
Example: Nymph in thy orisons… (Act 3, Sc 1, line 88). Or if thou wilt needs marry, marry a fool, for wise men know well enough what monsters you make of them (Act 3, Sc 1, line 139-141)Explanation: Before Hamlet became really angry with Ophelia he referred to her as a nymph. After they started fighting Hamlet insulted Ophelia. He spoke with without giving any thought to what he was saying. The same holds true for when he told her that he never loved her. Such emotion is often the case when love is involved.