Representation of Women in Shakespeare's HamletShakespeare was perhaps the first writer to depict women as strong, cunning and intelligent. However, it continues to receive criticism from feminists regarding its depiction of women. Some even accused him of misogyny. There are only two female characters in the play Hamlet: Gertrude, Hamlet's mother and Ophelia, daughter of Polonius. Any debate based on gender roles must therefore focus on these two characters. Shakespeare portrays Gertrude as a woman of power and intelligence - she was queen for a considerable time - we can assume at least 30 years - and she is asked for advice on questions from King Claudius - "Do you think this is it? " (II.2.152). Gertrude is a woman who married her own brother-in-law; perhaps to remain in his position of power. It is often debated whether or not Gertrude was involved in the murder of King Hamlet - either way, Gertrude seems to have fully complied with her marriage to Claudius - she does not seem at all offended by Claudius' presence - perhaps be 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 take revenge on her, telling him to "leave her to heaven" (I.5.86). This casts doubt on Gertrude's "guilt". Additionally, her apparent innocence, when confronted by Hamlet as she exclaims "Like killing a king!" (III.4.31) would indicate his lack of guilt or even knowledge of the murder of old Hamlet. Hamlet himself is certainly convinced of this, as he attempts to "convince" her later in the scene: "Throw away the worst and live the purest with the other half." » (III.4.158-159). Gertrude's apparent innocence would underline...... middle of paper...... rch 1897), 70-76. Rep. in Women Reading Shakespeare 1660-1900. Ed. Ann Thompson and Sasha Roberts. New York: Manchester University Press, 1997. Pennington, Michael. “Ophelia: madness, her only refuge.” Readings on Hamlet. Ed. Don Nardo. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1999. Rpt. from "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