In Shakespeare's play Hamlet, the character Ophelia is depicted as a young woman who descends into madness. This descent into madness is depicted through her dialogue, which becomes increasingly erratic and nonsensical as the play progresses. One of the most striking examples of this is the string of quotes attributed to Ophelia in Act IV, Scene V, in which she sings a series of songs and speaks in a jumbled and incoherent manner.
One of the most famous quotes attributed to Ophelia in this scene is, "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance; pray, love, remember. And there is pansies, that's for thoughts." This quote is significant because it highlights the theme of memory and the importance of remembering the past in the play. The mention of rosemary, a plant commonly associated with funerals and memorials, and pansies, a flower symbolizing thoughts and reflection, suggests that Ophelia is grappling with the loss of her loved ones and is struggling to come to terms with the events that have transpired.
Another notable quote attributed to Ophelia in this scene is, "He is dead and gone, lady, he is dead and gone. At his head a grass-green turf, at his heels a stone." This quote is significant because it suggests that Ophelia is still in denial about the death of her father, Polonius, and is unable to accept the finality of his passing. The mention of the grass-green turf and stone at his head and heels, respectively, also evokes imagery of a grave and further emphasizes the theme of death and loss in the play.
A final quote attributed to Ophelia that is worth discussing is, "There's fennel for you, and columbines. There's rue for you, and here's some for me. We may call it herb of grace o' Sundays. O you must wear your rue with a difference." This quote is significant because it highlights the theme of the role of women in society and the expectations placed upon them. The mention of fennel and columbines, both of which were traditionally associated with love and marriage, suggests that Ophelia may have been pressured to marry for the sake of societal expectations rather than for love. The mention of rue, a plant traditionally associated with regret and repentance, suggests that Ophelia may be feeling a sense of guilt or remorse for not conforming to these societal expectations.
Overall, the quotes attributed to Ophelia in Act IV, Scene V of Hamlet serve to illustrate the character's descent into madness and her struggles with grief, loss, and the expectations placed upon her as a woman in society. These quotes also serve to further reinforce the themes of memory, death, and the role of women in the play.
