"Abandoned" systematically by the four men of importance in her life Ophelia is left by the end of Act 3 with no one to whom she may turn. In effect, it can be compared to losing all four of one's limbs, leaving a person unable to move. Observe: Laertes: Leaves her to pursue his own desires in Frances
Hamlet: Withdraws his protestations of love upon sensing her father's trap
Claudius: Has no use for her after the trap fails to prove Hamlet's love is the problem
Polonius: After his meddling loses Hamlet for Ophelia, it costs Polonius his life.

Like a limbless soul that must either adapt or die, Ophelia chooses the one defense that allows her to be direct and true, something she has not been able to do, while these four men have been controlling her actions. She becomes genuinely insane. In this assignment, you will be asked to evaluate how the plot events that have unfolded throughout the play work to create this change in her character.

Reread the introduction above. Why do the gentleman and Horatio suggest that it would be good for Gertrude to speak with Ophelia at the beginning of Act 4, Scene 5? Come up with a reasonably academic theory as to why Gertrude refuses based upon her guilt.