Hamlet: Ophelia

        Ophelia, the poor girl who lost her mind at the loss of Hamlet and her father. Her untimely demise shook Elsinore Castle, as well as all of Denmark. How, you may ask, did she die so abruptly and tragically? She was wandering around in a meadow near a stream. In her aloof state, she gave no thought to the possible consequences of walking on a branch that was held above that stream. She should have, however, as it could not hold her weight. It snapped from under her and she fell into the stream. With as much clothing as she had on, it is easy to see why she drowned.
        There has been debate over the possibility of suicide. I would like to quickly put that to rest. All the evidence that we have show that this was an honest accident. The branch gave, and she was dragged, and held, under the surface of the water by her heavy clothing. She most likely paid no mind to this fact however.
        It is possible that after she fell into the water, she just gave up because she knew it was hopeless. However, those who knew Ophelia, knew that this was not something she would do. Some have raised questions about Gertrude knowing about what happened, and how she knew. They pointed out that it was possible that she could have seen Ophelia drowning and decided not to help her. This is a possibility, but a small one, as she was distraught when breaking the news to Laertes.
        However, whether Ophelia drowned herself or not, she should be thought of as a kind, caring, gentle woman. She will be remembered as such, and the cause of her madness will be though of only as Hamlet. He left her with no love, when he went mad on her and then killed her father. She will be missed, and Hamlet will be hated.
        She should be given a proper burial, when instead she is given a mass grave. She was the daughter of the advisor to the king! She deserves more rights upon her death than to be buried amongst hundreds of other bones. She always did her duties and what was asked of her, and she is not given a respectful burial because she became mad and it was a mere possibility that she had killed herself. This is unacceptable, and king Claudius should at least make an attempt to do something about it.