Authors

R. Chris Hassel Jr.

Abstract

In lieu of an abstract, the first paragraph of the essay follows:

When Polonius and Claudius "loose" Ophelia to Hamlet early in act 3, they set the stage with a prop which visually and verbally suggests the iconography of the Annunciation:

Read on this book,

That show of such an exercise may color

Your [loneliness]. We are oft to blame in this -

Tis too much prov'd-that with devotion's visage

And pious action we do sugar o'er

The devil himself. (3.1.44-48)¹

Recommended Citation

Hassel, R. Chris Jr. (1998) "Painted Women: Annunciation Motifs in Hamlet," Comparative Drama: Vol. 32: Iss. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/compdr/vol32/iss1/4