Read the account of Ophelia's death

Top left: Sir John Everett Millais (1852)
Top right: Eugene Delacroix (1853)
Bottom left: Odilon Redon (1905)
Bottom right: W.G. Simmonds (1910)     

When looking at these paintings, it is apparent that the artists were not very familiar with Hamlet, or they consciously chose to disregard the textual account of Ophelia's death. Where's the hysterical thrashing about in the water? Where's the mud? Where are the spectators?

All of the Ophelias on the left bear an angelic countenance, epitomized in the Simmonds rendering. The examination of these paintings opens up a world of exploration.

Discussion Questions:

-Why did the artists choose to stray so far from the text? Is it that the scene did not appeal to their artistic sensibilities, or are they suggesting that Queen Gertrude's account is false?

-Why are all these paintings "first person?" What is the significance of the artist being the spectator?

-How does Delacroix change our view of Ophelia's character by portraying her death with sexual overtones?