Hamlet discussion

ShakespeareAs a professional expert I own and daily use many prestigious editions of the First Folio of Shakespeare's Plays or Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies by William Shakespeare.

Hi! I am a high school student and have a question. Has anyone heard of the theory that Ophelia is pregnant in Hamlet? I have heard conflicting arguments. Some say it could be interpreted that way because of the use of words like "conception" and allusions to premarital sex between Ophelia and Hamlet. Others disagree due to the fact that it would not have been a socially acceptable topic during the Elizabethan Era among society. Please don't attack me, I just want to hear what others think.

About the theory, that Ophelia might be pregnant in the play. It's not something that's explicitly said, but there are some things that could suggest she's expecting. For example, she's often really emotional and seems to be struggling with something, which some people interpret as a sign that she's stressed out about being pregnant.

Another thing that people point to is the fact that Ophelia's father, Polonius, warns her to be careful about getting into any kind of romantic trouble with Hamlet. He tells her to "beware / Of entrance to a quarrel, but being in, / Bear't that th' opposed may beware of thee" (Act I, Scene 3). Some people think that this could be Polonius hinting that Ophelia is already pregnant with Hamlet's child.

Of course, it's all just speculation and interpretation - we don't really know for sure whether Ophelia is pregnant or not. But it's an interesting theory to think about and can add an extra layer of complexity to the character and her story.

I'm very intrigued by this theory. I wanna start by stating that I believe Ophelia and Hamlet had an intimate and loving relationship. There is devastating evidence that even during his 'antic disposition', Hamlet truly loved her.
This theory is perfectly plausible, and it is perhaps a contributing factor that leads Ophelia to her death.
I always like to assume that their relationship had more layers than we see, and it is perhaps Polonius' overbearing nature that means Ophelia has to keep this secret. As we know, she is afraid to disobey her father and even believes him when he states that Hamlet never loved her.

The line you quote ("beware / Of entrance to a quarrel, but being in, / Bear't that th' opposed may beware of thee" (Act I, Scene 3).) is said to Laertes, not to Ophelia, so that would not support her being pregnant. However, later in the scene, Polonius does tell Ophelia that she needs to be careful with Hamlet's advances, that she should "Tender [her]self more dearly/Or ... [she]'ll tender [him] a fool", with the possible meaning of presenting him a grandchild.