GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
Who is Ophelia? What to know about the tragic character referenced in Taylor Swift's 'The Fate of Ophelia'
“Ophelia" is a much-talked-about figure lately, thanks to Taylor Swift’s latest single “The Fate of Ophelia.”
Although upbeat, the pop song makes reference to the fate of the innocent character, who went mad and suffered a tragic death.
Here’s what you need to know about Ophelia.
Who is Ophelia?
Ophelia is a character in William Shakespeare’s tragic play, “Hamlet.” A young noblewoman of Denmark, she is the daughter of Polonius, sister of Laertes, and lover of Prince Hamlet.
Ophelia is known as an innocent and obedient character who suffers a tragic fate.
She has an affection for Hamlet, but is warned by her father and brother that his intentions are not sincere. Polonius orders her to distance herself from Hamlet.
Hamlet later kills Polonius and continues to treat Ophelia with cruelty, causing her to go mad. In a particular scene in Act 4, Scene 5, she throws flowers while singing improper songs.
Ophelia later suffers a tragic death.
After going mad, she climbs a willow tree. The branch breaks off, which leads to Ophelia drowning in the river below, surrounded by flowers. The play does not confirm whether her death was accidental or if she took her own life.
Ophelia’s appearances outside of ‘Hamlet’
Ophelia is often viewed as a symbol of innocence gone mad. She has been depicted in paintings, films, songs, and even music videos.
The painting “Ophelia” by John Everett Millais, painted from 1851 to 1852, is one of the most popular depictions of the tragic character.
It shows Ophelia drowning in the river while holding flowers in her left hand. The model was a 19-year-old woman named Elizabeth Siddal.
Ophelia’s death was also featured in the music video of “Where The Wild Roses Grow” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and Kylie Minogue.
A 2018 film titled “Ophelia” is a reimagining of “Hamlet” told from the perspective of the character. It starred Daisy Ridley.
And of course, Taylor Swift referenced Ophelia’s death scene in the music video for “The Fate of Ophelia.”
‘The Fate of Ophelia’ by Taylor Swift
Taylor referenced the character through her love song, “The Fate of Ophelia.”
Taylor’s “The Life of a Showgirl” album cover showed her in water, a possible reference to Ophelia.
The lyrics also touch on Ophelia going mad because of love and her tragic death. Taylor then sang about how she “might have drowned in the melancholy.”
She also sings in the chorus, “All that time
I sat alone in my tower
You were just honing your powers
Now I can see it all
Late one night
You dug me out of my grave and
Saved my heart from the fate of
Ophelia.”
—CDC, GMA Integrated News
