While the Queen’s stylised account of Ophelia’s drowning
While the Queen’s stylised account of Ophelia’s drowning:, permits us to view her death as accidental – a tree branch broke and fell – she also reports that the victim made no effort to save herself as well as offering. Whereas in 5.1 the Grave-Digger and the Priest perceive her death as a result of her madness, consequently resulting in a suicide rather than it being an involuntary act as Gertrude suggests. Ophelia’s insanity feels less tangible than Hamlet’s chaotic mental state due the nature of her insanity being methodical and uncomplicated. But her madness is the consequence of the actions of others, and innocent Ophelia is unquestionably a victim of the tragic events that beset Denmark throughout the play.
