S2 | Chapter 5: The Symbolic Meaning of Corrupting Innocence through Ophelia's Perspective on Relationships

Abstract:This chapter consists of an interpretation of Taylor Swift's The Fate of Ophelia and Shakespeare's Hamlet. Both media share a common interpretation of traditional norms, misogyny, and modern relationships. Their central themes are romantic deception, the corruption of innocence, and traditional norms. Ophelia is an innocent character and the lover of Prince Hamlet, who descends into a state of madness after grieving the death of her father. Although she is the lead female character in Hamlet, Taylor Swift reimagines her through a modern lens to describe her limerence through the lens of The Double Attraction Paradox and reflect on recurring patterns in relationships. Altogether, these interpretations help readers discover the restrictions on individual freedom and gender conflict that arise from an imbalance in authority and gender expectations.