Ophelia

by Lisa Klein

This is the story of Hamlet as told by his lover Ophelia. In this version, Ophelia is not dead but merely used a poison that would make her appear dead (how very Juliet!). Trusted friend Horatio digs her up again and she first hides and then flees to a convent in France, dressed as a man. What's more, Ophelia, secretly married to Hamlet, is with child. She does remain undiscovered for the entirety of the book and is thought dead back in Denmark, but a rumor of an heir that might threaten the thron...moreThis is the story of Hamlet as told by his lover Ophelia. In this version, Ophelia is not dead but merely used a poison that would make her appear dead (how very Juliet!). Trusted friend Horatio digs her up again and she first hides and then flees to a convent in France, dressed as a man. What's more, Ophelia, secretly married to Hamlet, is with child. She does remain undiscovered for the entirety of the book and is thought dead back in Denmark, but a rumor of an heir that might threaten the throne, now held by Norwegian Fortinbras, is persistant. The story ends with Horatio coming to see Ophelia at the convent and the possibility of a future together. Need I mention, this borrows heavily from the original text (and any other Shakespeare text, as well)? 5/10