In Shakespeare's play Hamlet, the concept of love for Ophelia is often difficult to understand. Hamlet experiences deep and troubling emotions, including betrayal, madness, and love. Does he really love Ophelia? Did he stop loving her? Did he ever like her? From the play, there is a large amount of evidence to conclude that Hamlet has always loved Ophelia, but nevertheless there are also some points where Hamlet cruelly rejects Ophelia. Her reasons can, however, be supported as a means to protect her from her mission to avenge the murder of her father, the late King of Denmark. The status of the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia is introduced through the conversation between Polonius and Ophelia. “He has recently expressed his affection to me, my lord.” (Act 1, scene 3, line 100) Hamlet and Ophelia courted each other and he greatly shared his affection for her. “My lord, he has imported me with love in an honorable way.” (Act 1, scene 3, line 110) The way Ophelia responds about Hamlet indicates that she trusts him and shares the same feelings. Ophelia was trying to convince her father that Hamlet showed his affections in a true and honest way. Polonius, however, does not want her to risk being ruined, he forbids her from any meeting with him. These sources prove that Hamlet loves Ophelia and was recently deeply engaged in their relationship. Likewise, as Hamlet becomes absorbed in his mission of vengeance, he proves himself blind; as he drives a wedge between the once raging affections for Ophelia. Next, take a look at a quote Hamlet recites to Ophelia. “Yes, really; for the power of beauty will sooner transform the honesty of what it is into debauchery than the strength of h...... middle of paper......not with all their quantity of love does not constitute my sum. What will you do for her? » (Act 5, scene 2, line 229-231) Hamlet says he loved her with everything he had in him. No one could have valued her more. His vows of love testify that through his follies and his mistakes, he always loved Ophelia. This tragedy was so horrible that Hamlet could not hold back. The emotions were deeper than ever. Overall, does he really love Ophelia? Did he ever love her? Yes. Hamlet proved his love for Ophelia even though he was deceptive at times. He managed to avenge his father's death, but at a very high price that ended in tragedy. Works Cited Shakespeare, William and Samuel Barclay Charters. Literature and its writers: a compact introduction to fiction, poetry and drama. 6th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martins, 2007. Print.