Hamlet 4.7 Gertrude’s Description of Ophelia's Death

The transcript discusses Ophelia's tragic fall into a brook, as described by Gertrude. Initially, Ophelia floats on the water, unaware of the danger due to her madness. Gertrude offers two visions: one of Ophelia's oblivion and another of her as a water nymph, suggesting she belongs in the water. Eventually, Ophelia's clothes become waterlogged, pulling her under. The scene highlights Ophelia's tragic isolation, with her father dead and her lover unkind, leaving her future uncertain.

What does the scene reveal about Ophelia's relationship with the living?

What circumstances led to Ophelia's tragic fate as described in the text?