In Natasha Trethewey’s “Bellocq’s Ophelia”, themes of representation and identity resonate prominently, shedding light on the complex lives of women like the Ophelia presented in this instance who lived in the margins of society during the early 20th century. Through verses encompassing vivid imagery and parallels to other characters in literature, Trethewey explores the intricate interactions between authenticity and performance, using the character Ophelia as a lens through which to examine these themes.
The poem “Blue Book” encapsulates the central ideas of the collection. In this poem, the act of dressing up and posing for the camera is a form of self-presentation and identity construction, in this case also presenting a tension between the public persona she must project and her inner self.
Trethewey’s use of vivid imagery is captivating, especially when she mentions Bellocq’s black scrim covering the laundry in the background. This juxtaposition of elegance and laundry evokes the evident contrast between Ophelia’s public image and the mundane reality of her life. It reflects the idea that society often prefers to see these women as objects of beauty and artistry, rather than acknowledging their everyday struggles.
Ophelia’s performance and representation are further emphasized when Countess, a character within the poem, writes her description for a book. Ophelia is described as “Violet,” a fair-skinned beauty who recites poetry and soliloquies, performing nightly as a living statue. This portrayal indicates the commodification of Ophelia’s identity, as she is transformed into an object of art and fantasy, stripped of her true self. This is a theme that is not strange to the experience of womanhood and girlhood, and Ophelia’s character echoes this theme by illustrating the process of navigating identity.
A crucial aspect of “Bellocq’s Ophelia” is the comparison or parallel drawn between this Ophelia and other Ophelias from literature. Ophelia, as a character, has appeared in various literary works, most notably in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” In Shakespeare’s play, Ophelia is a tragic figure who becomes a victim of circumstances and mental illness. Trethewey’s Ophelia shares some similarities with Shakespeare’s character, as both are women trapped in oppressive circumstances. However, Trethewey’s Ophelia differs in that she is not merely a passive victim but rather an active participant in her own narrative, using performance as a means of survival and self-expression.
Trethewey’s Ophelia also stands in contrast to the traditional portrayal of Ophelia as a delicate and submissive character. She challenges societal expectations and refuses to be confined to a single identity. Instead, she navigates a world where her representation is both a shield and a prison, highlighting the complexities of identity in a society that objectifies and commodifies women.
June, this is an absolutely stunning analysis of the book. Your whole analysis is so eloquently written, and I agree with it in its entirety. The way you focus on one poem in particular but tie it to the overarching themes throughout the work was wonderfully done. I also enjoyed how you compared the Ophelia of this work to the Ophelia of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. I had my own thoughts about calling the woman in these photographs and opening with the poem about the painting of Shakespeare’s Ophelia, and I liked your take on it. Overall, I really enjoy your writing style as you are very good at conveying all your thoughts in a clear manner and are able to make connections between individual pieces and larger themes. As someone who has always struggled with articulating my thoughts in writing, a fun part of this class has been reading other classmates writing.