Question

What excerpt from Act III of Hamlet supports the conclusion that Hamlet is critical of women?

Hamlet:Is this a prologue, or the posy of a ring?
Ophelia:’Tis brief, my lord.
Hamlet:As woman’s love.
Hamlet:Madam, how like you this play?
Gertrude:The lady doth protest too much, methinks.
Ophelia:What means this, my lord?
Hamlet:Marry, this is miching mallecho; it means mischief.
Ophelia:Belike this show imports the argument of the play.
Ophelia:The king rises.
Hamlet:What! frighted with false fire?
Gertrude:How fares my lord?
Polonius:Give o’er the play.

Answer 1

The clearest line in your excerpt is Hamlet’s brief comment “As woman’s love.” (Act III, scene 2). By comparing the prologue’s shortness to “woman’s love,” Hamlet implies women’s affection is fleeting and insincere — a direct expression of his critical view of women.

If you want further support from Act III, see also Act III, scene 1, where Hamlet tells Ophelia “Get thee to a nunnery” and later contradicts his earlier protestations of love — passages that reinforce his mistrust and harsh attitude toward women.