Parallel Themes: The Hamlet subplot and the main plot involving Hamlet himself share parallel themes of revenge, betrayal, and moral corruption. This parallelism heightens the play's exploration of these themes and adds depth to the overall narrative.
Contrasting Characters: Hamlet and Prince Edward, Ophelia's suitor, provide a contrast in characters. Hamlet is contemplative, hesitant, and reluctant to act, while Edward is more decisive and takes matters into his own hands. This contrast highlights Hamlet's internal struggles and underscores his unique character traits.
Ophelia's Tragic Arc: The romance involving Hamlet and Ophelia contributes to Ophelia's tragic arc. Her devotion to Hamlet and the manipulation she experiences from her brother, Laertes, and father, Polonius, lead to her mental fragility and eventual fall into madness. The subplot adds dimension to Ophelia's character and amplifies the tragedy of her fate.
Dramatic Tension: The subplot creates additional suspense and dramatic tension. The audience follows both the main plotline and the Hamlet subplot, increasing the complexity of the story and intensifying the emotional impact of pivotal moments.
Political Intrigue: The romance serves as a subplot that weaves political intrigue into the play. Claudius and Gertrude's decision to pair Ophelia with Edward is part of their efforts to maintain control and silence any potential dissent.
Furthermore, the inclusion of subplot and romance deepens character portrayals, develops thematic subplots that enrich the storyline, and maintains viewers' interest and emotional investment throughout the play.