This constant state of duress is very similar to the physical and mental incarceration of Ophelia in Hamlet. Polonius serves as Ophelia's captor throughout the play until his death, no matter what he asks of her she "shall obey" (Shakespeare,1.4.10). Polonius is a typically oppressive, patriarchal figure, and he robs Ophelia of her own thoughts and feelings. She is left to believe only what her father tells her, even when he questions Hamlet's affection for her she responds "I do not know, my lord, what I should think."(1.3.104) Polonius provides Ophelia with cliche-ridden advice, which also which highlights the hypocrisy of his character. He tells her to "not believe his vows; for they are brokers, Not of that dye which their investments show, But mere implorators of unholy suits, Breathing like sanctified and pious bonds, The better to beguile"(Shakespeare, 1.3.127-131). While giving this advice to his daughter, Polonius is simultaneously going against it through his constant spying and conniving. Ophelia's captivity in Hamlet is very representative of the social norms of a patriarchal society. This captivity is what mentally breaks her character and causes her eventual demise. Both The Lady of Shalott and Ophelia lead similar lives, prisoners and servants of a male dominant culture.
In turn, this captivity of Ophelia and The Lady of Shalott is the direct cause of their descent into madness. For The Lady of Shalott, the descent begins with her inability to view the real world. She is forced to see everything outside her window only through the reflection in her mirror thus, giving her a very small, inadequate perception of reality. These small glimpses of the world outside of her prison captivate her mind; "Before her hung a mirror clear, Reflecting tower'd Camelot. And as the mazy web she whirls" (Tennyson, 2.13-15). All she dreams about is one day leaving the tower; however the mirror reminds her of her dire state and keeps her captive.