Poor Ophelia. Was she just a child who could not live without the love of her prince? Or was there a deeper pain she felt, deeper than the loss of her father? Was her death, serene and open armed as Millais depicted - mouth slightly open and eyes in undeniable surrender - comprehending a far greater absence? The death of hope perhaps - her arms embracing only an empty life, devoid of all love; all substance? Slowly she sinks from her final beautiful composure, adorned by her rosemary and lillies. The cold water douses her last breath and warmth, forever.