When Shakespeare said, "The woman doth protest too much." what was he referring to?

Answer 1

He is suggesting that she is hiding guilt at really wanting "whatever". ( I forget the context). By outwardly complaining about something she is hiding that she really wants it.

As an example fo the behaviour: If your girlfriend kept on and on about how she didn't want an expensive gift for her birthday, she probably does. If she just says it and then drops it then she probably means it.

Answer 2

The lady doth protest too much, methinks.
William Shakespeare, "Hamlet", Act 3 scene 2


Queen Gertrude speaks these famous words to her son, Prince Hamlet, while watching a play at court. Gertrude does not realize that Hamlet has staged this play to trap her and her new husband, King Claudius, whom Hamlet suspects of having murdered his father. She also does not realize that the lady who "doth protest too much" is actually herself, as the Player King and Queen represent King Hamlet and Queen Gertrude. The former will be poisoned (in this play within the play) by the king's brother, as in reality (Hamlet suspects) Claudius killed King Hamlet. Gertrude's statement is in response to the play-Queen's repetitive statements of loyalty to and love of her first husband.

Answer 3

The exact quote is from Hamlet and goes "The lady doth protest too much, methinks."

It means that someone says something with too much conviction, so you know they mean something else. Like "I'd never eat your cookies, certainly wasn't me, nonono, wouldn't ever do it" - soemone who goes on like that probably still has some crumbs in the corner of his mouth.