The word 'loneliness' occurs only in Hamlet and All's Well. It is oddly restricted to contexts of entrapment and of a mother supporting a downward marriage for her son. In the decoy scene of Hamlet, Gertrude says in so many words that she would welcome Ophelia as a daughter-in-law:
And for your part, Ophelia, I do wish
38 That your good beauties be the happy cause
39 Of Hamlet's wildness. So shall I hope your virtues
40 Will bring him to his wonted way again,
41 To both your honors. (Ham.3.1.37-41)
Polonius then gives Ophelia advice on how to act:
Read on this book,
44 That show of such an exercise may color
45 Your [loneliness]. (Ham.3.1.43-45)
In a comparable situation, the Countess of Rossillon traps Helen into the admission, quite welcome to her, that Helen is in love with her son:
167 Yes, Helen, you might be my daughter-in-law.
168 God shield you mean it not! "daughter" and "mother"
169 So strive upon your pulse. What, pale again?
170 My fear hath catch'd your fondness! Now I see
171 The myst'ry of your [loneliness], and find
172 Your salt tears' head, now to all sense 'tis gross:
173 You love my son. (AWW 1.3.167-173)
21 September 1999