hamlet and gertrude relationship essay

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Analysis of Hamlet and Gertrude Relationship in Shakespeare’s Tragedy

Categories: Hamlet Relationship William Shakespeare

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Published: Dec 3, 2020

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Works Cited:

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000
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Gisslen, W. (2013). Professional baking. John Wiley & Sons.
Kamal, S. M., Rahman, M. S., & Hasan, S. M. R. (2017). Bakery industry in Bangladesh: Problems and prospects. Bangladesh Journal of Agricultural Economics, 40(1-2), 47-57.
LaBau, E. (2014). The sweet book of candy making: From the simple to the spectacular-how to make caramels, fudge, hard candy, fondant, toffee, and more!. Quarry Books.
Lebovitz, D. (2017). L'Appart: The delights and disasters of making my Paris home. Crown.
Reinhart, P. (2010). Artisan breads every day. Ten Speed Press.
Schofield, A. (2017). The cooking school: Macarons. Smith Street Books.
The Culinary Institute of America. (2015). Baking and pastry: Mastering the art and craft. John Wiley & Sons.
Wolke, R. L. (2015). What Einstein told his cook 2: The sequel: Further adventures in kitchen science. W. W. Norton & Company.

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Hamlet and Gertrude’s Relationship in Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’

Hamlet and Gertrude’s Relationship in…

Shakespeare presents Hamlet’s and Gertrude’s relationship as a crucial factor for the plot of the play. Gertrude is vital in fuelling Hamlet’s hatred of women as well as his drive for revenge. Her remarriage also causes Hamlet to sink into melancholy as Bradley states it provided a ‘violent shock to his moral being’. Gertrude’s remarriage for Hamlet is seen as the root cause of the corruption and decay of Denmark.

Many critics argue that female characters in ‘Hamlet’ are passive and in the use of De Beauvoir’s terms for femininity as immanence. Gertrude could be seen as a passive character pushed aside by the male characters; however, she could also be seen as a transcending female; one that is not simply an object in the play, but a subject.

Arguably, without Gertrude, Hamlet’s passion for revenge and hatred for women won’t be the same. And like Adelman argues that “as an avenger, Hamlet seems motivated more by his mother than by his father”. One of Hamlet’s main reasons for seeking revenge is his mother’s remarriage and he tells Horatio that Claudius has “Killed my king and whored my mother” thus revealing his greater emphasis on his mother’s remarriage, hence their relationship as mother and son is crucial for the plot as a revenge tragedy.

Throughout the play, Hamlet obsesses over Gertrude’s haste remarriage and lack of grief for his father’s death. After she accuses Hamlet of faking his grief at the start of the play, Hamlet replies “‘seems’ madam – nay it is”. The anaphora of ‘nor’ here reiterates his grief of his father and reveals his deep inner suffering which comes about with his mother’s ‘incestuous’ and haste remarriage. Here Hamlet is mocking his mother.

This contrast in mourning emphasizes Hamlet’s concern for his mother’s lack of grief also emphasizing his agitation towards her not showing her true feelings. Hamlet’s obsession with her remarriage is shown in one of his soliloquies when saying “but two months dead” also comparing his father and Claudius as “Hyperion to Satyr”.

The use of Greek mythology here shows us that he sees his father as God-like and idolizes him meanwhile Claudius is a low-life ‘satyr’ often associated with lust and intoxication. Therefore, his anger at the remarriage fuels his passion for revenge thus making him plan his revenge.

A moment in the play where Hamlet’s relationship with Gertrude is shown to fuel his revenge is in the Closet Scene. Hamlet attacks Polonius after confronting his mother thinking it is Claudius who’s behind the arras.

Right before he kills Polonius Hamlet touches on the familial troubles that have befallen the royal family. Hamlet says to Gertrude “You are the queen, your husband’s brother’s wife”, here the confusing use of familial roles reveals the confusion that has ensued Denmark causing Hamlet inner suffering and ‘violent shock to his moral being’ (Bradley) which came about with his mother’s remarriage.

The start of the closet scene reveals his anger at his mother which fuels his passion for revenge hence leading to Hamlet’s remorseless murder of Polonius. After the murder Hamlet remarks “thou wretched, rash, intruding fool, farewell!”

He shows no sympathy or remorse as he calls him ‘fool’ and ‘rash’ which is ironic and hypocritical, as Hamlet is rash here for killing Polonius without knowing who was behind the arras. He is presented as a morally responsible prince who has been contemplating whether he should commit murder or not but ends up killing the innocent with ease thus showing how his anger at his mother’s marriage encouraged him to take action against the person behind the arras.

Accordingly, Hamlet responds to his mother’s remark at the murder of “what a rash and bloody deed is this!” with “almost as bad… as kill a king and marry with his brother”. Here Hamlet does not only focus on his father’s murder but also Gertrude’s remarriage revealing how it is crucial to his revenge and it pushed him in this specific scene to act ‘rash[ly]’. Therefore, Gertrude and Hamlet’s relationship is presented as crucial to the plot as it fuels his passion for revenge.

Hamlet and Gertrude’s relationship is also presented as the reason behind Hamlet’s hate for women. Rebecca Smith states that Hamlet “attacks what he perceives the brevity of women, women’s wantonness and women’s ability to make ‘monsters’ of men”. We see this with his anger at Gertrude’s remarriage as he states “Frailty, thy name is women.” The word ‘frailty’ suggests weakness thus he is belittling women and showing his hatred towards them. This comes right after his confrontation with Gertrude when she thinks he ‘seems’ mournful.

This reveals his newly found hatred towards women as now he is suffering due to the mistrust his mother has created. Gertrude’s lack of grief and haste remarriage leads to his generalized hatred and mistrust of women as seen by his mistreatment of Ophelia. When attacking her at the ‘nunnery scene’ he generalizes women by saying “I have heard of your paintings too, well enough. God hath given you one face, and you make yourselves another.”

Shakespeare uses the inauthenticity of painting the face with makeup as an analogy for women’s deception just like Gertrude’s betrayal of marrying Claudius and Ophelia knowingly being a pawn used by Claudius and Polonius. Hamlet shifts his specific criticism of Ophelia in this scene to attack women in general as a criticism of makeup was a standard element of misogyny in Elizabethan England. This shift from specific to general criticism links to his anger at his mother who initially caused his hatred for women.

Hamlet also says to Ophelia in this scene that “wise men know well enough what monsters you make of them.” This is an allusion to the idea that men whom their wives cheated on grew horns thus suggesting that all women are unfaithful and turn their husbands into monsters.

Hamlet is doubting Ophelia’s loyalty and faithfulness however this doubt sparked with his mother’s marriage to Claudius which led to Hamlet’s deep mistrust of women thus making their relationship as mother and son crucial in developing Hamlet’s hatred for women.

Finally, Hamlet sees his mother’s remarriage as a reason for Denmark’s ‘rotten’ and corrupt state. Marcellus says “something is rotten in the State of Denmark” which connects to the Elizabethan idea that the health of the nation is connected to the legitimacy and purity of the throne.

Laertes describes Hamlet by saying his choice “affects the health of the State” thus showing how his actions are important as he has the responsibility of looking after Denmark and upholding its stability.

This arguably applies to Gertrude as well, as Hamlet describes her marriage bed as the “Royal bed of Denmark” and by then describing it as ‘enseamed’ and ‘rank in corruption’ reveals how Hamlet associates his mother’s marriage with rot and decay.

His mother’s hast remarriage affects the whole of Denmark and the image of her marriage bed being the bed of Denmark reinforces the idea that corruption has become innate to Denmark and the decay and rot that comes with corruption spreads from the throne to society.

The use of the extended metaphor of an ‘unweeded garden’ to describe Denmark as the corruption of the throne and his mother has spread like an ‘unweeded garden’ to the state and people causing troubled times and for this to end, corruption needs to be stopped. Thus, we see Gertrude as presented in some play adaptations willingly drinking the poison, which is representative of corruption, therefore she ends her inner corruption with suicide as she couldn’t bear it any longer.

Denmark has to decay to be saved from the corruption just like human flesh rots and decays then fertilizes the ground hence the extended use of imagery of rot and decay associated with Gertrude’s remarriage and the throne of Denmark. Therefore, Hamlet and Gertrude’s relationship is crucial in revealing the corruption of Denmark.

Overall, Shakespeare reveals the importance of Hamlet and Gertrude’s relationship as his mother’s remarriage is the main factor that fuels his passion for revenge as well as hatred for women. Their relationship also reveals the corruption of Denmark thus Hamlet’s need to take action to purify it.

Claudius’ Role and Personality in Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Shakespeare’s Hamlet: Did Hamlet Love for Ophelia?
Decay in Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Moral Order in Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Madness in Hamlet

Author: William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team)

Hamlet and Gertrude’s Relationship of Love

Introduction, hamlet and gertrude’s relationship, works cited.

Hamlet is a story about love which involves lies and betrayal. Human relationship as a theme is very significant in this story. The natural, intimate or logical association between two or more people could be defined as a relationship. A lot of relationships are interwoven in this story and the bonds in these relationships are very strong. This can be seen in the relationship between Gertrude and her son young Hamlet. In spite of their differences, she was always trying to protect her son even at the point of death; she stops him from drinking poison. Another example of a relationship with a strong bond is the relationship between young Hamlet and his closest friend and confidant Horatio. (Benson 121)

Claudius’ love for Gertrude causes him to kill his brother old king Hamlet. The intensity of their love reminds the reader of other famous lovers throughout history. The central theme of this story is love. However, the love relationship between Claudius and Gertrude has its roots in lies, fear, betrayal and even death. This relationship between Hamlet’s uncle and his mother puts a strain on his relationship with his mother Gertrude. Constant lies, deceit and manipulation escalate the evil that characters in the story perpetrate against one and other.

Lastly, the lessons learnt from this story will be highlighted and the necessary measures or steps needed to curtail such a situation will be suggested. (Benson 128)

Young prince Hamlet was born in the family of old king Hamlet and Queen Gertrude of Denmark. The character Hamlet has many relationships with different people in the story. Some of these relationships can be termed or described as just or unjust relationships depending on the flaws, feelings and position of the person or character that had a relationship with Hamlet. Hamlet’s relationship to his mother Gertrude is known or described as an Oedipus complex. The feelings and thoughts some men have towards their mothers are referred to as Oedipus complex. Some examples in the play show that truly Hamlet did indeed have such thoughts about his mother. (Benson 155)

After prince Hamlet’s encounter with the supposedly ghost of his father old king Hamlet, he found out about his uncle’s evil deed. Adhering strictly to the advice of his father’s ghost, prince Hamlet tried not to hurt his mother Gertrude. Although he constantly risked her life, young prince Hamlet did not want his mother to get hurt.

On the other hand, through out the story, Gertrude’s love and fondness for her son is displayed. She was always trying to protect prince Hamlet. When Hamlet told her about Claudius’ evil deed, instead of doubting her son she rather believed he was insane. He also told his mother not to reveal to Claudius that he, Hamlet was aware of his murderous evil act. In other to be extremely sure about Claudius’s guilt and prove it to his mother Gertrude, Hamlet organized a play depicting his father’s death. While the play went on, Claudius left due to the uneasiness he felt from watching the play which depicted how he wickedly killed his brother old king Hamlet and married his wife, Queen Gertrude. (Benson 148)

After proving his sanity to his mother and clearly showing Claudius’ guilt, Prince Hamlet Urged his mother not to let Claudius take her to bed again. He tried to save his mother’s life while there was still time.

Hamlet’s feelings towards Gertrude his mother were very just although at some instances towards the end of the story, he risked her life.

Throughout this story, there is a complicated web of lies. After confiding in his best and closest friend Horatio about Claudius’ evil act, prince Hamlet begins to think of a perfect place and time to avenge his father’s death. Polonius in this story is a great liar and manipulator. Although he is king Claudius’ trusted counselor but he and his son had ulterior motives. Polonius and his son Laertes deceived Ophelia about Hamlet’s sincerity concerning their courtship. (Benson 167)

Ophelia succumbed to the whims and caprices of her father and brother thus she never behaved well towards Hamlet. Her desires were her primary goals and she never showed any respect for her womanhood. Subsequently, Prince Hamlet discovered she had been lying to him and he denounced his love for her and also called her a prostitute then he insulted her father Polonius in the presence of King Claudius and Queen Gertrude by calling him a fishmonger. (Benson 205)

Another example of lies in the story is the situation between Prince Hamlet and his childhood friends namely; Guildenstern and Rosencrantz. Disturbed by prince Hamlet’s change of attitude, King Claudius asked Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to find out what was actually troubling prince him. The duo went to Hamlet under the pretence of been concerned friends. In reality, the twin brothers were there simply for the fact that they wanted to find out what was wrong with Hamlet so they could tell King Claudius. They tried hiding under lies to enable them dig into his soul and find out what was actually responsible for his change in attitude. After a failed attempt, the twin brothers returned a second time to try again but they were rebuffed by Hamlet who insulted and called them liars. (Benson 315)

Betrayals seem to be the order of the day through out this play. Schemes of lies and betrayals are plotted and orchestrated by friends and loved ones.

Claudius betrayed his brother’s love by killing him, marrying his wife and taking over his kingdom. Unfortunately for Claudius, the ghost of old king Hamlet appears to his son the prince and reveals the truth how Claudius had poisoned him. As the story unfolds, Hamlet plans how to avenge his father’s death. (Benson 444)

Ophelia also betrayed Hamlets love by listening to the advice of her father and brother. Hamlet had real love for Ophelia but instead she choose to betray that love. When Hamlet finally denounced his love for her and also called her a prostitute, Ophelia could not handle it any longer and that broke her down then it eventually led to insanity.

Another case of betrayal in this story is the situation between Prince Hamlet and his childhood friends. Hamlet reposed his confidence in his friends little did he know his good deed would be paid back in an evil manner. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern had been Hamlet’s friends from childhood and when they agreed to spy on him for King Claudius, that friendship was not only betrayed but also it also broke. Unknown to Hamlet, the concern shown by his twin friends was as a result of their plot with King Claudius to find out what was actually wrong with him. However, when Hamlet finally discerns their real intent, he rebuffed them. In a final attempt to cleverly kill Hamlet, King Claudius sends him to England where he was to be executed on arrival under the guise of diplomatic errand. The twin brothers were supposed to closely watch Hamlet during the course of their journey. But instead of going with the brothers, Hamlet cleverly sends the twins to England with out him. (Benson 323)

This story ends as a tragedy because, all the main characters died including Hamlet, his mother queen Gertrude and King Claudius. A lot of lessons are to be learnt from the story.

Prince Hamlet was driven by youthful exuberance did not take his time to think or consider the implications of his intended act of murder. Blinded by the urge to avenge his father’s death, Hamlet threw caution to the winds and took a dangerous path which eventually led to his untimely death. On the path to avenge his father’s death Hamlet killed three people namely; Polonius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. In the case of Polonius, he did not feel any remorse for stabbing him because Polonius was eavesdropping on the conversation between him and his mother. While for the case of the twin brothers, he concluded that they got what they deserved for playing along the king’s plot to kill him. Hamlet died from the poisoned tip of Laertes’ sword. (Benson 512)

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were friends with Hamlet even before the assumption of the throne by Claudius. But apparently, this did not matter to them as they connived with King Claudius against him. First they tried to get information from him by pretending to be concerned about his well being and later, they were also associated in the plot to kill him in England. The duo eventually met their doom as the faced persecution meant for Hamlet in England. (Benson 276)

Ophelia also paid dearly for her sins of betrayal. She simply complied with the advice of her father and brother not minding if what they said was true or not. The turning point for her was the point when Hamlet discovered about her lies and denounced his love for her. She could not handle this and she lost sanity.

King Claudius was the main character in the play whose evil deeds eventually drove other character like Prince Hamlet to go extra miles just to avenge his father’s death. Claudius committed murder, treason, and adultery all in a bid to ascend his brother’s throne. After killing his brother old king Hamlet, he eventually married his wife and tried to kill his son. On the path to this dangerous adventure, Claudius involved friends of his predecessor’s family who unfortunately succumbed to his whims and caprices. After master minding the death of King Hamlet and Queen Gertrude both who died of poisoning, he eventually arranged a fight between Laertes Polonius’ son who also wanted to avenge his father death and Hamlet. King Claudius poisoned the tip of Laertes sword hoping he would kill Hamlet. Although Hamlet died but not before stabbing King Claudius with the same sword he had poisoned. To sum it all up, King Claudius did not got free after committing so many crimes and to complement the play, he died through a weapon he had put in place to destroy Hamlet. (Benson 499)

Benson, George. The Norton Anthology of World Literature: “Shorter Second Edition, Volume 1” Oxford: Blackwell 2005. Print

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Investigate character relationships.

See how their relationship changes during the play by moving the bar to the marked points.

The relationship between these characters remains the same throughout the play.

Hamlet in the 2018 touring production of Hamlet.

Hamlet in the graveyard.

Hamlet stands alone in an old building with tall arches.

Ian Bannen as Hamlet, sitting in a wooden chest.

Michael Redgrave as Hamlet, holding a sword.

Robert Helpmann as Hamlet, surrounded by candles.

Donald Wolfit as Hamlet, holding a skull.

Hamlet sits cross-legged, reading a book.

Alan Badel as Hamlet, looking at a skull.

Hamlet is the son of Old Hamlet , who has recently died and he has come back to Denmark to mourn his father’s death. His uncle Claudius has married his mother, Gertrude , and is now king. Hamlet’s father appears to him as a ghost and urges him to avenge his death.

Facts we learn about Hamlet at the start of the play:

He is a young Danish prince.
His father has died suddenly.
His mother married his uncle very quickly after his father’s death.
He has a girlfriend called Ophelia.

Things they say:

'I have that within me which passes show/ these but the trappings and the suits of woe' (Hamlet, 1:2)

Hamlet believes he is the only one really upset by his Father’s death.

'Why, look you now, how unworthy a thing you make of me!/ You would play upon me! You would seem to know my stops…/ Do you think I am easier to be played on than a pipe?' (Hamlet, 3:2)

Hamlet realises he is being manipulated and lied to and sees through others’ schemes.

Things others say about them:

'He knew me not at first; he said I was a fishmonger. He is far gone, far gone' (Polonius, 2:2)

Hamlet speaks strangely and confuses people, making them think he is mad.

'Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet/ To give these mourning duties to your Father/ …But to persever in obstinate condolement is a course of impious stubborness, ‘tis unmanly grief' (Claudius, 1:2)

Hamlet is really upset about his Father’s death and Claudius tells him it is ‘unmanly’.

'Oh, what a noble mind is here o’erthrown!/ The courtier’s, soldier’s, scholar’s, eye, tongue, sword/ Th’expectancy and rose of the fair state,/ The glass of fashion and the mould of form/ Th’observed of all observers, quite, quite down!' (Ophelia, 3:1)

Hamlet used to have the grace of a gentleman, the wit of a scholar and a soldier’s strength.

Ophelia dressed as a bride with flowers.

Ophelia with a basket of flowers.

Dorothy Tutin as Ophelia with flowers in her hair.

Ophelia and Hamlet.

Janet Suzman as Ophelia.

Ophelia is Polonius’ daughter and Laertes’ sister. Hamlet has been in love with her for a while before the play starts and has given her several gifts during their courtship until her father warns her away from him and tells her not to see him anymore. During the play, he treats her very badly. When she loses her father, her mental health suffers and she tragically drowns herself.

Facts we learn about Ophelia at the start of the play:

She is Polonius’ daughter.
Laertes is her brother.
Hamlet has sent her gifts and visited her and there is a history between them.

'And I, of ladies most deject and wretched / That sucked the honey of his music vows /…O, woe is me / T’have seen what I have seen, see what I see!' (Ophelia, 3:1)

Ophelia believed the sweet promises Hamlet made to her and is devastated to see him change during the play.

'I must tell you / You do not understand yourself so clearly / As it behoves my daughter and your honour' (Polonius, 1:3)

Ophelia has spent a lot of time with Hamlet but her Father thinks she should behave with more honour.

'I have heard of your paintings too, well enough / God hath given you one face, and you make yourselves another / You jig and amble, and you lisp…and make your Wantoness your ignorance' (Hamlet, 3:1)

Hamlet is deliberately cruel to Ophelia when he accuses her of wearing too much make up and enticing men.

'Fear it, Ophelia, fear it my dear sister, / And keep you in the rear of your affection' (Laertes, 1:3)

Ophelia trusts Hamlet.

Gertrude and Claudius.

Claudius is the brother of Old Hamlet and Hamlet's uncle. After his brother’s death, he married Gertrude and became the King of Denmark and criticises Hamlet for being too upset over the death of his father. Claudius confesses that he murdered his own brother in order to get the crown and marry his wife. He plots to have Hamlet killed and then poisons Gertrude accidentally. He is murdered by Hamlet before he dies.

Facts we learn about Claudius at the start of the play:

He has been newly crowned as King of Denmark.
He married his brother’s wife only months after Old Hamlet died.
He thinks Hamlet should be less upset about his father’s death and wants Hamlet to see him as family.

‘I am still possessed / Of those affects for which I did the murder, / My crown, mine own ambition and my Queen.’ (Claudius, 3:3)

Claudius is ambitious.

‘think of us / As of a father’ (Claudius, 1:2)

Claudius wants Hamlet to see him as a father.

‘Try what repentance can – what can it not? – yet what it can, when one cannot repent?’ (Claudius, 3:1)

Claudius does not feel guilty enough for murdering his brother to repent.

'young Fortinbras, / Holding a weak supposal of our worth / Or thinking by our late dear brother’s death / Our state to be disjoint and out of frame –’ (Claudius, 1:2)

Claudius wants to prove himself as king, trying to deal with Fortinbras and prove the state is not weak.

‘Thus was I sleeping by a brother’s hand / Of life, of crown, of queen at one dispatched.’ (Old Hamlet, 1:5)

Claudius murdered his brother, something he later admits to himself when talking to God.

Elizabeth Sellars as Gertrude.

Gertrude in her chamber wearing a dressing gown.

Gertrude with roses at Ophelia's grave.

Gertrude is the Queen of Denmark and is the mother of Hamlet . Within two months of her husband dying she married Claudius . Hamlet does not like this new marriage and criticises her choice to remarry. She worries for him when he starts to behave strangely after Old Hamlet's death. She dies when she drinks poison meant for her son.

Facts we learn about Gertrude at the start of the play:

She is Queen of Denmark and Hamlet’s mother.
She used to be married to Old Hamlet.
Less than a month after her husband’s death, she married his brother, Claudius.

'My most seeming-virtuous queen / O Hamlet, what a falling off was there / From me, whose love was of that dignity / That it went hand in hand even with the vow / I made to her in marriage; and to decline / Upon a wretch whose natural gifts were poor to those of mine!' (Old Hamlet, 1:5)

Gertrude was a virtuous and good queen but the ghost of her dead husband criticises her choice to remarry Claudius.

‘Frailty, thy name is Woman’ (Hamlet, 1:2)

Gertrude is seen as fickle by her son, who thinks she is weak.

'Beauteous majesty of Denmark' (Ophelia, 4:5)

Gertrude is a beautiful Queen, according to Ophelia.

The Ghost of Old Hamlet.

The Ghost of Old Hamlet with Hamlet.

Hamlet is shocked at the sight of his father's ghost.

The Ghost of Old Hamlet stands behind his son.

The Ghost of Old Hamlet in a black and white mask.

Hamlet encounters his father's ghost on the battlements.

Old Hamlet is dead before the play begins and appears as a ghost in the play. He was the King of Denmark and Gertrude’s husband. They had a son together called Hamlet . Old Hamlet appears to his son as a ghost and informs him that he’s been murdered by his brother, Claudius . He asks Hamlet to avenge his murder.

Facts we learn about Old Hamlet at the start of the play:

He was the King of Denmark and has recently died.
He was married to Gertrude.
As a ghost, he tells Hamlet he was murdered by his brother Claudius, who has since become king.

'I am thy Father’s Spirit / Doomed for a certain term to walk the night / And for the day confined to fast in fires / Till the foul crimes done in my days of nature / Are burnt and purged away' (Old Hamlet, 1:5)

Old Hamlet is in limbo until his murder is avenged, walking during the night and burning in fires during the day.

'So excellent a King, that was to this / Hyperion to a Satyr ; so loving to my Mother' (Hamlet, 1:2)

Old Hamlet was a good king and loved Gertrude. Hamlet compares him to Claudius saying he was a far superior king.

'I saw him once. He was a goodly King' (Horatio, 1:2)

Old Hamlet was a respected monarch.

'Be thou a spirit of health or goblin damned…thou comest in such a questionable shape that I will speak to thee' (Hamlet, 1:4)

Old Hamlet appears as a ghost and Hamlet is not sure whether to trust him at first.

Ophelia and Polonius.

Polonius advises his son Laertes.

Hamlet holds a sword to Polonius' throat.

Polonius is the Lord Chamberlain of Claudius’ court. He is also the father of Ophelia and Laertes . He spies on both his children and Hamlet . Polonius also misjudges many situations throughout the play and is eventually killed by Hamlet while hiding behind an arras, or screen.

Facts we learn about Polonius at the start of the play:

He is the Lord Chamberlain with an official place in the court.
He does not like Ophelia seeing Hamlet and has told her not to see him.
He gives his consent for his son to study in Paris.

'I hold my duty as I hold my soul / Both to my God and to my gracious King' (Polonius, 2:2)

Polonius believes his main duties are to serve God and King Claudius.

'These tedious old fools' (Hamlet, 2:2)

Polonius is of the older generation and is seen as boring by Hamlet.

'They say an old man is twice a child' (Rosencrantz, 2:2)

Polonius behaves like an old man and it makes him more silly than a child.

'I loved your Father' (Claudius, 4:7)

Polonius was a close ally and friend of Claudius.

Laertes with Ophelia.

Laertes with Ophelia behind him.

Laertes.

Laertes is Polonius’ son and Ophelia’s brother. Laertes acts as a caring and concerned brother when he warns Ophelia to be careful with Hamlet . He leaves Denmark to study in Paris and only comes back when his father is killed. Laertes is devastated when his sister also then kills herself and challenges Hamlet to a duel to get revenge. He dies while fighting Hamlet.

Facts we learn about Laertes at the start of the play:

He is Polonius’ son and Ophelia’s brother.
He is leaving to study in Paris but his father doesn’t trust him.
He thinks his sister should be careful of Hamlet.

‘Perhaps he loves you now, / And now no soil or cautel doth besmirch / The virtue of his will; but you must fear, / His greatness weighed. His will is not his own.’ (Laertes, 1:3)

Laertes does not trust Hamlet and cares about Ophelia being hurt.

‘...willingly I came to Denmark / To show my duty in your coronation’ (Laertes, 1:2)

Laertes is dutiful and came back to Denmark for Claudius’ coronation.

‘They cry ‘Choose we: Laertes shall be king!’ - / Caps, hands and tongue, applaud it to the clouds’ (Messenger, 4:5)

Laertes is loved by the people and is a rival for the crown.

‘What is the cause, Laertes, / That thou rebellion looks so giant-like?’ (Claudius, 4:5)

Laertes is a potential threat to Claudius and can have a quick temper.

Peter de Jersey as Horatio.

Hamlet and Horatio.

Horatio and Hamlet.

Horatio holds on to Hamlet.

Horatio is Hamlet's closest friend and studied with him at university in Wittenberg. Horatio remains loyal to Hamlet throughout the play and is trusted by Hamlet until the end. He is one of the only characters who survive in the play and he tells Hamlet’s story to Prince Fortinbras in the final scene.

Facts we learn about Horatio at the start of the play:

He is Hamlet’s closest friend.
He studied with Hamlet at the University of Wittenberg.
He is one of the first characters to witness the ghost of Old Hamlet and does not believe it is real at first.

'I am more an antique Roman than a Dane' (Horatio, 5:2)

Horatio is fiercely loyal to Hamlet and tries to take poison himself when Hamlet is dying, preferring to die by his side like a loyal Roman than a Dane like Claudius or Gertrude.

'Sir, my good friend' (Hamlet, 1:2)

Horatio is Hamlet’s closest friend.

'You are friends, scholars, soldiers' (Hamlet, 1:5)

Horatio is an intellectual with an education and experience as a soldier in Denmark.

'He that thou knowest thine' (Hamlet, 4:6)

Horatio knows Hamlet better than anyone else in the play and is trusted by him.

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern

Two men in striped jackets with umbrellas and straw hats

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.

Guildenstern.

Guildenstern and Rosencrantz.

Rosencrantz in a shirt and tie.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are two old friends of Hamlet's . They are invited by Claudius and Gertrude to find out what is wrong with Hamlet and what is causing his ‘madness’. Hamlet realises their intentions and eventually confronts them, before arranging their deaths.

Facts we learn about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern at the start of the play:

They are old friends of Hamlet.
They are courtiers and want to help Claudius and Gertrude.
They are summoned by Claudius to investigate why Hamlet is behaving so strangely.

When Hamlet first sees them, Hamlet asks how they are. Guildenstern replies, 'Happy in that we are not over-happy/ On fortune’s cap we are not the very button' (Guildenstern, 2:2)

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern claim to be content, rather than having extreme emotions like Hamlet.

'My excellent good friends' (Hamlet, 2:2)

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have been good friends with Hamlet since childhood.

Hamlet describes them as 'Sponges' that 'soaks up the King’s countenance , his rewards, his authorities' (Hamlet, 4:2)

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern will do whatever Claudius and Gertrude ask in order to try and get favour.

Fortinbras.

Fortinbras is the young Prince of Norway. His father was killed by Old Hamlet when he was King of Denmark. He wishes to avenge his father’s death by conquering Denmark and winning back Norway’s lands.

Facts we learn about Fortinbras at the start of the play:

He is a young prince.
His father was killed by Hamlet’s father, Old Hamlet.
He has an army at his disposal.
He wishes to attack Denmark to avenge his father’s death.

'For me, with sorrow I embrace my fortune/I have some rights of memory in this Kingdom/ Which now to claim my vantage doth invite me' (Fortinbras, 5:2)

Fortinbras is opportunistic, realising that all the possible heirs to the throne are gone and he is free to seize Denmark.

'Young Fortinbras/ Holding a weak supposal of our worth/ or thinking by our late dear brother’s death/ Our state to be disjoint and out of frame' (Claudius, 1:2)

Fortinbras believes the State of Denmark is vulnerable because it has just lost its King.

'Witness this army of such mass and charge / Led by a delicate and tender Prince / Whose spirit, with divine ambition puffed / Makes mouths at the invisible event / Exposing what is mortal and unsure / To all that fortune, death, and danger dare / Even for an eggshell' (Hamlet, 4:4)

Fortinbras is ambitious and leads a huge army.

Explore their relationships

Hamlet - claudius.

Claudius tries to comfort Hamlet over the death of his father by saying he doesn't just see him as a family relation but like a son. Hamlet admits that Claudius is now more than a family relation but he does not like him or his actions.

‘A little more than Kin and less than kind!’ (Hamlet, 1:2)

Hamlet doesn’t like the fact that Claudius has married his mother only weeks after his father died. Claudius also tells Hamlet not to grieve for his father so much.

‘To persever/ In obstinate condolement is a course/ Of impious stubbornness. 'Tis unmanly grief’ (Claudius, 1:2)

Towards the end of Act 1, the ghost of Hamlet’s father appears to him and tells him that Claudius murdered him. Hamlet is shocked and angry. His disgust towards his uncle remains constant throughout the play and drives him to seek revenge by killing him in the final scene.

‘O my prophetic soul!/ My uncle?’ (Hamlet, 1:5)

When Hamlet meets the ghost of his father, the ghost declares that Claudius murdered him. It could be argued that Hamlet may be suspicious of believing a ghost but his desire for this to be true seems apparent when he says

‘O villain, villain, smiling, damned villain!” (Hamlet, 1:5)

The wheels are set in motion for Hamlet to avenge his Father’s murder.

Having observed an actor deliver a monologue with true emotion, Hamlet berates himself for not being able to express his hurt and desire for revenge. He’s merely thought about revenge but not acted upon it. He steels himself and arranges for the players to perform a play about murder that shall provoke a reaction from the king and so prove that the ghost of his father was telling the truth.

‘The Play’s the thing/ Wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the King’ (Hamlet, 2:2)

When Claudius storms out of the performance of 'The Death of Gonzago', Hamlet is finally convinced that the ghost was correct. Claudius murdered his father. When the prince goes to find Claudius, he observes him praying and Hamlet refuses to murder him while he’s praying.

‘O, my offence is rank. It smells to heaven/ It hath the primal eldest curse upon’t/ A brother’s murder’ (Claudius, 3.3)

At the end of his fight with Laertes, Laertes tells Hamlet that Claudius had set up the duel so that the young prince would be murdered. Hamlet’s thirst for revenge is total and he stabs Claudius and forces him to drink poison.

‘Here, thou incestuous, murderous, damned Dane. Drink off this potion’ (Hamlet, 5.2)

Hamlet - Gertrude

At the beginning of the play, Hamlet is angry at his mother for marrying his uncle and for doing so too quickly after his father’s death. She doesn’t seem to understand why he is so upset.

‘She married. O, most wicked speed, to post/ With such dexterity to incestuous sheets!’ (Hamlet, 1:2)

Before the players begin their performance in Act 3, Hamlet observes how happy Gertrude has been since his father died. At this point he has seen the ghost and believes his father was murdered.

‘Look how cheerfully my mother looks, and my father died within’s two hours’ (Hamlet, 3.2)

Later in Act 3, Hamlet and Gertrude exchange heated words as Hamlet is now certain that Claudius murdered his father. In the chaos of the argument, Hamlet kills Polonius. Gertrude is greatly distressed by Hamlet’s treatment of her and scared when she sees him talk to a ghost she claims she can’t see.

‘What have I done that thou darest wag thy tongue/ In noise so rude against me?’ (Gertrude, 3:4)

By the end of Scene 4 in Act 3, Gertrude shows some remorse. Hamlet believes he’s trying to help Gertrude and says he needed to deliver some home truths to her on behalf of God as well as himself, but he seems to still care for his mother.

‘I’ll blessing beg of you. For this same Lord/ I do repent. But heaven hath pleased it so/ To punish me with this, and this with me…/ I must be cruel only to be kind’ (Hamlet, 3:4)

Before Hamlet dies in the final scene, Gertrude tries to mop Hamlet’s brow as she can see he is suffering in the duel with Laertes. She wants to see her son succeed but is poisoned, which angers Hamlet even further.

‘He’s fat and scant of breath / Here, Hamlet, take my napkin. Rub thy brows / The Queen carouses to thy fortune, Hamlet’ (Gertrude, 5:2)

Hamlet - Old Hamlet

It’s hard to know the strength of Hamlet’s relationship with his father before he died. However, at the beginning of the play, his grief appears total. This would indicate that he loved Old Hamlet dearly.

When the ghost of Old Hamlet appears to Hamlet, he asks his son to exact revenge on Claudius for murdering him. This conversation acts as a catalyst for the rest of the play’s action. If Hamlet’s relationship with his father wasn't so strong, he may not have followed his father’s instructions.

‘I am thy father’s spirit’ (Old Hamlet, 1:5)

Hamlet - Laertes

Laertes is troubled that Hamlet has been trying to seduce his sister. He says that men like Hamlet don’t take love seriously and move from one victim to the next because they have power.

‘For Hamlet, and the trifling of his Favour/ Hold it a fashion And a toy in blood/…Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting/ The perfume and suppliants of a minute/ no more' (Laertes, 1:3)

Laertes returns from Paris looking for revenge for the death of his father. When he gets back he also sees Ophelia, who has gone mad. He finds out that Hamlet is responsible for both these things and wants to kill Hamlet.

‘And so have I a noble father lost / a sister driven into desperate terms…But my revenge will come’ (Laertes, 4:7)

Laertes and Hamlet face each other for the first time when Hamlet interrupts Laertes at his sister Ophelia’s grave. The two men fight until they are separated after arguing about who loves Ophelia more.

‘I print he take thy fingers from my throat/ For, though I am not splenetic and rash/ Yet have I in me something dangerous/ Which let thy wisdom fear. Hold off thy hand’ (Hamlet, 5:1)

When both men are poisoned during a duel, Laertes confesses that Claudius was the one who set everything up and both of them seek forgiveness from each other as they die.

‘Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet/ Mine and my Father’s death come not upon thee/ Nor thine on me!' (Laertes, 5:2)

Hamlet - Ophelia

Hamlet - horatio, hamlet - rosencrantz and guildenstern, ophelia - laertes.

In Act 1 Scene 3, Laertes advises his sister not to be seduced by Hamlet. He doesn’t want her to get hurt and warns her not to fall for Hamlet.

‘Fear it, Ophelia, fear it, my dear sister’ (Laertes, 1:3)

When Ophelia loses her mind in Act 4 after her father’s death and her mistreatment at the hands of Hamlet, Laertes is heartbroken and his love for her is really clear.

‘O rose of May / Dear maid, kind Sister, Sweet Ophelia!’ (Laertes, 4:5)

When Ophelia tragically dies, Laertes jumps on his sister’s coffin and begs mourners to stop throwing soil into the grave until he’s held her one more time.

‘Hold off the earth awhile/ Till I have caught her once more in mine arms’ (Laertes, 5:1)

Ophelia - Polonius

Ophelia - hamlet, claudius - hamlet, claudius - old hamlet.

From the moment Old Hamlet appears as a ghost to Hamlet, his desire to avenge his brother for his murder is strong. He describes Claudius as a 'beast'.

‘That incestuous, that adulterated beast/ With witchcraft of his wit' (Old Hamlet, 1:5)

When Hamlet is arguing with his mother, the ghost of Old Hamlet appears again to remind him not to get distracted, that he must kill Claudius.

‘Do not forget. This visitation / Is but to whet thy almost blunted purpose' (Old Hamlet, 3:4)

Claudius - Gertrude

Claudius - polonius, gertrude - hamlet, gertrude - claudius, old hamlet - hamlet, old hamlet - claudius, polonius - ophelia, polonius - laertes, polonius - claudius, laertes - ophelia, laertes - hamlet, horatio - hamlet, rosencrantz and guildenstern - hamlet, teacher notes.

On this page students can arrange the characters on the screen, showing the connections between the characters and their relationships. They can then print this using the button on the page and label them with their own quotes.

The following activities are also great ways of exploring specific relationships in the classroom.

Making Polonius’ family relevant (2008)

This activity can be found on pages 9-11 and takes approximately 30 minutes. Please note the videos referred to in this exercise are no longer available.

Hamlet and Horatio (2010)

This activity can be found on pages 8-10 and takes approximately 40 minutes.

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Hamlet and Gertrude Relationship Analysis

The famous British playwright, William Shakespeare, explored the issue of paternal and maternal love in most of his works.

Related Papers

Ben Michaelis

Cankaya University Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Özlem Özmen Akdoğan

In Howard Barker's Gertrude-The Cry (2002), all the things most popularly known about Shakespeare's play Hamlet are subverted and transformed to a great extent. In this adaptation, the title character of the source text is changed from Hamlet to Gertrude, who is presented as a villainous woman in Hamlet with her potential involvement in her husband's murder and subsequent marriage to Claudius. Barker alters the status of Hamlet as the tragic hero and makes his mother the new heroine of the play who does not conform to any of the norms set for her in Shakespeare's text. Instead, Gertrude behaves as a woman extremely driven by erotic desire towards several male characters in the play. This paper analyses Barker's rewriting as an attempt to challenge the norms of womanhood represented in conventional literary works. The transformations in Barker's version are also related to women's role and status in society at the time the play was written. Regarding the dominant ideas of the play such as personal will and sexual liberation in light of the relevant legislations of the New Labour as the ruling party in Britain in the early years of the twenty-first century, Barker's play is also discussed as a politically driven adaptation.

Madina Tuhbatullina

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Mohammad Safaei

Muneeb Masoud

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Fatih Yücel

Mesut Günenç

Hamlet, the most significant play both in English and world literature, is a masterpiece of Shakespeare who is famous as the most well-known poet and dramatist. His masterpiece Hamlet was possibly written in the first period of the 17th century, but the source of Hamlet is Amleth (a revenge tale) which was published in the 16 th century. However, because of Shakespeare's genius, Hamlet, instead of Amleth, has become the source or subject for many studies and works going on the present since the 17 th century. Even though people do not take place in academic life, and do not read Shakespeare, they have knowledge about Hamlet in one way or another. Hamlet has taken place in their daily language and has been used to speak out for specific worldviews. In this play, it is easily observed that most of critics and scholars give full attention to Hamlet himself, but Hamlet is not just an attractive character in this tragedy. We can focus on characters of Hamlet that are victimized/ marginalized by the other, 'important' characters. Two victimized/ marginalized women characters are involved in Shakespeare's play. These women characters are Gertrude and Ophelia. They should be regarded as important for their very detailed positions, and by the help of these women characters; the play has raised in value. The purpose of this paper is to explain the power of males' effects over these characters, and analyse victimized Gertrude's and Ophelia's characteristic features.

ravindra kumar

The play Hamlet is not only a tragedy of men like Hamlet the husband and Hamlet the son, it is also a tragedy of two women –Gertrude and Ophelia who suffer throughout the play and ultimately die. The tragic fate of Hamlet has been debated by a number of critics as he has been called a tortured soul. Apart from Hamlet and Ophelia Gertrude is also a sufferer and her pain is no less than that of Hamlet and Ophelia. She has been wrongly presented as an incestuous, cold-hearted whore who deceived her husband for material gain and voluptuous pleasures. We can easily understand the pain of Hamlet as he has been given a number of soliloquies which help the readers to fathom the intensity of his anguish. Unfortunately Gertrude is given no soliloquies and so it becomes difficult for readers to measure her pain. The fact is that she is not aware of the reality that she is suffering and this makes her character more tragic. She is a woman who dies for no fault of hers; a woman judged wrongly, a mother treated cruelly, a queen who dies to see her son happy and is killed by the cruel fate dominating her life. Key Words: Voluptuous, Incestuous, Rational thinking, Accusation, Stalking, Reconciliation, Adulteress

The Millennium University Journal

Linguistics and Literature Studies

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Hamlet's Relationship with His Mother (Gertrude)

1. introduction.

Hamlet's relationship with his mother, Gertrude, is a complex and central theme in the play. Gertrude is not just a selfish, weak woman, but also a loving mother. However, the nature of their relationship is not a healthy one. They continue to hurt and betray each other throughout the entire play, which ultimately leads to the downfall of their relationship. Hamlet's Oedipal complex and his sexual desires for his mother could have had a great impact on the events of the play. Professor Tyson has some interesting points about this issue. It is clear that Hamlet's sexual desires for his mother could have also had a great impact on the events of the play. To understand their relationship, one must grasp the complexity of it and the effects they have on each other. The relationship moves into a new, seemingly sexual and romantic phase, and the tension between the two characters is palpable. Hamlet becomes more sexually and romantically involved with his mother, accusing her of being very sexual and interpreting it as her desire for "new love." There are several instances where the tension between Hamlet and Gertrude is evident, as they directly fight with each other. They both feel the anger that has developed from the realization that they have betrayed Hamlet's father and continue to betray each other. Hamlet's relationship with his mother is a central theme in the play. It explores the complexity of their relationship, the effects it has on the events of the play, Hamlet's psychological problems, and how his rage and anger destroy everyone. Throughout the essay, I aim to show how Hamlet's Oedipal complex and his desire for his mother affect the events of the play. I have come to the conclusion that his rage, immaturity, and intense bitterness have also exposed the truth and helped reveal the truth about the suspicious acts of his uncle and mother. The relationship between Hamlet and Gertrude becomes more problematic and intense, and Hamlet's psychological pain is displayed through his every line in the play. 1. Introduction 1.1. Background of Hamlet's relationship with Gertrude 1.2. Importance of the relationship in the play Hamlet's relationship with his mother, Gertrude, is a central theme in "Hamlet." The focus of this essay is to use psychoanalytical criticism, which involves the importance of the unconscious mind. King Hamlet's relationship with Gertrude was chilly and it influenced Hamlet's actions. King Hamlet's death and Gertrude's remarriage also affect Hamlet's behavior. Enjoy.

1.1. Background of Hamlet's Relationship with Gertrude

In considering the background of Hamlet's relationship with Gertrude, a close knowledge of his personal circumstances is crucial. Hamlet's father, known as the Ghost in the play, has charged Claudius - his own brother and Hamlet's uncle - of the crime of fratricide, which, according to the ethics of the time, is an act of regicide and treason. Famously, Hamlet refers to the marriage of his mother and his uncle as 'incestuous' and this provides the underlying psychological frame that governs his own motives throughout the play. In relation to Gertrude herself, there are no explicit explanations regarding her attitudes towards Hamlet in the aftermath of his father's death. This silence is crucial. There are some subtle suggestions that she does not necessarily share Hamlet's grief to the full, in that she marries Claudius with erotically unseemly haste, yet these are only implicit inferences, not clear statements of her psychological state. One must remember in studying this relationship that as Hamlet develops into a play about action and inaction, it is the mother's relationship with her new husband, and not her relationship with her son, that becomes the most alarmingly charged topic in the play. Such considerations are more relevant in the construction of a Freudian interpretation of Hamlet's disgust, rather than as evidence to explain the nature of his feelings to his mother.

1.2. Importance of the Relationship in the Play

The relationship between Hamlet and Gertrude, his mother, is perhaps one of the most crucial, as well as contentious, in Shakespeare's play Hamlet. This is emphasised through the close framing of the opening scenes, beginning with the foreboding act of King Hamlet's death and ending shortly after Gertrude's marriage to Claudius. In presenting Hamlet's emotional and moral struggle, the nature of his and Gertrude's relationship is of applied significance; Shakespeare uses it as a direct and active means of guiding the audience's focus and emotions. This is particularly evident in how the audience is urged to align themselves with Hamlet's horror at Gertrude's seemingly unfathomable switch of affections to Claudius so soon after King Hamlet's death, forcing the public and the court to confront questions of loyalty and reputation in the face of such moral discord. Moreover, it is Gertrude's implicit understanding of this transition that creates a palpable internal conflict for Hamlet, ricocheting his mental turmoil off the physical environment and those around him. Throughout the play, Hamlet's view of Gertrude as a pure and innocent woman, even as he casts aspersions on her morality in marrying Claudius, serves to heighten the dramatic tension in each confrontation with his mother. Her apparent inability to recognise his grief or truly open herself up to Hamlet's anguish becomes a further source of distress for the prince as he becomes more and more isolated - a fact which is often used to justify the interpretation of Gertrude as a 'lustful' and self-centred character who cannot comprehend her son's prolonged emotional mourning. Shakespeare's use of this as a psychological device aligns with the broader notion of the importance of the relationship overarching the entire context of Hamlet's character development - under the guise of avenging his father's death, the audience instead witnesses a gradual and deepening study of Hamlet's innermost fears, desires and motivations, and how Gertrude, in her various impetuous actions, shapes and substantiates his spiritual doubts. It is by no means a coincidence that, as the plot progresses and Hamlet successfully plays the part of a cruel madman in pursuit of vengeance, the relationship climatically appears to fracture beyond repair as the two find themselves in the labyrinth of Gertrude's bedchamber. In this sense, the very theatricality of the play means that however much Hamlet proclaims his intent to 'speak daggers to' (3. 2. 396) Gertrude within the diegesis of the play worldly conditions - that is to say, the crucial diagnostic and progressive dialogue they share - are fraught with obstacles of both language and action. This helps to stage a double discord, not only of the emotional tensions within the scene but also the contradictory ambiguity of the character's movements and the proximity of the physical audience; whilst Hamlet holds centre stage, the constant possibility of Gertrude's silent rejection operates to catalyse Hamlet's scorn and reinforces the audience's engagement with his indignation.

2. Conflicting Emotions

Hamlet experiences a wide range of conflicting emotions throughout the play. These emotions, including passions of love, anger, confusion, and betrayal, manifest his relationship with Gertrude. Firstly, the confession of love suggests that Hamlet's intense feelings for his mother are genuine. Love could mean that Hamlet's actions are to please her, as he thinks of her and how she would be feeling. He doesn't want her to suffer much because of his father's death. He is full of wrath and fury whenever he encounters Claudius. Moreover, he calls out Claudius for his dreadful and hateful deeds, and he stands up passionately against his father's death. Anger may result from betrayal and, combined with grief, it leads him to become decisive and seek revenge. Then, his tragic flaw is uncovered because Hamlet's confusion surrounding his mother goes hand in hand with his increasing revulsion, which is reflected by disgust and betrayal. A vague sense that something is not right reflects both his confusion and depression. He cannot understand how his mother can seem so contented with what is going on. He feels betrayed as the world is crumbling fast, and he wants to confide in her about how much grief he is in. But her immature actions with Claudius create betrayal in him. He is totally taken aback by vehement feelings that result in impulsive actions and hasty decisions. He denies not only his mother but the whole womankind. Even though it is obvious that his love for his mother is deep, Hamlet never remarks that he is saddened by these conflicting emotions. Rather, the sources of his grief become stepping-stones to move him closer to the revenge that he has sworn to achieve. As a result, he becomes passionate about concentrating his mind and body, creating the most violent human emotion, which is revenge. In such a situation, he manipulates his anger so astutely that he gains support and sympathy from others around him. Even when he shows his anger, it is clear that he is selfish with a sense of self-satisfaction. However, what is more important is that his anger produces powerful and gripping emotions that prevent him from taking action and accomplishing his ultimate task. His role as either victim or manipulator is contradictory and repeated throughout the play. On the one hand, his accusations and interactions with his mother demonstrate a sense of control and authority. On the other hand, his grief and longing effectively dramatize Hamlet's sadness and confusion, reflecting a desire to secure his mother's affection and compliance. But Gertrude's hasty marriage so soon after the death of her husband has led to the great counter-factual debate of whether the intense mother-son relationship had led to possibilities ranging from Oedipal complex to scornful verdicts such as Hamlet's tendency.

2.1. Hamlet's Love and Anger towards Gertrude

After Hamlet's conversation with the ghost of his father in Act One, Scene Five, he is already cynical, despairing, and full of rage. Prior to this, Hamlet had felt love and affection for his mother, but now this changes to feelings of disappointment and frustration. Hamlet feels that Gertrude has betrayed not only his father but himself as well. Gertrude has picked 'a most seeming-virtuous queen' over the dead king and over his son, Hamlet, who has been left to suffer. As Stephen Greenblatt suggests in "Hamlet: Poem Unlimited," the sexually explicit language Hamlet uses in his tormented confrontation with Gertrude might suggest that she has taken part in an act of sexual depravity. This idea could be further supported by the fact that Shakespeare has made Gertrude a very lustful character in the play – in the closet scene she is sexually explicit in her language, thus showing that the theme of her sexual desire is paramount in the play. Based on this, an alternative relationship could be suggested between Gertrude and Claudius and Hamlet. However, it could also be said that Hamlet's anger and disgust is unwarranted due to the amount of sexual freedom Gertrude had. Although Hamlet expresses his stern disapproval of Gertrude's actions and makes her see the emotional weight of his and King Hamlet's deaths, after his conversation with the ghost, he does not cease to remind her of her wrongdoings. Even though at times he shows her affection, as in his demand in Act Three, Scene Four 'Come, come, and sit you down; you shall not budge; You go not till I set you up a glass,' he still frequently lapses into treating her with ruthless contempt.

2.2. Hamlet's Confusion and Betrayal

Hamlet is confused and doubtful over whether he should view Gertrude as an innocent mother or as a wife and partner to Claudius. His sense of betrayal is evident in the scene where Gertrude betrays him. When Hamlet is talking to his mother in her closet, he hears a noise from behind the tapestry. Thinking that Claudius is the one hiding, Hamlet stabs him, only to find that it is Polonius. It is hard for Hamlet to understand Gertrude's moral blindness and that she cannot perceive Claudius' evil. He feels betrayed because Gertrude has chosen to defend Claudius and excuse him rather than protect Hamlet's wellbeing. Similarly, by telling Hamlet that he has offended his father 'exceedingly', Gertrude provides the basis for his mother's betrayal. Hamlet questions how she could 'step from [his] father' and settle so definitively 'on the judgement of [her] former husband'. He is upset that Gertrude has the capacity to judge King Hamlet so badly and to appear to fall in love with such a 'murderous, damned' man so soon after her husband's death. Gertrude could not perceive the dark nature of marrying Claudius and so her betrayal is not out of malice, but it is evidence of her moral blindness, and an affectionate love to Claudius. She does, however, eventually regret her actions, which gives some hope to Hamlet. By communicating with the ghost of King Hamlet and being told to 'step between her and [his] fighting soul', Hamlet comes to see that Gertrude must never know 'the secrets of [his] prison-house'. Hamlet's emotional conflict is so pronounced, that he questions whether it is stronger to persevere in his suffering enduring the 'slings and arrows' of his 'outrageous fortune', or to seek peace and end the pain by opposing and fighting against the whirlwind of maladies the world might present as a means of avenging his father.

2.3. Gertrude's Conflicting Loyalties

One scholar, Kristine S. Salazar, suggested that Gertrude may be suffering from "affect of conscience" resulting from her conflict of choosing between the good of the kingdom and the happiness of Hamlet. This theory can well explain a few of Gertrude's behaviors. For example, when Hamlet urges her to "Confess yourself to heaven; Repent what's past; avoid what is to come" in Act III Scene iv, instead of denying as Claudius does in the same scene about his action, Gertrude says that Hamlet has "thy father much offended". This shows that she does not really deny the evil action she did and in fact she does not mean to withhold her sins. However, what lies ahead is not Gertrude confessing but it's Hamlet's decision to take revenge. This can be seen as an evidence to support the theory. She can be in a misery, feeling guilty of marrying her husband's brother who has now, she knows, killed her first husband but yet she is forced to withhold the fact because she has to act as the affectionate wife of King Claudius in public as the Queen. However, Salazar's theory might not be applicable to some other scholars. For example, Goold when he was discussing about Hamlet's mother, he points Hamlet's disgust to her as himself cannot believe that the woman who has given birth to him can be so ignorant and lustful. In the adapted version for the Royal Shakespeare Company the portrayal of Queen Gertrude who is presented as an unthinking sensualist is standing in the sexually charged scenes involving her and Claudius. She is dressed all in red, sitting in the middle of the heart-shaped bed, with the baldachin just above her head. This violent red color not only symbolizes the passion but also presents the second marriage which happens in such a short time after King Hamlet's death as a sinful movement. Moreover, surrounded by the luxurious and sensuous setting of the royal court, the helpless, deep lost Hamlet is further emphasized. This view may not be supported by the 'conscience' theory because it provides Gertrude as deliberately choosing to ignore the happiness of Hamlet.

3. Manipulation and Deception

Hamlet suspects Gertrude's involvement in Claudius' plot, and he makes attempts to expose her. He uses psychological tactics and manipulates the situation in order to elicit a confession or reaction from her. For example, in Act 3, Scene 4, Hamlet confronts Gertrude in her chamber and in the heat of their conversation, he notices Claudius behind the arras. From the audience's point of view, Hamlet thinks it is Claudius and acts out of impulse but the end result is that Polonius, the Lord Chamberlain, is killed when Hamlet stabs the arras. The fact that Hamlet mistakenly kills Polonius and purely out of impulse when there was no real proof of Gertrude's guilt in the first place highlights the degree of Hamlet's unstable emotions as an effect of manipulation. This scene also parallels the Ghost's appearance in Gertrude's chamber and Hamlet's intense emotions and need to prove someone's guilt either through their reactions or physical hand, reinforces Hamlet's effort in seeking some sort of confirmation through his own psychological tactics. Another point worth mentioning is that Hamlet tries to confuse and belittle Gertrude when he makes a reference of the comparison between King Hamlet and Claudius. He accuses her and questions the genuineness of her grief on King Hamlet, by how fast she marries to Claudius. His manipulative language makes her feel guilty and complicate her internal dilemma as she tries to calm his sudden frenzy. This goes back to Gertrude's conflicting loyalties and the continuous manipulation from Claudius and Hamlet all contribute the sense of deterioration between the mother and the son as the play goes on. Also, it is notable that Hamlet's grave mistake of irrationally killing Polonius brings Gertrude and him even further apart as well as confirming the extent of manipulation that Gertrude has been through. Every significant moment of retribution, manipulation and disorientation all lead to the chaos and the complexity of the characters' emotions.

3.1. Hamlet's Suspicions of Gertrude

In the play, Hamlet also has a complicated relationship with King Claudius. Queen Gertrude's second husband and Hamlet's uncle, Claudius, has had himself crowned king in Hamlet's absence. He has also married Gertrude, Hamlet's mother. This political marriage within the family has greatly affected Hamlet. He is very angry about his mother's "o'erhasty marriage", especially as it has taken place less than two months after King Hamlet's (his father's) death. Hamlet is also upset because his mother had a joyful wedding, feasting and dancing with the man who is responsible for his continued mourning for King Hamlet. Claudius is happy to see that the court is celebrating his marriage to Gertrude. He is also pleased to tell the court about the threat from young Fortinbras and to tell that he has spoken about this danger to the Norwegian King. But Hamlet is very upset and is reluctant to accept the new king. He is dressed in 'inky' black mourning clothes. These are clothes for every day, that are uncomfortable, rather than the more decorative clothes for a special occasion or for bright colours. He resents the pressure to cheer up, and his expression of his inner feelings reinforces courtiers' view of his 'unmanly grief'. This is the grief which is seen as a weakness and not suitable for a young man from a noble family. King Claudius is not happy about Hamlet's continuing deep mourning and disapproval of him and his new marriage. He says, 'tis unmanly grief'. Queen Gertrude asks Hamlet to stay at court, rather than returning to university in Wittenberg. She does not understand his deep grief, and is very upset when she finds him brooding on the past in "inky cloak". She tells Hamlet that it is normal for fathers to die and for wives to marry again, but Hamlet cannot agree with his mother or the king. Queen Gertrude's affections for Claudius also frustrate Hamlet. He seems to believe that she sided too quickly with her new husband and let her own grief pass too quickly. By crying, she shows her own male weakness and emotional response: "The lady doth protest too much, methinks." This suggests a lack of weight or seriousness in her apparent grief. In Act III, scene IV, Hamlet enters his mother's private quarters and starts to criticise her for her hasty and lustful marriage to Claudius. She becomes frightened and anxious, and calls: 'Help! Help, ho!' Good job! It looks great!

3.2. Gertrude's Role in Claudius' Plot

It is clear throughout the play that Gertrude is not just a passive character, and Shakespeare uses her role in one of the major plots to deepen our understanding of her. The plot begins with what seems like a case of Hamlet's feigned madness morphing into the very real danger to him from his own father's ghost and the political intrigue of the King's court, and finally the sudden death of nearly all of the main characters. One interpretation of Gertrude's role in the plot is her conscious collusion in murder. In Act 3, Scene 4, Hamlet kills Polonius and describes how he concealed the body when he says, "Hear the steps of one that goes before, / [He] will come -" and Gertrude swiftly responds, "Where wilt thou lead me?" While these directions in the text are, of course, open to interpretation, Gertrude's compliance with Hamlet's plan can be argued to show her collusion. This implies that there is an active relationship of complicity and planning between the two, a relationship which Gertrude does not share with Hamlet at other points in the play. In direct contrast to Hamlet's plans and actions, "O, what a rash and bloody deed is this!" exclaims Gertrude. So here it seems that far from being involved in the plot and its protagonist, Gertrude is shown as an innocent witness to an awful crime. However, "As kill a king?" is a further example of her self-recognition - and her horrified response. The use of exclamatory punctuation here and in her other speech ("O speak to me no more; / These words like daggers enter in mine ears. / No more, sweet Hamlet") helps to strongly convey her growing dismay and rejection of Hamlet's actions. The repetitive use of the word "more" marks her distress, and there is a contrast with the calm and logical 'reason' of Hamlet's replies as he tries to explain away his actions with his typical wordplay and cleverness. As Gertrude's emotional outbursts become so central to the scene, we are encouraged towards an understanding of her role as one of the important signposts of the play of Hamlet. First, she is vulnerable to Hamlet's boorish behavior, then she is co-opted by his ambition to the point where she is an active and willing accomplice, before finally she recognizes the enormity of what she has collaborated in and opens up to the full horror of her small world in Elsinore.

3.3. Hamlet's Attempts to Expose Gertrude's Involvement

Throughout the play, Hamlet makes several attempts to expose his mother's involvement in the plot. He does so by attempting to use Claudius' reaction to the "Mousetrap" play - known in the academic world as the play within the play. The play is about a murder carried out in love, and is meant to reflect the events surrounding King Hamlet's death as described by the ghost. By watching Claudius closely during the performance, Hamlet hopes to see some form of guilt and thereby catch his mother's attention. This, in Hamlet's mind, would bother her about what she had potentially done and cause her to start feeling guilty. As he states in an aside, "o'erstep not the modesty of nature: for anything so o'erdone is from the purpose of playing" - here he tells himself to act naturally and not overreact when he sees something suspicious. This is an explicit example of how Hamlet deliberately uses psychological tactics and manipulates the situation to elicit a reaction from his mother. However, it is not until the final scenes of the play that any definite evidence of Gertrude's involvement is revealed. After Hamlet fatally stabs the eavesdropping Polonius, he is immediately told by Claudius to prepare to depart for England. Consequently, Gertrude informs him of this as well. Back in the Elizabethan period, England's state prisons were notorious for being located deep underground, thus meaning that escape would be virtually impossible for an inmate. In short, Claudius' request for Hamlet to be sent there is a thinly veiled death sentence. It is shown here that Gertrude acts as the messenger of this news, which confirms Hamlet's suspicions as to her loyalty to Claudius time and time again in the play. Her choice of the word "must" when she conveys the news to her son implies a degree of finality and resignation in the decision, and shows that she favors Claudius' actions over Hamlet's deeds. This way, Gertrude maneuvers him into admitting his wrongs and agreeing to the trip; effectively, she has succeeded in providing a cage for her son. The reason this particular part in the play is significant is due to it being the turning point for Hamlet, where he has essentially got what he wanted; confirmation of his mother's disloyalty to his father and himself. Furthermore, the complete isolation and imprisonment of Hamlet in claustrophobic, dark England adds a sinister aspect of drama to the play. Shakespeare keeps Gertrude's further involvement in the plot open to interpretation. However, we are only given a short amount of time to think about her actions, as the denouement follows quickly afterwards.

4. Resolution and Redemption

In light of the discussion on the Oedipus complex, Hamlet's final interactions with Gertrude and her ultimate end may be interpreted differently. In the scene of anger in the closet, Hamlet's disgust at his mother's sexuality may be seen more as part of this wider issue, rather than a straightforward reaction to her infidelity with Claudius. However, it should also be noted that the violent murder of Polonius is a further indication of Hamlet's unstable mental state, and this may suggest a more general rage and condemnation of his mother for what he perceives to be her betrayal of his father. Indeed, this is the way Gertrude interprets his anger: "As kill a king and marry with his brother". However, I believe that there is an implicit resetting of Hamlet and Gertrude's relationship after the performance of The Mousetrap. After seeing how Claudius reacts, and after his mother finally speaks to him without the pretence and artifice brought about by her regal position, Hamlet does seem to "forgive" her - "Mother, you have my father much offended" is said almost playfully, interrupting her condemnation of his behaviour and suggesting that they can ally against the new king. This is further supported by the more caring tone taken when instructing her to "go not to his bed", suggesting that Hamlet is still motivated by his deep love for his mother. The fact that he doesn't tell her that Claudius 'is' his Father - thus avoiding the problematic confrontations of 'The closet scenes' and early fulfilment of the prophecy of the ghost - I think marks an important occasion of Hamlet trying to help his mother, rather than condemning her. And of course, in the final act we see that Hamlet's love for his mother is so great that he is finally willing to avenge his father by exacting revenge on her. In the battle with Laertes, he silences the accusations that he has been something less than a dutiful son and clears his mother's name. When he reveals to Gertrude that "I'll lug the guts into the neighbour room" and that "this physic but prolongs thy sickly days", Hamlet is finally performing the loyalty that she demanded and slotting back into the natural order. The use of "my" and "thy" is unambiguously affectionate, and there is a sense that in his isolation on the island of the court, Hamlet has finally found someone who he truly loves and trusts. And it is a testament to her cunning wit that Gertrude is able to drink the poisoned wine and prove to Claudius, and society in general, that she is indeed innocent. This is the final act of redemption for Hamlet's mother - in an act of deep personal bravery and sacrifice, she saves her son from certain death and reveals the true extent of Claudius' betrayal, albeit posthumously. Ergo, by the end of the play and after the death of all the principal characters, it is clear that Gertrude is not going to be marked in history by the sexism and misogyny that defined her character in life. In her death, and in the certain knowledge that Hamlet has been able to repair his shattered spirit and find his way back to life, Gertrude finds the redemption and peace that she has so longed for.

4.1. Hamlet's Forgiveness and Understanding

In Act 3, Scene 4, Hamlet is able to confront the core of his mother's nature with the Ghost present, and when he sees a terrified Gertrude, he launches into a criticism of her "lust." However, by the end of the scene, Hamlet is able to let go of his anger and find forgiveness for his mother. This suggests Hamlet's ability to empathize with his mother's human nature and forgive her. The fact that it is so easy for Hamlet to criticize his mother in her bedroom, in the absence of any evidence of her wrongdoing, suggests that the undercurrent of sexual tension between them is affecting his judgment. However, it is important to note that many critics have argued that the queen actually believes Hamlet to be mad at this point and that he is not in control of his actions. In the beginning of the scene, she calls him "proud" and "rash," which appears to anger Hamlet. When she tries to calm him, after Claudius says "Gertrude, do not drink," Hamlet tells her "Goodnight, but do not go to my uncle's bed. Assume a virtue, if you have it, which you have not." This display of arrogance and the jibe at her relationship with Claudius fits in with Laertes' description of Hamlet's madness, "His liberty is full of threats to all." However, this ending of the discussion on how to redeem his mother also perhaps alludes to Hamlet's search for control. By finally understanding and forgiving his mother, Hamlet is able to challenge the power of Gertrude's and her "lust" as he has taken control over his worldly feelings and accusations against her. Hamlet's sudden outburst of "this is counter, you false Danish dogs!" can also be seen as the prince becoming self-aware. By observing that the behavior of the court and his own mother does not reflect their duty and love to the late King, Hamlet realizes the disparity between appearances and reality and can begin the path to redemption and righting the moral order of Denmark.

4.2. Gertrude's Redemption and Remorse

During the closet scene, Hamlet's confrontation with his mother reaches its peak. Throughout the rest of the play, Gertrude demonstrates a strong sense of intelligence and self-awareness that she did not previously show. She understands that her relationship with Claudius is a sinful one, something that she had not admitted to herself before. In the later prayer scene, Claudius is unable to pray and confess his sins, as he feels so guilty for what he has done, but knows that he still does not want to stop. Gertrude's speech in the famous 'bedchamber' scene, where she reports Ophelia's death to the court, shows how Hamlet has influenced her and how she has found her own strength throughout the play. By expressing her emotions to people of a similar status to her, Gertrude is able to command attention and assert herself as a strong woman. Gertrude is also reflective of the two faces in the play, those that are real and those that are acted. The character of Hamlet sees no way in which she can be anything other than false and deceitful because she has become embroiled in the plot. However, the revelation over Ophelia's death and Gertrude's reaction to it shows that she has the capacity to be real and empathetic, serving to avoid the reductive interpretation of her character, given her position in the Elizabethan court. Ultimately, it is clear that she is using language as her chief way to assert herself, her intelligence and her authority. She subverts the expected father-dominated household of the time by forcing Claudius to rely on his own false emotions, which is something that may well have led to his subsequent downfall. By making reference to some of the criticisms that she states "O, speak to me no more; These words like daggers enter in mine ears; No more, sweet Hamlet!" we have to take into account that Gertrude's character is multi-faceted, despite having less stage-time than many other characters. Her complexity, which could be argued to be the true result of the humanity and breadth of the male gender, is shown in the way in which she is finally given a voice, by Luhrmann, almost 400 years after her character was created.

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Hamlet’s Relationship With Gertrude

Introduction, conflict between mother and son, call for responsibility, progressiveness of views.

As a targeted literary work to analyze, the world-famous play The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare will be considered. For the first time, the tragedy was published in 1603, and to this day, this is one of the outstanding works of the genius of classic English literature. The play tells about the fate of Hamlet, the young Danish prince, who goes through a serious shock after losing his father, which is aggravated by the quick marriage of his widowed mother. Shakespeare expresses the idea that even an intelligent and educated person can take revenge and harshness to defend justice. Hamlet’s conflict with Gertrude, his mother, reflects the difference in views between them and the young prince’s desire for ideals that are illusory in the midst of royal intrigue.

The conflict between Hamlet and Gertrude is a consequence of the disagreement between the prince and the Queen over the family values and the importance of staying true to high ideals. Gertrude understands her son’s claims, but she is less worried and wants the young prince to come to terms with the loss, which, in turn, annoys Hamlet even more. The Queen says: “I doubt it is no other but the main, his father’s death and our o’erhasty marriage” (Shakespeare 59). In stating this, she emphasizes two key reasons for the disagreement with her son, and their conflict is difficult to resolve due to diverging views on the future life. Although Gertrude does this for the good of her son and sacrifices her reputation, Hamlet sees her as a traitor and calls for responsibility.

By calling his mother responsible, Hamlet wants revenge but not only just justice. When turning to Gertrude, he accuses her of betrayal, which, in turn, entails misunderstanding between them and the Queen’s longing for the child who refuses to accept her views. The young prince states as follows: “A bloody deed – almost as bad, good mother, as to kill a king, and marry with his brother” (Shakespeare 35). This statement of his proves the complete disagreement about what happened and Hamlet’s tough position. Intransigence with injustice contradicts the prince’s original ideas about life and family, which proves the progressiveness of his views compared to that of his mother.

Hamlet looks to the future and is guided by views that shape universal human values, while Gertrude is more superficial. While addressing the mother, the prince wants to convey to her the idea that betrayal in relation to her husband is a rejection of herself, which makes the woman think about the words of her son. He says as follows: “My mother. Father and mother is man and wife; man and wife is one flesh” (Shakespeare 60). This phrase confirms that Hamlet is wiser than Gertrude and considers the family as a whole, which his mother cannot understand due to her narrow-mindedness. Thus, this difference in beliefs is the result of their conflict.

Differences in views on the family shape the conflict between Hamlet and Gertrude and highlight the young prince’s inability to convey high values and ideals in the midst of royal intrigue. When calling his mother for responsibility, Hamlet displays more progressive views the Queen cannot understand, which causes disagreement between them. Shakespeare’s play is an example of a classic tragedy and conveys deep ideas about high moral values and ideals that a person is unable to realize due to others’ narrow-mindedness.

Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark . Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, Washington Square Press, 1992.

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Gertrude: A Portrait of Conflicting Loyalties Anonymous

Women living in Elizabethan times, although more liberated than medieval women, were still expected to do their husband's will and obey at all times. In William Shakespeare's Hamlet, Queen Gertrude begins the play acting as a typical Elizabethan woman. She sits beside her new husband, Claudius, and reiterates each statement he makes. Further into the play, persuaded by Hamlet, Gertrude begins to question her quick remarriage. As she finally learns the truth of Claudius's betrayal, she breaks free from his hold and warns Hamlet of the poisoned cup. Shakespeare's character Gertrude shows emotional growth, from her dependency on Claudius, to questioning her actions, to her betrayal of Claudius in a futile attempt to save her son, Hamlet.

Gertrude begins the play supporting Claudius and backing up his every word. As the deceased King's widow, she possesses more authority than Claudius, but she chooses not to exercise that authority. As the newly crowned Claudius first speaks to Hamlet, he begins by praising him, but then reprimands him for mourning the King's death for too long. "'Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet... 'Tis unmanly grief" (1.2.90-98). After Claudius's...

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PRINCE HAMLET →

“I shall win at the odds.”

KING CLAUDIUS →

“He is justly served … a poison tempered by himself”

QUEEN GERTRUDE →

“What devil was’t … That thus hath cozened you at hoodman-blind?”

OPHELIA →

“Of ladies most deject and wretched … I cannot choose but weep.”

HAMLET AND THE GHOST →

“Remember me … Rest, rest, perturbed spirit!”

HAMLET AND CLAUDIUS →

“Thou incestuous, murderous, damned Dane.”

HAMLET AND GERTRUDE →

“Go not to mine uncle’s bed.”

HAMLET AND OPHELIA →

“The canker galls the infants of the spring.”

HAMLET AND HORATIO →

“Those friends thou hast …”

CLAUDIUS AND GERTRUDE →

“My uncle-father and aunt-mother.”

THE MAIN THEMES OF HAMLET →

“Purposes mistook / Fallen on th’inventor’s heads.”

THEME OF REVENGE →

“Show yourself in deed your father’s son.”

THEME OF APPEARANCE VERSUS REALITY →

“Who’s there? … Stand and unfold yourself.”

THEME OF MADNESS →

“Howsoever thou pursuest this act, / Taint not thy mind.”

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Characters

#1: Prince Hamlet
#2: King Claudius
#3: Queen Gertrude
#4: Ophelia

Relationships

#5: Hamlet and the Ghost
#6: Hamlet and Claudius
#7: Hamlet and Gertrude
#8: Hamlet and Ophelia
#9: Hamlet and Horatio
#10: Claudius and Gertrude

Themes

#11: Main Themes
#12: Revenge
#13: Appearance Versus Reality
#14: Madness

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The Relationship of Claudius and Gertrude

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A marriage of mutual self-interest: Claudius wanted to become king; Gertrude wanted to remain queen. In the end, both die by the same poison her second husband used to murder her first.

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Essay introduction / thesis statement, “it cannot come to good”.

The marriage of Claudius and Gertrude survives many challenges: Young Fortinbras’ threat of invasion , Hamlet’s pretend madness , Polonius’ murder, Laertes’ castle-storming rebellion , and his sister Ophelia’s mental breakdown and drowning .

But their relationship cannot escape a secret murder that hides in the past. As Prince Hamlet says: “Foul deeds will rise, / Though all the earth o’erwhelm them, to men’s eyes” (1.2).

Hamlet’s role in relation to the royal couple is “to hold a mirror up to nature” (3.2). The prince brings Denmark’s false king to his knees in a moment of genuine repentance-seeking: “O, what form of prayer / Can … Forgive me my foul murder?” (3.3). And it is through Hamlet that Gertrude could see the “black and grained spots” (3.4) in her soul.

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#Hamlet: Gertrude dies by the same means her second husband used to murder her first: poison.

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SOME KEY ESSAY TOPICS

Act one of Hamlet presents audiences with a most unusual spectacle: a country ruled over by two monarchs, each of whom married their way to the throne.
In Shakespeare’s era, the marriage by a man to his late brother’s widow was not regarded as incestuous on religious or legal grounds. No other character in the play speaks of it as such. In 1.2, Claudius thanks the nobles “have freely gone / With this affair along.”
Nevertheless, marriages between former in-laws were viewed with some suspicion.
For the centuries-old prohibition was intended to prevent exactly the type of crime perpetrated on Old King Hamlet by Claudius: the motivated-by-jealousy murder of one brother by another, followed by the theft of their inheritance from the victim’s rightful heir.

Key Supporting Quotes

The wedding of claudius and gertrude, “with mirth in funeral”.

After the funeral of her first husband, Old King Hamlet , whose coffin “she followed … all tears” (1.2), we can imagine the widowed Gertrude’s fear that her privileged life as “the beauteous Majesty of Denmark” (4.5) had too come to an end.

Responding ‘I do’ to Claudius’ marriage proposal held out for her the attractive prospect of retaining through a second marriage what she had for three decades enjoyed through her first: the position of Denmark’s queen.

And so, as Prince Hamlet sarcastically notes, “the marriage tables” were “coldly furnish(ed)” with the “funeral baked meats” (1.2).

With the reigning queen as his wife, Claudius was afterward able to present himself to the nobles as the candidate for kingship who offered Denmark the prospect of continuity and stability.

Claudius & Gertrude in #Hamlet - the villainous king and self-deluding queen.

In 1.5, the Ghost calls Claudius an “adulterate beast” —that is, a debased individual—but not, significantly, an adulterous one.
When Hamlet rages against Gertrude in her closet in 3.4 ( “Mother, you have my father much offended” ), he never suggests she was an adulteress.
In the final 5.2 scene, the prince’s farewell taunt to the king— “thou incestuous, murderous, damned Dane” —makes no mention of adultery.
Gertrude’s shocked reaction to Hamlet’s accusation ( “As kill a king, and marry with his brother” , 3.4) suggests she had no part in her first husband’s murder.
Would Claudius have turned his soul “black as death” (3.3) by disposing of Gertrude’s first husband were he not confident that the “all tears” (1.2) widow would accept him afterward as her second—and with “most wicked speed” (1.2) at that?

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The royal couple of Denmark

“i could not but by her”.

Although the marriage of Claudius and Gertrude is tainted by calculated self-interest—his to obtain the throne, hers to retain it—there is nonetheless a genuine affection in their relationship.

In The Murder of Gonzago , the Player King ponders: “a question left us yet to prove” of whether “love lead fortune, or else fortune love” (3.2). In the example of Hamlet’s uncle and mother, I believe their love followed the shared good fortune that the mutually beneficial marriage brought to each spouse.

Despite Hamlet’s accusation towards his mother of fickle disloyalty ( “Frailty thy name is woman” , 1.2), Gertrude remains steadfastly at the side of her second husband.

Claudius’ dark secrets mean he can never fully open his heart to her, but his comments about Gertrude— “I could not but by her” (4.7)—reveal another side of an otherwise cold and calculating man.

"Frailty"? Queen Gertrude is in fact the most loyal character in #Hamlet.

The on-stage royal relationship is far removed from the unrestrained sensuality which Old King Hamlet’s Ghost luridly imagines. It more resembles that of a middle-aged, married couple which, of course, Claudius and Gertrude actually are.
In their royal marriage, Claudius is respectful towards Gertrude in public; and in their private scenes, they are comfortably at ease in each other’s company.
When Claudius wishes to speak alone with Polonius and Ophelia in 3.1, he does not order his wife away; instead, he requests politely: “Sweet Gertrude, leave us too.” She responds with equal consideration: “I shall obey you.”
In 4.5, Gertrude defiantly confronts the sword-wielding, mob-leading Laertes and absolves her husband from responsibility for Polonius’ death ( “But not by him” ).

Claudius, Gertrude and Prince Hamlet

“my uncle-father and aunt-mother”.

According to the inheritance laws of Shakespeare’s era, children were entitled to two-thirds of their late father’s estate. However, if their widowed mother remarried within forty days of her husband’s death, the entire inheritance passed to the control of her new husband.

Gertrude’s within “A little month” (1.2) remarriage not only helped to block Hamlet’s succession to the throne, it also left him financially ruined too. Until such time as King Claudius dies, the prince was condemned to subsist on whatever allowance his uncle thought appropriate; confined in the “prison” (2.2) of Elsinore, he would remain the “peasant slave” son of a king “Upon whose property and most dear life / A damned defeat was made” (2.2).

And if his “uncle-father and aunt-mother” (2.2) produced an heir, Hamlet’s exclusion from both his father’s throne and wealth could well be permanent.

#Hamlet: "Father and mother is man and wife, man and wife is one flesh."

Both Claudius and Hamlet are deterred from striking openly against each other by the relationship they share with Queen Gertrude.
As Claudius says to Laertes of Hamlet: “The queen his mother / Lives almost by his looks” (4.7).
From the prince’s perspective, he can see in the First Player’s enactment of Hecuba’s grief in 2.2 the heartbreak his mother would experience should he kill Claudius and make her a widow a second time in four months.
As The Murder of Gonzago demonstrates ( “The Poisoner woos the Queen with gifts” , 3.2), Hamlet views the marriage of his “uncle-father and aunt-mother” (2.2) as a “hire and salary” (3.3) arrangement between two self-interested individuals: “You cannot call it love” (3.4).

The descent of Claudius and Gertrude

“when sorrows come …”.

In 1.2 we saw the queen as a woman quick to move on from the past— “All that lives must die, Passing through nature to eternity” ; now in 5.1 Gertrude finds her future slipping away from her. Ophelia’s death passing allied with her son’s absence in England represents the death of her future grandchildren who otherwise would have carried on the Hamlet dynasty at Elsinore.

As for Claudius, he sinks into a depression ( “When sorrows come, they come not single spies / But in battalions” , 4.5) on reflecting how his winning of the crown has brought only the threat of a foreign invasion, a popular rebellion and a haunted conscience ( “O heavy burden” , 3.1).

When his exile of one revenge-seeking son to England is followed only by the return of another from France, Claudius devises a fatal duel between Hamlet and Laertes.

Gertrude's double greeting - "#Hamlet, Hamlet!" - suggests both joy in her heart and guilt in her soul.

Ophelia’s descent into madness, her songs of mourning and lost love, and her accusatory offering of rue—a bitter-tasting plant associated with sadness, regret and adultery—clearly trouble Gertrude. She speaks, in her first and only aside, of her “sick soul” where “sin’s true nature is” (4.5).
To Gertrude, it must seem she has gained a second husband and retained her throne at the cost of losing her son to insanity and to exile from Denmark.
Hamlet’s unexpected return to Denmark creates for Claudius the need to dispose of his troublesome nephew a second time, while again appearing blameless for his death.
Claudius channels Laertes’ rage ( “I a noble father lost, / A sister driven into desperate terms” , 4.7) into a fatal duel with Hamlet disguised as a mere “brother’s wager” (5.2).

Essay conclusion / Summary

“is thy union there”.

The royal marriage crumbles in the violent and truth-revealing bloodbath of 5.2. As he forces the goblet of poisoned wine down Claudius’ throat, Hamlet bids farewell to his villainous uncle with a triple-pun: “Is thy union here?” For the term ‘union’ has three meanings.

Firstly, it refers to the pearl with its secret poison that Claudius added to the wine goblet ( “And in the cup a union shall be” ).

Secondly, to the earthly marriage of Claudius and Gertrude ( “Father and mother is man and wife, man and wife is one flesh” , 4.3).

And thirdly, to the prospect of Denmark’s royal couple remaining eternally united in an afterlife of punishment to which Old King Hamlet was condemned for only “a certain term” (1.5).

#Hamlet - Queen Gertrude she sees the truth about her husband when it is too late.

In response to the queen’s reaching for the goblet, Claudius can utter only a half-hearted: “Gertrude, do not drink.”
Claudius’ response indicates he would rather lose his queen to death than risk losing his crown through exposure of his prince-murdering plot.
Gertrude’ final words ( “O my dear Hamlet—The drink, the drink! I am poisoned” ) are more than a cry for help or a warning to her son. They are a damning exposure of her husband who attempted to pass off her fainting as a response to the fencing duel: “She swoons to see them bleed.”
Hamlet’s parting words to her ( “Wretched Queen, adieu” ) reveal that the prince is unwilling to grant to his mother the forgiveness a repentant Laertes extended to him: “Mine and my father’s death come not upon thee.”

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The most helpful book ever for students and teachers of Shakespeare’s Hamlet .

42 x 1,500-word model essays

Chapter-by-chapter guide to Hamlet Model Essays

IN THIS BOOK ARE THREE 1,500-WORD SAMPLE ESSAYS ON EACH ONE OF THE FOLLOWING 14 CHARACTERS, RELATIONSHIPS, AND THEMES. THAT’S 42 SAMPLE ESSAYS IN TOTAL.

Character Analysis of Hamlet: Free Sample Essays

#1: The Character of Hamlet

Born a prince, parented by a jester, haunted by a ghost, destined to be killed for killing a king, and remembered as the title character of a play he did not want to be in. If at the cost of his life, Hamlet does in the end “win at the odds. ”

READ FREE SAMPLE ESSAY >

Character Analysis of Claudius in Hamlet: Free Sample Essays

#2: The Character of Claudius

His “ambition ” for Denmark’s crown leads him to commit one murder only to find that he must plot a second to cover up the first. When this plan fails, his next scheme leads to the death of the woman he loves followed by his own.

Character Analysis of Gertrude in Hamlet: Free Sample Essays

#3: The Character of Gertrude

“Have you eyes? ”, Prince Hamlet demands of his mother. Gertrude‘s “o’erhasty marriage ” dooms her life and the lives of everyone around her when her wished-for, happy-ever-after fairytale ends in a bloodbath.

Character Analysis of Ophelia in Hamlet: Free Sample Essays

#4: The Character of Ophelia

As she struggles to respond to the self-serving purposes of others, Ophelia’s sanity collapses in Elsinore’s “unweeded garden ” of falsity and betrayal. Her “self-slaughter” is her revenge for her silencing and humiliation.

Relationship of Hamlet and the Ghost: Free Sample Essays

#5: Relationship of Hamlet and the Ghost

By surrendering Denmark to his rival’s son, Hamlet grants to the angry Ghost of his “dear father murdered ” the forgiveness his suffering soul needed more than the revenge he demanded.

Hamlet grants the Ghost the atonement his suffering soul needed more than the revenge he demanded: he surrenders Denmark to the son of the man murdered by his father on the day of the prince’s birth.

Relationship of Hamlet and Claudius: Free Sample Essays

#6: Relationship of Hamlet and Claudius

Uncle and nephew are two men at war with each other—and themselves. Claudius is haunted by the murder he has committed ( “O heavy burden!” ); Hamlet by the one he hasn’t yet ( “Am I a coward?” ).

Relationship of Hamlet and Gertude: Free Sample Essays

#7: Relationship of Hamlet and Gertrude

A haunted-by-the-past Hamlet seeks the truth about his father’s death ( “Do you see nothing there?” ). A live-in-the-present Gertrude seeks to protect her second husband and crown ( “No, nothing but ourselves” ).

Relationship of Hamlet and Ophelia: Free Sample Essays

#8: Relationship of Hamlet and Ophelia

Their relationship begins in uncertainty, descends into mutual deceit and rejection, and ends with their double surrender to death: Ophelia, to the water; Hamlet, to Claudius’ rigged fencing duel.

Relationship of Hamlet and Horatio: Free Sample Essays

#9: Relationship of Hamlet and Horatio

“Those friends thou hast … Grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steel.” Horatio is Hamlet’s trusted confidant in life and vows to remain the keeper of his memory after the prince’s death.

Relationship of Claudius and Gertrude in Hamlet: Free Sample Essays

#10: Relationship of Claudius and Gertrude

Main Themes of Hamlet: Read Free Sample Essays

#11: Main Themes of Hamlet

A king murdered, an inheritance stolen, a family divided: Elsinore’s older generation destroys its younger when two brothers—one living, one undead—battle in a “cursed spite” over a crown and a queen.

Theme of Revenge in Hamlet: Read Free Sample Essays

#12: The Theme of Revenge

Hamlet and Laertes journey from revenge, through obsession and anger, to forgiveness. And the revenge sought by the Ghost on King Claudius becomes the revenge of Old King Fortinbras on Old King Hamlet.

Themes of Deception and Appearance versus Reality in Hamlet: Free Sample Essays

#13: Deception and Appearance versus Reality

“Who’s there?” The characters struggle to distinguish between truth and falsehood in a play-long triple pun on the verb ‘to act’: to take action, to behave deceitfully, and to perform in theater.

Theme of Madness in Hamlet: Read Free Sample Essays

#14: The Theme of Madness

“Your noble son is mad” , Polonius tells Denmark’s king and queen. But is Hamlet ever really insane? If not, why is he pretending to be? And is the prince’s “antic disposition” the cause of Ophelia’s traumatic breakdown?

Hamlet’s Relationship with His Mother (Gertrude) – Attitude Towards Her Research Paper

Hamlet and his mother’s relationship, hamlet’s relationship with ophelia, hamlet’s relationship with his mother: how does hamlet treat his mother, does hamlet love his mother, works cited.

William Shakespeare, the famous playwright, has addressed the issue of relationships in most of his plays, especially as of family ties. He has in most of his books and in particular, The Tragedies exposed the good and the bad side of family ties, especially between parents and their kids, including oedipal complex issues.

In Hamlet, the must-read chef-d’oeuvre, Shakespeare brings to light the connections between members of a family, namely Hamlet, who is a prince, his late father, his mother Gertrude and his stepfather Claudius. This paper seeks to address Hamlet’s relationship with his mother as brought out in the play though the analysis of the characters.

In this play, Shakespeare uses a woman called Gertrude, who is among the few women featured in the masterwork. Through her relationship with her son Hamlet, Shakespeare paints a picture of betrayal. Gertrude marries the brother of Hamlet’s father and this why Hamlet is upset with his mother. In his opinion, remarriage is a tremendous act of betrayal.

In the whole book, Hamlet dedicates most of his time and energy trying to take revenge for the death of the king, his father, whom he believes was cruelly treated by those for whom he cared. Therefore, he suffered during his whole lifetime. Hamlet feels that Gertrude hurts the king more by not mourning during the king’s burial.

She instead delights in her new marriage depicting some freedom from oppression that she went through in her former marriage, as the reader can insinuate. As a result, Hamlet develops significant irritation towards her mother, which he manifests through his monologue and dialogue with other people as depicted in the play.

Hamlet is made to change his perception of love after his mother marries his late father’s brother, two months after the death of his father (Shakespeare I.ii.138). As a result, Hamlet concludes that his father truly loved his mother, yet his mother never loved him.

He fails to understand how his mother could so much dangle on his father (Shakespeare I. ii. 140, 143) then marry Claudius so soon after his father’s death. He refuses to admit Gertrude and Claudius’ relationship. He, therefore, resolves that woman’s adoration is so frail and can be changed so easily depending on the situation that the woman finds herself. Faulkner calls women “frail beings not because of their physical abilities but because of their weak emotions” (146).

According to Hamlet, his mother betrayed not only his father but also the love and the marriage his parents shared. Gertrude’s unrefined actions change Hamlet’s perception of love towards others. He reaches the level of hating Ophelia, the girl who truly loves him fearing that she might be in possession of his mother’s betrayal character.

Because of Gertrude’s evil plans of betraying her once-beloved husband, Hamlet’s love for Ophelia, the woman who he loved and one who gave back an equal share of the love changes, and is significantly affected.

When with her and watching a play, Ophelia comments that the prologue is very brief and Hamlet likens the briefness to a woman’s love (Shakespeare III. ii. 137-138). As time goes by, the gap between Hamlet and Ophelia widens to the level of Hamlet declaring that he does not love Ophelia at all and is not ready to love her anymore (Shakespeare III.i.119-120).

However, after Ophelia’s death, the reader realizes that Hamlet was not sincere with his previous words concerning his faded love to Ophelia since he later on confirms to Laertes that he loved her so much and no amount of love could match his love for her (Shakespeare V.i.254-256).

The reader realizes the reason behind Hamlet’s words that though he knows very well that Ophelia loves him, he fears that it might take after that between his mother and his late father, which was in no doubt fake.

Gertrude’s actions instil a lot of anger to Hamlet who in turn reaches the level of killing any man who seems to take up the position of his late father.

Hamlet ends up believing his mother conspired with his uncle into killing his beloved father. He is filled up with so much rage and hatred until he kills Polonius in his mother’s bedroom after seeing him and thinking that he is Claudius.

His temper is fueled by the conviction that his mother by conspiring to kill the king and then marrying the killer caused an offence too great to be forgiven. After mistaking Polonius for Claudius and killing him, his mother calls the action “a bloody deed to which Hamlet replies that a bloody deed is killing a king and marrying the brother” (Shakespeare III. iv. 26-28).

Hamlet’s mother is shocked at this accusation, and the shock is so big until Hamlet begins to doubt if she really killed his father. From this point, though still convinced that she betrayed his father, he changes and starts warning her of her evil actions instead of accusing her. He comes to the full conclusion that his mother never killed her father.

The unacceptable marriage of his mother to his uncle continues to antagonize him. He, therefore, decides to only “speak daggers to her but use none” (Caxton 366).

With this, he speaks to her harshly addressing her as the queen, wife to the king’s brother. He asks her where her shame is and proceeds to compare his father, who he refers to as a combination and a form indeed and his uncle who he calls a ‘mildewed ear’.

Of course, Gertrude becomes defensive, orders him not to speak to him in that manner but he continuous, and warns her to repent her actions and prevent that which is to come (Shakespeare III. iv. 141). He even cautions her against going into her uncle’s bed. He tries to make her mother realize she is not doing the right thing and should feel sorry and stop her unrefined actions.

The conversation between Hamlet and his mother brings back Gertrude to her senses where she feels guilty and ashamed of her actions (Caxton 80).

It is at this point that she realizes that all along, she had been doing what was not right, and it was a great act of betrayal to her late husband. She admits that though she had never consciously been aware that Claudius had killed his brother, she had never fully approved of her actions.

Gertrude admits that when she looked into her soul, she was shocked by what she saw. Meanwhile, Hamlet has been acting very madly, where he discloses to his mother that it is just but a feigned state, but he will not reveal it to anyone. From this point henceforth, as Horatio points out, Hamlet and Gertrude’s relationship is restored (14). Together now, they begin to seek revenge for the king’s death.

Hamlet continues with his feigned state of madness while Gertrude continues to make Claudius trust that the condition is real, and these actions become of great importance later (Shakespeare IV. i. 6-7).

Claudius hence comes to believe the prince’s simulated state, and he starts fearing what he may do to him. During the fencing match between Hamlet and Laertes, Gertrude shows that her allegiance is with the prince and not with the king for she gives her son her napkin and tells her that she rejoices in his fortunes.

Mother of Hamlet goes on to drink from the poisoned cup that was meant for him and though her new husband warns and orders her to stop drinking it, she continues and finishes it. This shows where her full allegiance is, and despite there still being intense feelings between them, they find their relationship becoming better before she finally dies.

It is noted throughout the play that even though Hamlet is hurt by her mother’s act of betrayal of marrying her husband’s brother a short time after her husband’s death, he never wishes to hurt her. His main aim all along is to avenge his father’s death. His quest for vengeance does not compromise his love for his mother, and all through the play, his love for him is evidently displayed.

He tries and succeeds at convincing her to realize that her actions were wrong and together, they undertake to avenge the king’s death. So despite the tense relationship between Hamlet and his mother at the beginning marked with feelings of anger and rage (Friedlander 3), their relationship is restored at the end, and Hamlet finally achieves his objective of avenging his father’s death. It is all a message of hope.

Caxton, Charles. Commentary on Hamlet . New York: W.W. Norton & Company Inc., 2006.

Faulkner, William. The Hamlet Commentary . New York: Thumshire publishers, 2008.

Friedlander, Gibson. Enjoying Hamlet by William Shakespeare . London: P. Press, 2010.

Horatio, Joseph. Enjoying Hamlet. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010.

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet: The Norton Shakespeare. New York: W.W. Norton & Company Inc., 1997.

Further Study: FAQ

📌 who is hamlet’s mother, 📌 how does hamlet feel about his mother, 📌 is hamlet in love with his mother, 📌 how does hamlet treat his mother.

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IvyPanda. (2023, December 12). Hamlet's Relationship with His Mother (Gertrude) – Attitude Towards Her. https://ivypanda.com/essays/hamlet-mother-and-son-relationship/

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Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Hamlet's Relationship with His Mother (Gertrude) – Attitude Towards Her." December 12, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/hamlet-mother-and-son-relationship/.

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Critic’s Notebook

Two Shakespearean Triumphs in Paris, or a Plague on Both Their Houses?

New productions of “Macbeth” and “Hamlet” follow a French tradition of adapting familiar works. The results are innovative, and sometimes cryptic.

An actor in a long white garment points his finger at the forehead of another actor dressed in red and black.

By Laura Cappelle

The critic Laura Cappelle saw the shows in Paris.

Two Paris playhouses, both alike in dignity, putting on rival new Shakespeare productions.

Thus expectations were high for a springtime face-off — with contemporary stagings of “Macbeth” and “Hamlet” — between the Comédie-Française, France’s top permanent company, and the Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe, the Left Bank’s most venerable theater.

The results certainly felt French. The country has long been a haven for concept-driven theater-makers, and the two directors involved, Silvia Costa and Christiane Jatahy, have no qualms about cutting and splicing the Bard’s plays in experimental, sometimes cryptic ways.

At the Comédie-Française, Costa’s “Macbeth” edits the two dozen named characters down to only eight actors and leans heavily into religious symbolism. In “Hamlet,” Jatahy goes so far as to keep Ophelia alive. Far from going mad, Ophelia climbs down from the stage and exits through the auditorium after declaring: “I died all these years. This year, I won’t die.”

Jatahy, a Brazilian director who has a significant following in France, has performed this sort of bait-and-switch with classics before. Her adaptations of Chekhov’s “Three Sisters” (“What If They Went to Moscow?”) and Strindberg’s “Miss Julie” (“Julia”) reworked the plays’ story lines and characters from a feminist perspective, lending greater weight to female roles.

At the Odéon, Jatahy also cast a woman, the outstanding Clotilde Hesme, as Hamlet, explaining in a playbill interview that her goal was to refocus the story on three female characters: Hamlet, Ophelia and Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude. And while a female Hamlet is hardly news — the French star Sarah Bernhardt performed the role back in 1886 — Jatahy’s premise looks promising for the first few scenes.

Slouching on a couch, Hesme cuts a grave figure as she rewinds a video: the message Hamlet receives from her murdered father, here projected on a large scrim. After the ghost blames his brother, Claudius, the scene transitions seamlessly into a wedding — that of Claudius and the widowed Gertrude, who seals her new life with a karaoke rendition of Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”

Servane Ducorps plays Gertrude with a chirpy energy that contrasts nicely with Hesme’s coolness. Yet as Jatahy’s “Hamlet” progresses, their interactions rarely ring true, in no small part because the characters have all been transplanted into a humdrum contemporary interior. There, Gertrude and Claudius (a quasi-affable Matthieu Sampeur) try to play happy blended family. They sing sweet nothings to each other over the kitchen table, while Hamlet sulks in the corner.

It’s “Hamlet” as a 21st-century parent-child drama, with the odd interjection from Ophelia and her father, Polonius, who speak Portuguese — an attempt to signal their foreignness that instead makes them look like visitors from another play. Similarly, while Isabel Abreu brings an earnest intensity to the role of Ophelia, her relationship with Hesme’s Hamlet never settles into familiarity.

Her lucky escape is equally contrived. In the playbill, Jatahy says that in choosing not to die, Ophelia “refuses to be a toy in the face of patriarchal violence.” Although Abreu delivers the inserted text bravely, it is such a jarring volte-face for her character.

According to the Odéon’s publicity material, 85 percent of the text in this version is from Shakespeare’s original “Hamlet.” Yet it rarely feels as if Jatahy trusts the Bard. Instead, she wills the characters to escape his world, in an act of feminist defiance without a clear target.

Across the Seine, Costa also follows her singular vision for “Macbeth” — her second production for the Comédie-Française after an adaptation of Annie Ernaux’s “A Girl’s Story” — to the bitter end.

Her staging of the Scottish play opens with an arresting tableau. Lady Macbeth sits hunched over, her face hidden under a disheveled mane. As she rips out clumps of her hair, a portrait of Macbeth, her husband, starts spinning on a wall behind her — until an invisible knife seems to cut into the painting.

It’s an ominous way to position Lady Macbeth, as a shadow addition to the three witches who prophesy that Macbeth will be king. When the trio appears shortly afterward to deliver their message, a giant ring materializes above the empty stage. In true “Lord of the Rings” fashion, it then descends upon Macbeth (Noam Morgensztern), metaphorically anointing him even as recorded whispers of “murder” fill the Comédie-Française’s auditorium.

So far, so impressive. But Costa, an Italian native who has collaborated with the provocative director Romeo Castellucci and shares his taste for visual symbolism, is so focused on the imagery that “Macbeth” loses dramatic steam.

Compressing all of the named characters into just eight roles is a dubious choice given the resources of the Comédie-Française’s permanent ensemble, and it leads to a sense of monotony. The three witches (Suliane Brahim, Jennifer Decker and Birane Ba) occasionally — and confusingly — double as random soldiers and messengers, and when the Macbeths go on their murderous spree, there is no one around to react to the destabilization of the kingdom.

Perplexingly, heavy-handed Roman Catholic allegories also seep into this “Macbeth” midway through, paralyzing the action. The second half of the production takes place in front of a bulky backdrop showing a winged altarpiece that is entirely blacked out. The banquet scene, in which Macbeth is haunted by his victims’ ghosts, is confined to a small confessional.

In that scene, King Duncan, whose death paves the way for Macbeth’s ascension, hovers like God surrounded by angels and martyrs. Macduff, who eventually restores order by killing Macbeth, is costumed to look every inch like Jesus, down to a wound in his side that he reveals theatrically by opening his white robe.

There are Christian themes in “Macbeth,” but Costa takes them so far that the characters disappear behind them. One of the last scenes shows Jesus-Macduff overcoming Macbeth simply by pointing a finger to his forehead, as if performing a miracle.

As a result, the production also undercuts Julie Sicard’s eerily shameless performance as Lady Macbeth. There is no doubt throughout that she has the upper hand: In fact, one scene even makes that point a little too forcefully, when she pretends to breastfeed a childlike Macbeth and hands him a pacifier.

The moment is effective in telegraphing a message, yet so dramatically improbable that the characters start to feel like pawns in the director’s game. “Macbeth,” like “Hamlet” at the Odéon, is too multilayered to be subsumed into a single grand idea. In Paris, at least, it wasn’t to be.

An earlier version of this article misidentified Ophelia’s father. He is Polonius, not Claudius.

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New productions of “Macbeth” and “Hamlet” in Paris follow a French tradition of adapting familiar works . The results are innovative, and sometimes cryptic.

The internet latched on to 16-year-old Felicia Dawkins’ performance as The Unknown at a shambolic Willy Wonka-inspired event . Now she’s heading to a bigger and scarier stage in London.

When activists urged Tate Britain in London to take an offensive artwork off its walls, the institution commissioned Keith Piper to create a response instead. The result recently went on display.

The new National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam has been in the works for almost 20 years. It is the first institution to tell the full story of the persecution of Dutch Jews during World War II.

At a retrospective of John Singer Sargent’s portraits in London, where the American expatriate fled after creating a scandal in Paris, clothes offer both armor and self-expression .

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Role of Gertrude in Hamlet
Hamlet and Gertrude Essay
Hamlet’s Relationship with Gertrude
Hamlet's relationship with his mother Gertrude Free Essay Example
Hamlet and Gertrude Relationship Analysis
William Shakespeare's Hamlet and Gertrude

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Hamlet and Ophelia Relationship (English literature Drama)
Hamlet Short Essay Prompt #3
Read the excerpt from Hamlet. Gertrude: O Hamlet! speak no more; Thou turn'st mine eyes
A Level/Pre U Revision Guide 1 to Hamlet: the relationship between Hamlet and his mother
William Shakespeare
Hamlet by William Shakespeare

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Analysis of Hamlet and Gertrude Relationship in ...
Shakespeare displays the inner workings of Hamlet's mind through Hamlet and Gertrude's turbulent relationship, as Hamlet comes to terms with the death of his father and Gertrude action's under their drastically changing circumstances.
Gertrude Character Analysis in Hamlet
Hamlet's most famous comment about Gertrude is his furious condemnation of women in general: "Frailty, thy name is woman!" (I.ii.146). This comment is as much indicative of Hamlet's agonized state of mind as of anything else, but to a great extent Gertrude does seem morally frail. She never exhibits the ability to think critically about ...
Hamlet and Gertrude's Relationship in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'
Hamlet and Gertrude's relationship is also presented as the reason behind Hamlet's hate for women. Rebecca Smith states that Hamlet "attacks what he perceives the brevity of women, women's wantonness and women's ability to make 'monsters' of men". We see this with his anger at Gertrude's remarriage as he states "Frailty, thy ...
Hamlet and Gertrude Relationships in Shakespeare's Play Essay
However, even though Hamlet threatens to murder Gertrude to "wring" her heart (3.4.2479), the audience can understand that he loves his mother and wants her to repent of her sins and end the relationship with Hamlet's uncle. His harsh and accusatory words are dictated not only by darkened consciousness but also by a strong love for his ...
Hamlet and Gertrude's Relationship of Love
In only 3 hours we'll deliver a custom Hamlet and Gertrude's Relationship of Love essay written 100% from scratch Learn more. Claudius' love for Gertrude causes him to kill his brother old king Hamlet. The intensity of their love reminds the reader of other famous lovers throughout history. The central theme of this story is love.
Hamlet and Gertrude's Relationship Essay
Hamlet and Gertrude's Relationship Essay. Hamlet by William Shakespeare focuses on the title character plotting vengeance against Claudius for his father's murder to capture the Danish crown. The new king is also Hamlet's uncle and now stepdad due to the marriage with his mother, Gertrude. Through a sequence of events, the protagonist ...
Hamlet Character Relationships
Hamlet - Gertrude. At the beginning of the play, Hamlet is angry at his mother for marrying his uncle and for doing so too quickly after his father's death. She doesn't seem to understand why he is so upset. 'She married. O, most wicked speed, to post/ With such dexterity to incestuous sheets!' (Hamlet, 1:2)
Hamlet Research Paper & Essay Examples
Focused on: Reasons for Hamlet's procrastination and its consequences. Characters mentioned: Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, Polonius. Role of Women in Twelfth Night and Hamlet by Shakespeare. Genre: Research Paper. Words: 2527. Focused on: Women in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and Hamlet.
Hamlet Navigator: Characters: Queen Gertrude
Janet Zarish as Queen Gertrude. and Jeffrey Carlson as Hamlet. Glenn Close as Queen Gertrude. The Queen in Hamlet (c. 1897) Edwin Austin Abbey. The King describes her as "our sometime sister, now our queen, / The imperial jointress to this warlike state" (1.2.8-9). She appears with her new husband, the King, as he justifies their marriage to ...
Hamlet and Gertrude Relationship Analysis
Hamlet and Ophelia As previously noted, Hamlet has a complicated relationship with his mother, which affects his relationships with Ophelia. In the past, he used to love her, but Gertrude's actions destroyed Hamlet's views on love. fAs the play progresses, the gap between the two lovers only grows.
Hamlet and Gertrude Relationship Analysis
Let us help you. Hamlet is by far the playwright's most well-known work. It brings attention to the relationships between Hamlet, his father, his uncle Claudius, and Hamlet's mom Gertrude. This specific paper addresses Gertrude and Hamlet relationship. It analyzes his feelings towards Gertrude and towards his love interest Ophelia.
Hamlet's Relationship with His Mother (Gertrude)
1. Introduction Hamlet's relationship with his mother, Gertrude, is a complex and central theme in the play. Gertrude is not just a selfish, weak woman, but also a loving mother. However, the nature of their relationship is not a healthy one. They continue to hurt and betray each other throughout the entire play, which ultimately leads to the downfall of their relationship. Hamlet's Oedipal ...
The Oedipal Relationship between Hamlet and Gertrude Essay
When the relationship between Hamlet and his mother is analyzed Freud's oedipal complex theory comes to mind. The oedipal complex is a theory created by Freud that states that "The child takes both of its parents, and more particularly one of them, as the object of its erotic wishes." (51) Because of this desire to be with the parent of the ...
Essay On Gertrude's Relationship In Hamlet
Hamlet comes to meet Gertrude in her bedroom, and then Gertrude asks if Hamlet has forgotten who she was because of his supposed madness. Hamlet responds, saying, "No, by the rood, not so./ You are the queen, your husband's brother's wife;/ And—would it were not so!—you are my mother" (3.4.15-17).
Hamlet And Gertrude's Relationship
Hamlet And Gertrude's Relationship. The relationship between Hamlet and Gertrude is a very complex one, which has been left open to many interpretations. Though their relationship is filled mostly with emotional turmoil such as anger, betrayal, and disappointment, the mother and son's relationship transitions to a better understanding of each ...
Hamlet Character Analysis
This essay about Shakespeare's "Hamlet" examines the intricate layers of the protagonist's character, exploring his profound introspection, internal conflicts, and complex relationships. ... Of particular fascination is Hamlet's dynamic with his mother Gertrude, a relationship fraught with tension and ambiguity. While he professes ...
Hamlet's Relationship With Gertrude
The conflict between Hamlet and Gertrude is a consequence of the disagreement between the prince and the Queen over the family values and the importance of staying true to high ideals. Gertrude understands her son's claims, but she is less worried and wants the young prince to come to terms with the loss, which, in turn, annoys Hamlet even ...
Hamlet Essay
Gertrude: A Portrait of Conflicting Loyalties Anonymous. Women living in Elizabethan times, although more liberated than medieval women, were still expected to do their husband's will and obey at all times. In William Shakespeare's Hamlet, Queen Gertrude begins the play acting as a typical Elizabethan woman.
The Role of Queen Gertrude in Play "Hamlet" Essay
Leave her to heaven" (Hoy I.V. 84-85). King Hamlet suggests that Gertrude be left alone to be haunted by her conscience. This implies that King Hamlet only wanted to save his son from the possible guilt that he may have faced when he engaged in killing his own mother. The fact that Queen Gertrude remarried Claudius, the murderer of her ...
Relationship of Hamlet and Gertrude
Order custom essay Relationship of Hamlet and Gertrude with free plagiarism report 450+ experts on 30 subjects Starting from 3 hours delivery Get Essay Help. At first Hamlet is not sure about why his mother married Claudius, but he quickly decides that the decision his mother made was based on women's weak mind. The weakness of women is a ...
Hamlet And Gertrude's Relationship Essay
Throughout the play, we see that Hamlet doesn't respect his mother Gertrude. In Act 3 Scene 2, when Hamlet organizes a play to ensure King Claudius is guilty or not, Queen Gertrude tells Hamlet, "Come hither my dear Hamlet, sit by me" (3.2 99). To this, he replies, "No, good mother, here's metal more attractive".
Claudius and Gertrude Relationship
The marriage of Claudius and Gertrude survives many challenges: Young Fortinbras' threat of invasion, Hamlet's pretend madness, Polonius' murder, Laertes' castle-storming rebellion, and his sister Ophelia's mental breakdown and drowning.. But their relationship cannot escape a secret murder that hides in the past. As Prince Hamlet says: "Foul deeds will rise, / Though all the earth ...
How is the relationship between Claudius and Gertrude in Hamlet
Share Cite. Claudius and Gertrude's relationship is destructive because they married in haste, and Claudius uses her for his own ends without her knowledge or consent. Marrying Gertrude may have ...
Hamlet's Relationship with His Mother (Gertrude)
In Hamlet, the must-read chef-d'oeuvre, Shakespeare brings to light the connections between members of a family, namely Hamlet, who is a prince, his late father, his mother Gertrude and his stepfather Claudius. This paper seeks to address Hamlet's relationship with his mother as brought out in the play though the analysis of the characters. Hamlet and His Mother's Relationship
Two Shakespearean Triumphs in Paris, or a Plague on Both Their Houses?
Servane Ducorps plays Gertrude with a chirpy energy that contrasts nicely with Hesme's coolness. Yet as Jatahy's "Hamlet" progresses, their interactions rarely ring true, in no small part ...