Gertrude

Gertrude

1. Hamlet's mother, the old Kings wife, and now the new King Claudius' wife.

2. The play seems to raise more questions about Gertrude then it answers.

   • Was she involved with Claudius before the old kings death? Did she marry Claudius for love or for power? Did she the old King? Did she know about Claudius' plan to kill the king? Does she think Hamlet is mad of is she pretending his mad to protect Hamlet?

3. She is defined by her desire for station and affection, and by using men to fulfill her need to protect herself.

   • This makes her dependent on men in her life.

4. Hamlet's comment about Gertrude shows his disapproval of women. "Frailty, thy name is women!" this comment shows Hamlet's mental state of mind and that Gertrude is morally frail.

5. We don't see her ability to think about her situation, only that she moves towards safe choices.

   • She immediately runs to Claudius after Hamlet kills Polonius.

6. At times it seems grace and charm are her only characteristics, and her dependent on men is her sole way of showing her abilities.