Gertrude Analysis

Gertrude Analysis

1. There is little substance to her, we can judge her character more from what others say about her than was she says.

2. She has some power, which is why Claudius wanted to marry her as it would greatly benefit him.

   • Through Hamlets eyes she was a passive woman when married to Old Hamlet. Now she has remarried, she is more orientated to love and politics with a man the opposite of her former husband.

3. There is a sinister aspect to Gertrude as it is unclear if she was aware that Claudius murdered Old Hamlet. Is she just working with her new husband as a dependant woman or was it part of a plan.

4. The play isn't clear on her level of guilt. Ghost tells Hamlet to leave Heaven to judge her. This suggests that she isn't as innocent as it first appears. This could be a hint that she was involved in the murder or more so that she will be punished fir her incestuous relationship with Claudius.

5. She does show some concern for her son, however even after he explains the kings guilt, she never tries to support her son or oppose Claudius.

   • Some think that she drank the wine to protect hamlet. This is her maternal instincts kicking in to protect her child. However it is unclear is she knew or not. there are clues that she was aware as she tries to care for him, dabbing at his forehead.
     • "I will, my lord; I pray you, pardon me". Is this her opposing Claudius at last, taking control and attempting to save her son?

6. Claudius expresses his love for her but they never tell the extent of their relationship. Gertrude has spoke about her love for Hamlet several times. Her and Claudius show each other little affection.

7. She says that she hoped Ophelia would marry Hamlet, meaning that she had hope for his happiness.

8. Hamlet is more obsessed with her sexuality than the murder. On the way to her room he sees Claudius. Its the perfect opportunity to kill him but he doesnt. Its just a distraction from his obsession with his mum.

9. Though Hamlet is warned to leave her alone, he takes it upon himself to verbally abuse her. It shows his preoccupation with her. His actions towards her show us more about his personality than it does about her.

10. She seems guilty as she doesnt grieve her husbands death, moves on quickly and then tells her son to get over it because its natural.

11. “Frailty, thy name is woman!”- if anything she is morally frail, unable to choose the right side. She doesn't think critically about the situation and after her fight with Hamlet, she runs immediately to Claudius for guidance. This suggests she is dependant.