Has history been unfair to Gertrude? Discuss with reference to critical interpretations you have read as well as stage and video performances you have seen - Make close reference to the text.

Authors Avatar

Has history been unfair to Gertrude? Discuss with reference to critical interpretations you have read as well as stage and video performances you have seen. Make close reference to the text.

The question, “Has history been unfair to Gertrude,” in Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ is a complex one. Numerous critics and directors have put forward many different interpretations, meaning that some must be unfair, or all would be correct.

Althought minor, the character of Gertrude is essential to the plot. The reason for many of the events happening in the play can all be traced back to her actions. The kings death may have been due to Claudius’ love for her. He admits his love and devotion by saying that she is:

        “My virtue and my plague.”

And confirms she is at least part of the reason for the murder:

        “those effects for which I did the murther/ My crown, mine own ambition, and my queen.”

All Hamlets actions are due to her, as he wants to acenge his father and her ‘betrayal’ of him.

        Although she is such an important character, she is not a dominant one. She appears in only 10 scenes. Gertrude never tells anyone to do anything and relies heavily on the other characters. She seldom appears without Claudius, unless he instructs her to do so, as in the closet scene. Ironically as Rebecca Smith appreciates:

Join now!

        “She is easily led and she makes no decisions for herself, except, ironically, the one that precipitates her death.”

She relies on Claudius and Hamlet to act for her, but for such a weak character she has a massive effect on the plot.

There are two main interpretations on Gertrudes character, which completely contrast each other. The first is of her as a sexual, sensual woman, often dishonest women, who is strong and only thinks of herself. The second is that she is a innocent, naive women who loves both her son, husband and ex-husband, but who is very open ...

This is a preview of the whole essay