Gertrude in Hamlet: A Complex Character Shrouded in Ambiguity
I’m going to share with you the controversial character of Gertrude in Shakespeare’s classic tragedy “Hamlet”. As Hamlet’s mother and the new wife of King Claudius of Denmark, Gertrude plays a complex and fascinating role in the play.
The Queen in Hamlet by painter Edwin Austin Abbey (1895)
-Introduction：
In William Shakespeare’s renowned tragedy- Hamlet, Gertrude, the queen of Denmark and Hamlet’s mother emerges as a complex character whose actions, relationships, and motivations are ambiguous. This essay delves into Gertrude’s portrayal, exploring her role in the play, her relationships with other characters, the themes she embodies, and the literary techniques employed to bring depth to her character. Through analyzing Gertrude’s surface, we gain insights into the complexities of human nature, loyalty, and the consequences of choices.
-Gertrude’s Role in the Play：
First, let’s take a look at Gertrude’s character characteristics. She was a beautiful, elegant woman who held a high position in the Danish Royal Palace. However, she is also a controversial figure, as she seems to have forgotten her ex-husband overnight and quickly married Hamlet’s uncle Claudius. This choice caused much controversy and questioning, causing viewers to wonder about her loyalty and motives.
-Themes：
As Hamlet’s mother and the new wife of King Claudius of Denmark, Gertrude presents a range of complex and thought-provoking themes, including power, desire, and betrayal. Let’s explore her reflection and symbolic meaning in the play:
-Power: Gertrude was the Queen of Denmark, whose position and power made her the focus of political struggles. Her choice, however, sets off a series of power struggles and intrigues. She quickly marries Hamlet’s uncle Claudius, a move that leaves Hamlet feeling betrayed and arouses suspicion in court. Gertrude’s behavior reveals the influence of power on human nature and exposes people’s tendency to do whatever it takes to maintain their position of power.
-Desire: She renounces thoughts of Hamlet’s father and quickly marries Claudius. This desire drives her to pursue personal happiness, but it brings her inner pain and Hamlet’s hatred. Gertrude’s choice reveals the power of desire in a person’s decision-making and the destructive consequences that can be triggered to satisfy personal desires.
-Betrayal: Gertrude’s actions are seen as a betrayal of Hamlet’s father and by Hamlet as a betrayal of himself. The betrayal was not only personal but also political and familial. Her choice sets off a chain of events that leads to the tragic fate of the characters in the series. Her betrayal highlights human nature’s fragile and selfish side and reveals the damage that betrayal can do to individuals and societies.
-Literary device：
-Inner Monologue: Gertrude’s monologues reveal her thoughts and emotions in the play. Her loyalty and motivation come through in her dialogue, such as her love and concern for Hamlet. However, her monologues also reflect her inner struggles and contradictions. When she finds herself part of Claudius’ conspiracy, her inner monologue expresses her guilt and regret for herself.
-Contrast and symbolism: There is a strong contrast between Gertrude’s beauty and her inner darkness. Shakespeare emphasized her appearance by describing her beauty. However, it also reveals her hidden inner world. Claudius’ intrigue and Hamlet’s doubts make the audience wonder if she is beautiful and kind.
-Dramatic structure:
The dramatic structure reflected by Gertrude in Hamlet is complex and compact. She is pivotal by provoking conflict, increasing suspense, demonstrating tragic elements, and driving the plot forward.
-Following the sudden death of the King of Denmark, Gertrude quickly marries Hamlet’s uncle Claudius. This episode arouses suspicion and anger in Hamlet, who believes his mother’s actions betray his father.
-Plot twist: In the play’s climactic moment, when Hamlet kills Polonius (Gertrude’s servant) by mistake, Gertrude becomes a symbol of his guilt and pain.
-In the second half of the plot, she begins to doubt Claudius’ behavior and realizes the error of her ways. Her inner struggles and hesitation bring more suspense and tension to the episode.
-Fate at the end of the play: Gertrude drinks the poisoned wine and becomes a victim of the play. Her death symbolizes the play’s climax and sets the stage for the final battle between Hamlet and Claudius.
-Purpose and audience：
- Friends or supporters of Hamlet: These people may be interested in what happened to Hamlet and his attitude toward Gertrude, and they may wish to support and explain Hamlet’s point of view through this blog.
-Play critics: These people may thoroughly study and understand the classic play, Hamlet. Through this blog, they can offer more analysis and explanation of Gertrude’s character, which delves into the perspective of theatre history.
- Who played Gertrude’s character in the show: These people can use this blog to share their understanding and experience of Gertrude’s character, as well as their thoughts on the importance of the character in the show.
- Theater lovers: Hamlet is a highly regarded piece of theater that appeals to a broad audience. These people may be interested in Gertrude’s character and impact on the show, and they may expect this blog post to provide insight into Gertrude’s complexity and relationship to the plot.
The purpose of creating this blog:
- Provides an in-depth analysis of Gertrude’s character: This blog aims to explore Gertrude’s inner motivations and behavior as a complex character, revealing her importance in the show and impact on the plot.
-Explore dramatic structure and themes: The blog delves into the dramatic structure, themes, and plot development of Hamlet by analyzing Gertrude’s character.
-Spark discussion and reflection: This blog provides a platform for readers to ponder and discuss the moral and ethical issues in Gertrude’s character and play.
Works Cited
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by G. R. Hibbard, Oxford World’s Classics, 2008.
