Gertrudes Innocence within Hamlet
Shakespeare?s, Hamlet, is interesting work that seems to force the audience to continually question the role/integrity of the characters involved. Throughout the play the reader must even determine if certain actions actually occurred and the significance that these events play on each character. As an audience we are asked to disagree/ agree with the stand that these characters take, and it is in the actions and comments of other characters that allow us to develop certain opinions towards these players. One particular player provides the reader with constant doubt as to her role in the death of King Hamlet, and that of course would be Queen Gertrude. Based on certain comments by Hamlet, the Ghost, and even her we can evaluate and form our own opinion concerning her guilt or innocence. I believe that the best way to approach discussion of Gertrude is to analyze the different comments and actions as the play progresses. It seems that the comments of Hamlet and Claudius along with those of Gertrude herself will be the most important for this discussion. During the first Act Claudius makes an address to the court, and it is here we have the introduction of Gertrude. She makes the statement to Hamlet for him to simply ?get over the
Based on this alone I find her guilt to be in the unfaithful nature of her acts once her husband has been killed. It is very important to note that the ghost never mentions Gertrude?s? role, if any, in his murder. Hamlet just beckons her not to return to the Kings chamber. As the play continues Hamlet confronts what he thinks to be the ghost of his father. Not only has she said this in the short period her husband has passed, but she has also married in these two months. We must also determine whether her lack of mourning and rapid marriage provide any evidence to her involvement with the murder. It seems to be a difficult scene for the audience in that initially Gertrude acts confused about the situation but then finally concedes and accepts the ?black and grained spots. The ghost makes a comment concerning Claudius and his seduction of the Queen and the ghost remains unsure why such a change of heart could have occurred after entering the sacred vow of marriage (Act I scene V, lines 42-57). For it seems that both King Hamlet and son believe that ?through life and death? the vows of love must be kept. What seems to be the most significant point in ascribing innocence or guilt is during the scene in Gertrude?s? bedroom. death ? because all beings must eventually pass on (Act I, Scene II, line 72). However, we still are unable to develop a concrete decision based on these events. He questions how his mother could have committed such an offense (adultery) and he even goes on to compare her to a beast (Act I Scene II line 150-159). The ghost returned to visit due to his untimely death and seemed to stress revenge for the cruel act of murder and less on the adulterous behavior that Gertrude committed. In the case of King Hamlet, his own wife was able to jump this sorrow and land in the arms of his brother, which as one can imagine, seems a bit strange.
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