Discuss the character of Gertrude in terms of her innocence
Hamlet is a notable literary work by William Shakespeare. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Hamlet.
Answer
Discuss the character of Gertrude in terms of her innocence.
In Shakespeare’s (1564-1616) tragedy Hamlet, The character of Gertrude, the Queen of Denmark, is complex and multi-dimensional in the play Hamlet. She is an affectionate, impulsive, and strong-willed mother of Hamlet.
The character of Gertrude in terms of her innocence: There are different points of view about Gertrude’s innocence among critics and audiences. To Some, she is innocent and trustful. To others, she is more calculating and aware of the political intrigues around her. In terms of her innocence, there are some events in the tragedy. Let’s discuss.
Naive and innocent: Gertrude’s character is presented as naive and innocent, particularly regarding her relationship with her son, Hamlet. She is depicted as a loving and caring mother unaware of her son’s true feelings and intentions towards her.
Frail and easily influenced: In the play, Hamlet accuses his mother of being too easily motivated by others. He describes his mother as frail and easily influenced personality. Hamlet tells his mother,
Frailty, thy name is woman!
The above quotation indicates Hamlet’s views of his mother’s vulnerability.
In the play, Hamlet accuses her of being too easily motivated by others. She lacks moral judgment. This is a sign of her innocence.
Her relationship with Claudius: Gertrude’s innocence is also highlighted in her relationship with Claudius, whom she marries shortly after the death of her previous husband, King Hamlet. Some argue that Gertrude is not aware of Claudius’s true nature and intentions. She is unaware of his involvement in the murder of her first husband. Her willingness to marry Claudius can be seen as a sign of her naivety and innocence.
Her relationship with Hamlet: Gertrude’s relationship with her son Hamlet is fraught with tension and conflict. Hamlet is deeply troubled by his mother’s marriage to Claudius and sees her as complicit in his father’s murder. Gertrude, on the other hand, tries to persuade Hamlet to accept Claudius as his new father and move on from the past.
Critics observation : Some critics argue that Gertrude is not as innocent as she appears. For example, her decision to marry Claudius so soon after the death of her husband suggests her engagement in King Hamlet’s murder. Furthermore, some critics argue that Gertrude is innocent. She doesn’t know the evil plan of Claudius.
Gertrude’s innocence in Hamlet is a topic of debate among scholars and audiences. While some see her as a naive and innocent character, others view her as a more complex figure.