Instant Access To 100,000+ Essays!

In many works of literature, the authors entertain the readers by allowing them to ponder certain things about the characters. One of the many works of literature that embrace this type of entertainment is Hamlet by William Shakespeare. In this play, the roles of many characters can be contemplated. One particular character that plays this type of role is Gertrude, the Queen of Denmark. She plays a role that leads to many suspicions about the death of Old Hamlet, the King of Denmark. Gertrude’s role raises many questions about the king’s death. One of the suspicions that may have been contemplated was the idea that Gertrude may have been involved with Claudius before the death of her husband. “Ay, that incestuous, that adulterate beast, with witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts, - O wicked wit and gifts, that have the power so to seduce- won to his shameful lust, the will of my most seeming- virtuous queen.” (Ghost, I: V) In this quote, it is implied that Claudius seduced her before the king died. According to a critical analysis on Hamlet, Claudius manipulated Gertrude. Her love for the king was corrupted before he died. Gertrude was the type of character who needed affection. Claudius gave her what she des