#12: Hamlet Character Choice

I have decided to blog from the perspective of Gertrude. The role of Gertrude is that of the mother of Hamlet. She represents an emotionally complex character that marries Claudius after the death of Hamlet’s father. Though initially portrayed as a weak, stagnant role, her relationship with Hamlet is tempestuous at best, which adds facets of complexity to her role in the work as a whole. Furthermore, the lens of Gertrude provides a foil to the vengeful nature of Hamlet, whose actions hinge on getting revenge on Claudius. She proves to be a literary ‘reality check’ whose presence highlights the extent of Hamlet’s vengeance. Moreover, her role as Hamlet’s mother is insightful to the motives behind such vengeance. It is for these reasons that she is social-media worthy. Character conflicts breed hilarity and seriousness alike, whether in literature or between celebrities. Gertrude’s complicated relationship with Hamlet, though far-fetched, is relatable at its core—A story about the mother-son dynamic.