‘Claudius is a wildly misunderstood character’
Introduction: Although Claudius is perceived as an evil, corrupt character who has
murdered Old Hamlet to take his position as King and marry his wife Gertrude in
William Shakespeare’s tragedy ‘Hamlet’, one may also argue that Claudius aims to
restore peace and security to the kingdom of Denmark by sending Hamlet into exile
and keeping a close watch on him. However, his manipulation of other characters as
well as his lack of sympathy for the sake of protecting his reputation undermine his
kingly and royal qualities, exemplifying his corrupt nature throughout the play.
1)
NO – Claudius is an evil and corrupt character who has committed fratricide and
regicide to become the King and marry Old Hamlet’s wife. Worsened the state of
Denmark and struggles to maintain peace amongst the citizens
- ‘Revenge his foul and most unwanted murder’ – Ghost of Old Hamlet
describes his brother’s evil deed
- ‘He hath killed my king and whored my mother’ – Claudius admits his guilt,
confessing that he is murdered his brother.
- ‘Something is rotten in the state of Denmark’ – Act 1 Marcellus
foreshadows the state of decay, implying that Claudius’s corrupt leadership
and reign is ‘rotting’ Denmark.
1984 Ron Daniels production - Wanted to suggest that there had been a great
change in Elsinore since Claudius came to the throne. New court was loutish,
chaotic, and unmannerly, characterised by Brian Blessed insensitive Claudius.
1954 Atlick – ‘lecherousness of Claudius’ evil has corrupted the whole kingdom of
Denmark’
2)
YES – Claudius is actually a good king who loves Gertrude and aims to bring peace
and safety to the kingdom of Denmark.
- ‘He shall with speed to England’ – exiles Hamlet
- ‘Gertude do not drink’ – concerned for Gertrude’s safety, loves her truly.
- ‘I loved your father, and we love ourself’ – royal we attempting to bring
solidarity during court speech, sympathises with Polonius’s death.
Wilson Knight - ‘[Claudius] is – strange as it may seem – a good and gentle king’
Patrick Steward (Claudius actor) 1980 – ‘loved Gertrude deeply…and killed for her
sake’
Introduction: Although Claudius is perceived as an evil, corrupt character who has
murdered Old Hamlet to take his position as King and marry his wife Gertrude in
William Shakespeare’s tragedy ‘Hamlet’, one may also argue that Claudius aims to
restore peace and security to the kingdom of Denmark by sending Hamlet into exile
and keeping a close watch on him. However, his manipulation of other characters as
well as his lack of sympathy for the sake of protecting his reputation undermine his
kingly and royal qualities, exemplifying his corrupt nature throughout the play.
1)
NO – Claudius is an evil and corrupt character who has committed fratricide and
regicide to become the King and marry Old Hamlet’s wife. Worsened the state of
Denmark and struggles to maintain peace amongst the citizens
- ‘Revenge his foul and most unwanted murder’ – Ghost of Old Hamlet
describes his brother’s evil deed
- ‘He hath killed my king and whored my mother’ – Claudius admits his guilt,
confessing that he is murdered his brother.
- ‘Something is rotten in the state of Denmark’ – Act 1 Marcellus
foreshadows the state of decay, implying that Claudius’s corrupt leadership
and reign is ‘rotting’ Denmark.
1984 Ron Daniels production - Wanted to suggest that there had been a great
change in Elsinore since Claudius came to the throne. New court was loutish,
chaotic, and unmannerly, characterised by Brian Blessed insensitive Claudius.
1954 Atlick – ‘lecherousness of Claudius’ evil has corrupted the whole kingdom of
Denmark’
2)
YES – Claudius is actually a good king who loves Gertrude and aims to bring peace
and safety to the kingdom of Denmark.
- ‘He shall with speed to England’ – exiles Hamlet
- ‘Gertude do not drink’ – concerned for Gertrude’s safety, loves her truly.
- ‘I loved your father, and we love ourself’ – royal we attempting to bring
solidarity during court speech, sympathises with Polonius’s death.
Wilson Knight - ‘[Claudius] is – strange as it may seem – a good and gentle king’
Patrick Steward (Claudius actor) 1980 – ‘loved Gertrude deeply…and killed for her
sake’
