The Victim Within: Gertrude in Hamlet

Gertrude, the queen in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, often appears as a figure of enigma. Her complex relationship with her husband, King Hamlet, and later with her second husband, Claudius, has sparked much debate among scholars and audiences alike. Does she truly understand and support Claudius or is she a victim in her own right? This essay seeks to explore the evidence from the play that suggests Gertrude is a victim, particularly through her interactions with characters and the broader context of the story.

Introduction to Gertrude's Enigmatic Character

Gertrude's character is multifaceted and deeply layered. Her ambiguous relationship with her subjects and her husbands, Claudius and King Hamlet, often raises questions about her motivations and loyalties. While some argue that she is directly responsible for the betrayal and murder of her first husband, others view her as a figure of victimhood, her actions being driven more by circumstances and sheer survival than conscious choice.

Evidence of Gertrude's Victim Status

A critical examination of Gertrude's character reveals that she is indeed a victim of circumstance, particularly when one considers her line: "I hoped thou shouldst have been my Hamlet’s wife." This statement, made after Ophelia's death, carries significant weight. It suggests not only Gertrude's deep emotional investment in Ophelia but also a conundrum regarding her desires and the complex social dynamics at play.

Unfulfilled Desire and Social Constraints

At the time of her statement, a marriage between Hamlet and Ophelia was certainly unlikely given the strict social standing barriers in place during the medieval period. However, if Gertrude truly believed in this union, her statement reveals a deep understanding of Hamlet's feelings for Ophelia. If she genuinely desired such a marriage and saw it as an ideal, her statement could be interpreted as an indication of her victim status. It's possible that her desires were thwarted by external pressures and societal norms, leaving her feeling both unsuccessful and disempowered.

Lack of Influence and Passive Role

The line also points to a larger context: the extent of Gertrude's influence within the family and court. If she truly wished for Hamlet and Ophelia to marry, it would suggest that she was not able to exert any real control or influence. This lack of influence paints her as a passive figure, often at the mercy of the unfolding events around her rather than a powerful agent driving them. Her statement can be seen as a reflection of this powerlessness.

Social and Personal Struggles

Socially, Gertrude is a woman in a man's world. Her role as queen and her relationship with both her first and second husbands place her in a delicate position. The societal expectations and personal desires conflict, leaving her sometimes isolated and powerless. This is further compounded by the tragic loss of King Hamlet and her subsequent marriage to Claudius, often seen as a betrayal by many.

Conclusion: Understanding Gertrude's Victimhood

Considering the evidence from the play, it is evident that Gertrude's character is one of victimhood. Her actions and desires are often constrained by the complex social and personal circumstances that surround her. Her statement about Hamlet and Ophelia's potential marriage offers insight into her emotional situation and the powerlessness she feels. Understanding her as a victim provides a deeper appreciation of her character and the challenges she faced in Shakespeare's dramatic masterpiece.

References

Shakespeare, W. (1603). Hamlet. England: Methuen Co.

Palfrey, T. (1895). The Psychical World of Shakespeare. Boston: J. R. Osgood, Company.

Moakes, R. (1980). The Critical Reception of Hamlet. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.