Gertrude & Lokaste

The lives of Iocasta and Gertrude were manipulated by someone of a superior stature. Iokaste was merely a pawn used by the gods to fulfill the prophecy predicted by the Oracle. Oedipus was destined to murder his father and wed his mother. Although Iokaste had wanted nothing more but to raise her family and revel in their pleasures, her existence was used to aid Oedipus in meeting his destiny. Gertrude’s manipulation, however, was more direct to human involvement. In order for Claudius to attain kingship, he had to kill his brother and marry Gertrude. Otherwise, Hamlet, being the next direct heir to the throw

Although many situations are blatantly obvious to the reader, Gertrude seems to be in complete oblivion. She, however, has nothing to do with the murder of her husband and can be considered a victim herself. Gertrude’s innocence is depicted in many scenes. During the “Mouse Trap” scene, the player Queen continuously recites her immortal love for her king as he talks to her about death: “So think thou wilt no second husband wed, but die thy thoughts when thy first lord is dead” (“Hamlet”, Pg. 290, Lines 187-188) Hamlet soon after turned to his mother and asked “Madam, how like you this play?” (“Hamlet”, Pg. 291, Line 202) Her response “The lady doth protest too much, me thinks.” (Pg. 291, Line 203) Had Gertrude known of Claudius’ plans for premeditated murder, she would have acted out of the norm. However, she paid no further attention to it. Also, she questions Claudius during the play, “How fares my lord?” This suggests that she was more perplexed or concerned with his behavior, rather than guiltily comprehending of it. Further evidence of her innocence is show when Polonius is killed at the hands of Hamlet. “O, what a rash and bloody deed is this! /A bloody deed-almost as bad, good Mother, as kill a king, and marry with his brother. /As kill a king? / Ay, lady, it was my word.” (Pg. 298, Lines 27-30) Gertrude’s innocence is shown by the shock when hearing of King Hamlet’s murder. According to a Shakespearean analyst, Richard Corum, Gertrude is in oblivion to the fact that she is living wi

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