... norms and conventions by failing to observe the appropriate period of mourning for her deceased husband, the King of Denmark. Interestingly, Gertrude herself has little to say in defense or explanation of her decision, which has left the interpretation of her motives and even her mental state up to the judgment of readers and literary critics, many of whom have been as brutal and unforgiving as Hamlet in ... their condemnation of Gertrude's behavior. An alternate reading, however, may yield other possible meanings. Regardless of whether Shakespeare intended the reader to condone or to c...

• Word Count: 2208
• Approx Pages: 9
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Graduate