Freud's psychological theory that seems to best apply to the play Hamlet, is Freud's theory of the Oedipal complex. In this, Freud states that a child's sexuality begins at birth, and that the child's first object of desire is the parent of the opposite sex; consequently, there is hostility towards the parent of the same sex, as this person stands in the way of the child's fulfillment of desire. There seems to be a strong sexual tension between Hamlet and his mother, which has led many to believe that she is the object of his desire. I like many see that it is evident that Hamlet's true motivation for plotting against Claudius is that Claudius has robbed Hamlet of Gertrude; Hamlet could have pursued his mother, after his father died but marrying his mother would be morally wrong. .
The confrontation between Hamlet and Queen Gertrude in the castle over her relationship with Claudius portrays Hamlet's anger towards his mother. Hamlet harshly criticizes his mother for her hasty marriage to her former brother-in-law Claudius so soon after King Hamlet's death. In his allegation against his mother Hamlet harshly states "A bloody deed-almost as bad, good mother, As kill a king, and marry with his brother" (29-30, 1634), "In the rank sweat of an enseamed bed, Stewed in corruption, honeying and making love Over the nasty sty!"( 94-96, 1636) "O speak to me no more! These words like daggers enter in my ears. No more sweet Hamlet" (97-99, 1636) Gertrude says in response to Hamlet's accusations. Hamlet continues to verbally convict his mother of her sins (1635-1636) "I must be cruel only to be kind" (185, 1639) he tells her, and his accusations open her eyes. .
Through Gertrude's conviction he wants to help her return to virtue and leave her sinfulness, as well as aid his revenge against Claudius. Gertrude, convicted and enlightened by Hamlet's accusations, appears to repent and agrees to help Hamlet in his plan.
