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Hamlet


            Gertrude and Claudius, written by John Updike, serves as a prequel to William Shakespeare's play entitled Hamlet. In both of these pieces of work, four characters remain constant. Besides from the name changes, the fundamental indifference lays in the focus and concentration placed on certain characters. In Updike's prequel, Gertrude takes position as the main character. The beginning of the novel starts with her father finding a love interests for her, and the rest of the book basically tracks her social and marital endeavors. In the prequel, Gertrude carries a very strong minded attitude that, at times, conflicts with the political agenda set for her country. Her father, Rorik, suggests she marry Horwendil, in attempt to keep political conflict at a minimum. Opposed to accepting this fate from the beginning, she chooses to challenge it, later marrying Horwendil out of obligation. Claudius appears to have more emotions in the prequel in comparison to Shakespeare's play. Here, Claudius exclaims deep regret for ever having left the castle. Not only does he express that regret, but he also shares his real feelings towards his brother's success. He feels that the gap between him and his brother's political power and social status stems from some divine law. In the prequel, Hamlet is viewed as an outcast to some extent. His mother worries about his well-being; she fears that his quit and self oriented demeanor will leak out into his adulthood and have a huge impact on his life. His father also displays a bit of concern, saying that no one needs to spend that much time away at school. In essences, Horwendil feared that another reason kept him their and that it possibly could keep him there for good. Polonius aids the king and later aids Claudius, but oddly enough, his greatest aid has been towards Gertrude. Polinius has helped Gertrude with plenty of issues. He has given her advice regarding everything from her marriage to motherhood.


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