The character of Claudius is perhaps the most complex in the play and therefore is open to wide interpretation. ... He praises Hamlet for fulfilling his duty as a son and offers his condolence. ... Claudius discounts Hamlet's genuine grief and decides that his sorrow is "impious stubbornness". ... He went against Gods wishes when he removed Hamlet snr as king. ... The interpretation that Shakespeare wanted to present Claudius as a coward is accentuated in many other ways. ...

• Word Count: 1997
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School