Gertrude

            When reading Hamlet it becomes clear right from the beginning that Hamlet has a deep relationship with his mother, Gertrude, because he loves and respects her so much. In the opening scene we can see Hamlet and Gertrude engaged in tender, loving behaviour. But as the play develops we see this relationship suffer some great dents. Gertrude's role in Hamlet is to show us how Hamlets insanity develops, her actions are a big part of what drives Hamlet mad. Because when she marries his uncle so soon after his fathers death Hamlet feels she is acting in such a betraying way that he is almost incapable of forgiving her. He has difficulties in coping with his fathers sudden death and to see his mother kiss and cuddle her new treacherous husband almost drives Hamlet over the edge. Hamlet, not wanting to offend his mother by telling her about his disapproval, hides his true feelings about the marriage. His disapproval then grows into hatred and is not let out until Hamlet approaches his mother boldly by taunting her after the play about Gonzago's murder. A behaviour never shown by Hamlet before. The queen is of course very upset by this behaviour but somehow she sees beyond it and starts treating Hamlet kind of normal after that. Hamlet having finally vented his disapproval and grief, feels some kind of peace. Finally accepting the fact that the ghost made so clear in the beginning, that his mother was not involved in his fathers death and therefore he forgives her. The final scene where Hamlets mother dies because of a poison meant for Hamlet, he is so overcome with grief as he watches her die that he finally finds the strength to kill the king and take revenge for the death of his father. So Gertrude is an important key to show how Hamlets feelings developed throughout the play and how her love can bring him finally to do what he was supposed to do. And yet because of his mother Hamlet mistrusts women in general and treats them as vile and untrustworthy creatures.