The Ghost urges Hamlet to convince Gertrude to confess her sins and give up her actions of lust and betrayal.
Act 3, scene 4 also gives great insight for Gertrude's character. We see strength in her as she begins to scold Hamlet for offending Claudius, but as pressure and tensions build, Gertrude folds exposing a weak character.
Beginning the scene Gertrude confronts Hamlet about the play: "Hamlet, thou hast thy father much offended" (Act 3 scene 4 line 9).
Gertrude is on the offensive at the start of the scene. The roles, however, are quickly reverse as Polonis is slain and Hamlet questions Gertrude about the hasty marriage. Gertrude is unable to justify her actions and begs Hamlet to stop: "O Hamlet, speak no more. Thou turn'st mine eyes in to my very soul; and there I see black and grain spots as will not leave their tinct" (Act 3 scene 4, line 89-92). As Hamlets onslaught continues, Gertrude finally shows guilt for her perverse actions and betrayal when she cries out: " O , speak no more; these words, like daggers, enter mine ears: No more Sweet Hamlet!"(Act 3 scene 4, line 95-97). Gertrude's guilt is short lived as the Ghost appears to Hamlet. Since she cannot see the ghost; Gertrude's assumes Hamlet to be mad with hallucinations.
Queen: "This is the very coinage of your brain.
This bodiless creation of ecstsy.
Is very cuning in"(Act 3, scene 4, line 138-140).
With Hamlet appearing to be insane, a motherly instinct of concern and love washes over Gertrude. She promises to keep their conversation a secret by swearing: "Be thou assur"d, if no life to breathe what thou hast said to me" (Act3, scene 4, line198-200). This phrase exhibits feelings similar to the Ghost feelings toward Gertrude. In that despite the harsh conversation between Gertrude and Hamlet; Gertrude still loves Hamlet and is concerned for his safety.
The plot certainly thickens in Act 3, scene 4.
