When we first meet Claudius, he is holding
court and we learn that his brother died about a month ago. He thanks his
courtiers for the support and hopes to bring joy by announcing his marriage to
the people. “With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage, in equal scale
weighing delight and dole,” (Shakespeare 1.2.12-13). This shows that Claudius
is trying to weight out the bad with the good. I believe he is doing this for
his people so they can move on from Hamlets death.
Claudius is asking hamlet to stay “We pray
you, throw to earth this unprevailing woe and think of us as of a father; for
let the world take note, you are the most immediate to the throne, and with no
less nobility of love than that which dearest father bears his son Do I impart
toward you.”(1.2.110-116) Even though announcing the marriage was a
good thing, still not letting Hamlet go to university in Wittenberg shows he cares
about his country but also that he might be suspicious of Hamlet. Like the old
saying goes “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” I believe that
Claudius is scared hamlet might foment a rebellion.
Claudius asks Hamlet, “How is it that the
clouds still hang on you” (1.2.68). This meaning Hamlet is still in his
mourning clothes from his father’s death. Claudius urges Hamlet to take to take
them off, but he does not. Claudius replies with telling him that all fathers
die and their fathers die and it is alright to mourn, but mourning for too long
is inappropriate. I believe that Hamlet should be able to mourn for as long as
he wants, for it was his father’s death but Claudius is right is saying that
mourning for too long is inappropriate especially for the person next in line
for the throne. This shows Claudius does care about Hamlet and truly wants him
to get over his father’s death for the benefit of his country.
Thoughtful post! I agree with you when you say Hamlet is trying to "weight out" the bad with good by using his marriage to Gertrude as a distraction from King Hamlet's death. King Claudius shows his true colors as a controlling, insensitive man when he questions Hamlet's manliness, all because Hamlet continues to wear black in honor of his father. However, I don't agree with you on the reason in which King Claudius decides that Hamlet will stay in the kingdom, rather than letting him go to school at Wittenberg. My thoughts might change as I continue to read the play, but for now I think King Claudius keeps Hamlet close because he wants to show ownership over Hamlet. I also don't believe King Claudius truly cares for Hamlet in any way. It was interesting reading your thoughts and opinions on King Claudius!
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