Gertrude's Soliloquy In Hamlet

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This soliloquy takes place in Act III, Scene IV, after Hamlet enters Gertrude’s room and they both discuss the events of the play, The Mousetrap. During this confrontation, Hamlet becomes consumed by his anger and starts to verbally attack Gertrude for her decision to marry Claudius. As Hamlet starts talking to an invisible ghost, Gertrude believes that her son’s mind has become intoxicated by the disease of insanity, as she states, “This the very coinage of your brain./This bodiless creation ecstasy/Is very cunning in” (3.4.139-141). It is evident that Gertrude fears Hamlet for what he has become. At this moment, Gertrude begins her soliloquy and exhibits her thoughts about the tragic events that have just occurred.

Gertrude believes that

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