Gertrude's Role In Hamlet

In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, Gertrude plays a significant role to Hamlet because she is the caring and loving figure that keeps Hamlet in check by her parental actions. Gertrude on the outside might appear to be stiff, vain, and only care about material items, but in reality she has immense emotions for Hamlet. Gertrude frequently makes efforts to emphasize her parental authority over Hamlet to demonstrate that she has control. The phrases “Come, come, you answer with an idle tongue.” (1606) and “Why, how now, Hamlet!’ (1606) clearly show that Gertrude is using her power to acquire the information that she is requesting from Hamlet. When Hamlet is being foul to Gertrude, she addresses …show more content…
On page 1574 Gertrude states, “As to expend your time with us awhile, for the supply and profit of our hope...” The king and Gertrude want to help Hamlet out with what he is going through. Gertrude also says, “Your visitation shall receive such thanks as fits a king’s remembrance.” (1574). This shows that she is willing to pay Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to find information about Hamlet. Gertrude shows her significance to Hamlet through this request because she truly is concerned about him. Another example that Hamlet and Gertrude care for each other is when Hamlet says to his mother, “Not this, by no means, that I bid you do: let the bloat king tempt you again to bed… call you his mouse; and let him, for a pair of reechy kisses…” (1611). Hamlet is telling her that she should not let the king seduce her and by Hamlet saying this it shows how much they are concerned for each