For the duration of the performance, Gertrude only interferes with Hamlet when it is absolutely necessary for the gaining of either herself or Claudius. This is shown in Act II and also Act III. In Act II, Claudius and Gertrude recoil to their thrones to shout orders to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern about Hamlet; however, Hamlet’s mother does not personally encounter her son about his problems at all during the play. A mother who cares about her grieving son would show more compassion than to have his old childhood friends spy on him. This one example alone shows everyone Gertrude’s true intentions, which are that she is going to protect Claudius, herself, and their secret of the murder of her first husband. Act II may have disgusted many
