Gertrude- Critics

Question 1

Feminist view; Claire Johnstone

Answer 1

“Gertrude suggests that death is a woman’s only means of escaping Denmark’s oppressive court”

Question 2

Janet Adelman on Gertrude’s Role in the Play

Answer 2

“Gertrude’s presence is, however, a special problem for him [Hamlet]—a problem which she creates not by her willful actions but simply by being there, by her very presence in his imagination.”

Question 3

Carolyn Heilbrun on Gertrude’s Strength

Answer 3

“Gertrude is not a weak character but a strong one, a woman who makes independent decisions and is willing to live with the consequences of those decisions.”

Question 4

Rebecca Smith on Gertrude’s Sexuality and Agency

Answer 4

“Gertrude prompts violent physical and emotional reactions from the men in the play… But the traditional depiction of Gertrude is of a woman deeply sensual, and its implications of insensitivity, unconcern, or worse.”