Giovanni Robles

Mrs. Jewell

ERWC Period 2

17 March 2022

A Scrutiny of King Claudius - Hamlet

A former antagonist of Hamlet is the formidable King Claudius, who turns the tables of

royalty on late Hamlet's family ruling over Denmark. In the tragedy, 'Hamlet', king Claudius

belittles Prince Hamlet according to his incentive to maintain power of the throne. King

Claudius's Incentive to take rulership of Denmark began one month prior to the death of the true

king, "Late Hamlet", which gave Claudius rulership alongside Queen Gertrude. The aspect of

this new king reveals his appearance to his subjects, his demeanor towards Hamlet, and the

manner where he notes concern for Hamlet's transformative behavior. These pieces of Claudius's

superficiality then become a giveaway to his true motivation, power as a sovereign and rulership.

By his first appearance, Claudius addresses his subjects all of whom will be awaited by

him, expressing his attention to the public and forming credibility. The credibility that Claudius

forms is meant to win the approval of his audience, as his motives are to maintain his dignity and

control over Denmark. Claudius emphasizes in public to his subjects, "yet so far hath discretion

fought with nature/ that we with wisest sorrow think on him/ together with remembrance in

ourselves." (1.2.5-7). When King Claudius addresses his audience, phrases such as 'together with

remembrance to ourselves.' are concluded from a short requiem to late Hamlet's death, as

Claudius quickly changes topic to addressing the subjects. This portrays the motive to keep
Denmark centered on the kingdom ruling. Shakespeare uses this phrase to establish the priorities

of Claudius, within his agenda to convey power alongside and over others.

Claudius later associates with Hamlet to note his grievances over his dead father, met

with the ideals of Claudius. He asserts that Hamlet's grief has subsided his royal duties in taking

care of the kingdom as Prince. In Act 1, Claudius addresses Hamlet, that his sorrow is a

wrongdoing which betrays his responsibility with hostility:

But to persevere

In obstinate condolement is a course

Of impious stubbornness. 'Tis unmanly grief;

If shows a will most incorrect to incorrect. (1.2.95-100)

Despite the need to clarify Hamlet's duties, the way Claudius does so suggest hostility. This

manner of speaking can be drawn from phrases such as 'In obstinate condolement is a course/of

impious stubbornness.' When Claudius proves belittlement to Hamlet, this is done in fear that

Hamlet may become a relative threat to his power and safety. Therefore, Hamlet's decisiveness is

the element which changes future actions, according to Claudius and his will to manipulation.

Manipulative behavior is a key trait written by Shakespeare, which also gives away the key

weakness of Claudius, vulnerability.

The only concern that King Claudius conveys for Hamlet is the fear of him impeding

Claudius's position of the throne. Upon Claudius asserting Hamlet's continuous mourning over

his deceased father, the king realizes that Hamlet's will to disposition will concur once his

depression becomes fuel for malice. Claudius expresses this concern of Hamlet with his minor
associates, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern, citing the prince in private discussion alongside

Queen Gertrude:

Something have you heard

Of Hamlet's transformation, so call it,

Sith nor'th exterior nor the inward man

Resembles that it was. (2.2.4-7)

According to the text, Claudius demonstrates that any minor threats he may come upon are

factors which can lead to his downfall. The suggestive conjecture of the prince comes from

Hamlet's intention to act insane, producing the effect that he still mourns in appearance to

Claudius. Resembling that, the king is yet to hear from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to gather

true evidence of Hamlet's intent. Shakespeare writes Claudius to search for weakness in others,

as Hamlet's decisions are altered due to Claudius's behavior.

The three main factors of Claudius's character include the way he acts toward his

audience, making credibility, his mannerisms toward Hamlet, and the way he decides to handle

him. These pieces contribute to the king, and his fear of losing power. In his mind, Claudius

draws power from the public, and has a will to stay in power by any means necessary. Claudius

will afflict Hamlet's mentality, causing the motivation for Hamlet to end his rule.
 Works Cited

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2012.