Psychologically, marrying Claudius allows Gertrude to avoid facing her grief at the tremendous loss that she has suffered. There was also a tradition, sanction by the Bible, by which a surviving brother would take up the wife of a deceased brother. Marrying Claudius allows Gertrude to retain her status as queen of Denmark. In the Middle Ages an aristocratic lady whose husband has died, even a queen, would suffer a substantial loss of status. Note that Gertrude had many reasons to marry the new king. She allows herself to be taken up by a new husband and involved in a new relationship. Gertrude, the Queen, does not express her grief at the loss of her husband through normal mourning. By comparing what happens to each of them, we can discover at least some of what Shakespeare is trying to tell us in this play. “Hamlet” shows what the loss of a loved one does to four different people. All of the aunts and uncles, grandmothers and grandfathers can participate. This would be especially fun at family gatherings. See the Bridges to Reading section for a list of scenes that would be interesting. If your child gets into it, go over as many of the Discussion Questions as you can.Īnother idea for families with a literary bent is to read scenes from the play together. There is a reason why this play is the most famous in the English language. After the movie, ask and help your child to answer the Quick Discussion Questions.
The Helpful Background section offers a concise interpretation of the play which is relevant to many teenagers. Before watching the movie, set the scenefor your child and tell him or her about the law of unintended consequences (whether or not what you do has the effect you intend, it will have consequences that you don’t expect – and therefore don’t intend - which may not be desirable). It is appropriate to see the film prior to reading the play or while it is being read, as long as watching the movie does not serve as a substitute for reading. Most high school students read this play and the film helps them access the language and understand the themes.
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