John Updike's 'Gertrude and Claudius' delves into the backstory of Queen Gertrude and Claudius before Shakespeare's 'Hamlet.' The novel reveals their complex relationship, from Gertrude's loveless marriage to King Hamlet to her affair with Claudius. It examines themes of female oppression, autonomy, and the evolution of the Danish revenge tale, providing a new perspective on these classic characters.
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The novel is divided into three parts, each chronicling a different phase in Gertrude's life and her relationships with King Hamlet and Claudius
Name Changes
The characters undergo name changes throughout the narrative, reflecting their personal transformations and the societal changes in Denmark
The novel pays homage to the historical and literary sources that inspired Shakespeare, such as Saxo Grammaticus's "Gesta Danorum" and the works of François de Belleforest
Gertrude is forced into a loveless marriage with Horwendil, later known as King Hamlet
Concealed Love
Claudius must conceal his love for Gertrude, who is married to his brother
Illicit Romance
Claudius's return from exile ignites the secret affair between him and Gertrude
Polonius, referred to as Corambus in the novel, plays a crucial role in the development of Gertrude and Claudius's affair
The novel revisits the origins of the Danish revenge narrative, drawing from historical and literary antecedents that influenced Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
Gertrude's Journey
Gertrude's journey from a passive young girl to a woman who actively pursues her desires illustrates the theme of the oppression of women within a patriarchal society
Seeking Autonomy
Gertrude's affair with Claudius becomes a vehicle for her to express her suppressed individuality and break free from the confines of an unsatisfying marriage
Updike's novel presents an alternate viewpoint on Gertrude and Claudius's relationship, encouraging readers to reevaluate their assumptions about these characters and their actions within the context of Shakespeare's play
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Structure of 'Gertrude and Claudius'
Divided into three parts, each detailing a phase of Gertrude's life and relationships with King Hamlet and Claudius.
01
Character name changes significance
Reflect personal transformations and societal shifts in Denmark; homage to Shakespeare's sources like 'Gesta Danorum'.
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Historical and literary inspirations for Updike
Draws from Saxo Grammaticus's 'Gesta Danorum' and François de Belleforest's works, which also influenced Shakespeare.
