Gertrude and Claudius: A Prequel to Hamlet

Exploring the Origins of Gertrude and Claudius in Updike's Novel

John Updike's novel "Gertrude and Claudius" provides a prelude to William Shakespeare's renowned tragedy "Hamlet," by imagining the lives of the queen and her eventual husband before the events of the play. Updike's work is structured into three distinct parts, each chronicling a different phase in Gertrude's life and her relationships with King Hamlet and Claudius. The characters undergo name changes throughout the narrative, reflecting their personal transformations and the broader societal changes in Denmark. This literary device also 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.

Character Dynamics and Development in "Gertrude and Claudius"

Updike's narrative begins with Gertrude as a young woman, initially named Gerutha, who is compelled into a marriage with Horwendil, later known as King Hamlet. Despite her noble status, Gertrude finds herself in a loveless marriage, feeling emotionally distant from her husband and her son, Prince Hamlet. Claudius, who starts as Feng, is portrayed as a man tormented by his love for Gertrude, which he must conceal. His return from exile ignites the illicit romance between them. The character of Polonius, referred to as Corambus in the novel, is instrumental in the development of Gertrude and Claudius's secret affair.

The Evolution of the Danish Revenge Tale

"Gertrude and Claudius" revisits the origins of the Danish revenge narrative, drawing from the historical and literary antecedents that influenced Shakespeare's "Hamlet." The novel's first part, set against the backdrop of a harsh Viking era, depicts Gertrude's constrained existence as she enters into marriage with Horwendil. The second part, which echoes Belleforest's narratives, witnesses a more sophisticated Denmark and a more assertive Gertrude, who begins her affair with Fengon, who will become Claudius. The final part of the novel closely parallels the setting of Shakespeare's play, with fully realized character identities and a Denmark that has transitioned to Christian ethics and governance.

The Reimagined Relationship of Gertrude and Claudius

In "Gertrude and Claudius," Updike reinterprets the titular characters with a more empathetic lens than Shakespeare's "Hamlet" might suggest. Gertrude is seen as a woman seeking to rediscover her identity and agency, having felt marginalized within her own family. Her affair with Claudius is an act of seeking emotional connection and intimacy. Claudius is motivated by love, not mere ambition, and his act of killing King Hamlet is presented as a defensive measure to safeguard his relationship with Gertrude. The novel also explores Claudius's efforts to form a bond with Prince Hamlet and prepare him for future kingship, contrasting with the adversarial dynamic shown in Shakespeare's original tragedy.

Themes of Female Oppression and Autonomy

A prominent theme in "Gertrude and Claudius" is the oppression of women within a patriarchal society and their quest for autonomy. Gertrude's journey from a passive young girl to a woman who actively pursues her desires illustrates this theme. The novel underscores Gertrude's longing for a life of significance beyond the restrictive roles dictated by her society. Her liaison with Claudius becomes a vehicle for her to express her suppressed individuality and to break free from the confines of an unsatisfying marriage.

Connecting "Gertrude and Claudius" to "Hamlet"

"Gertrude and Claudius" culminates at the juncture where Shakespeare's "Hamlet" commences, offering a nuanced backdrop to the play's subsequent events. Updike's novel enriches the reader's comprehension of Gertrude's motives and the intricacies of her character, which are only partially explored in "Hamlet." By presenting an alternate viewpoint on Gertrude and Claudius's relationship, Updike encourages readers to reevaluate their assumptions about these characters and the nature of their actions within the context of Shakespeare's play.