Hamlet's Graveyard Scene: Why Gertrude Thinks He's Mad

Let's dive into one of the most iconic scenes in Shakespeare's Hamlet: the graveyard scene. Specifically, we're going to unpack Queen Gertrude's perspective on Hamlet's behavior during Ophelia's funeral. Why does she think he's causing such a fuss? Was it genuine grief, or something more sinister feeding into her perception?

Queen Gertrude's View on Hamlet's Graveyard Outburst

Queen Gertrude, Hamlet's mother, has a front-row seat to the unfolding drama at Ophelia's funeral. When Hamlet leaps into Ophelia's grave and proclaims his love for her, Gertrude's reaction isn't one of sympathy or understanding. Instead, she interprets his actions as further evidence of his deepening madness. This interpretation is crucial because it highlights Gertrude's evolving understanding of her son's mental state and her attempts to reconcile his behavior with the political and social realities of the court.

From Gertrude's perspective, Hamlet's behavior has been erratic and unsettling for quite some time. The death of his father, the hasty marriage of Gertrude to Claudius, and the ghost's revelation have all contributed to Hamlet's disturbed state. She has witnessed his soliloquies, his abrupt mood swings, and his harsh treatment of Ophelia. While she may have initially attributed some of his actions to grief, the intensity and persistence of his behavior have led her to believe that he is genuinely losing his mind. The graveyard scene, with its theatrical display of emotion, simply reinforces this belief. Gertrude likely sees Hamlet's actions as being over the top, inappropriate for the solemnity of the occasion, and further proof of his unstable mental state. She is concerned about the implications of his madness, not only for his well-being but also for the stability of the kingdom. A mad prince is a threat to the established order, and Gertrude, as queen, has a vested interest in maintaining that order. So, when Hamlet starts ranting and wrestling with Laertes in the grave, Gertrude probably thinks, "Oh boy, here we go again! This is just more proof that my son is completely off the rails!" She is likely embarrassed by the spectacle and worried about how it will be perceived by the other members of the court. It's important to remember that Gertrude is constantly navigating a complex web of political intrigue and personal relationships. She is trying to protect her son, maintain her position, and appease her husband, all while dealing with her own guilt and grief. Hamlet's behavior in the graveyard only adds to her stress and complicates her already challenging situation.

Is It Grief or Madness?

Now, let's consider the alternative: Could Gertrude believe that Hamlet's outburst stems from genuine grief over Ophelia's death? While it's possible, the play suggests that Gertrude is more inclined to see his actions as a manifestation of his madness. Several factors contribute to this interpretation. First, Hamlet's behavior towards Ophelia throughout the play has been ambiguous and often cruel. He has professed his love for her, but he has also rejected her and told her to go to a nunnery. This inconsistent behavior makes it difficult for Gertrude (and the audience) to discern the true depth of his feelings for Ophelia. Second, Hamlet's grief over his father's death has been a recurring theme in the play. He has been consumed by mourning and a desire for revenge, which has led to a general sense of instability. Gertrude may see his outburst at Ophelia's funeral as simply another manifestation of this underlying grief and madness. Finally, Gertrude's own actions and motivations are complex and often driven by a desire for self-preservation. She may be unwilling to acknowledge the depth of Hamlet's grief because it would force her to confront her own role in his suffering. By attributing his behavior to madness, she can distance herself from the emotional consequences of his actions. However, the question remains: is Gertrude completely wrong? Is Hamlet's grief genuine, or is it merely a performance fueled by his madness? The beauty of Shakespeare is that he leaves room for interpretation. We, as the audience, are left to grapple with the complexities of human emotion and motivation.

Gertrude's Love for Hamlet and Ophelia

It's also worth noting that Gertrude does express genuine affection for both Hamlet and Ophelia throughout the play. She cares for her son's well-being, even if she doesn't always understand him. And she shows compassion for Ophelia, particularly after Polonius's death. Her line, "I hoped thou shouldst have been my Hamlet's wife," reveals her genuine desire for Ophelia to be part of their family. This adds another layer to her perception of Hamlet's graveyard antics. She may recognize a kernel of truth in his proclaimed love for Ophelia, even as she dismisses the rest as madness. She saw the potential for happiness between them, a potential that has now been tragically extinguished. There's a profound sadness in recognizing what could have been, and Gertrude, like any mother, would likely feel that loss deeply. However, Gertrude is also a pragmatist. She understands the political realities of the court and the need for stability. She cannot afford to indulge in sentimentality or allow her emotions to cloud her judgment. Therefore, she chooses to interpret Hamlet's behavior in a way that is most consistent with her own self-preservation and the preservation of the kingdom. In conclusion, Gertrude's view of Hamlet's actions in the graveyard is multifaceted. She likely sees a combination of genuine emotion, theatrical display, and underlying madness. Her interpretation is shaped by her own experiences, her understanding of Hamlet's character, and her role as queen. While she may recognize a glimmer of truth in his proclaimed love for Ophelia, she ultimately dismisses his behavior as a sign of his deteriorating mental state. This interpretation allows her to maintain a sense of control in a chaotic situation and to protect herself from the emotional consequences of Hamlet's actions.

The Broader Context of Hamlet's Madness

To fully understand Gertrude's perspective, it's important to consider the broader context of Hamlet's perceived madness within the play. Is Hamlet truly mad, or is he feigning madness as a way to investigate his father's death and plot his revenge? This is one of the central questions of the play, and there is no easy answer. Some critics argue that Hamlet's madness is genuine, brought on by the trauma of his father's death, his mother's hasty marriage, and the ghost's revelation. They point to his erratic behavior, his soliloquies filled with existential angst, and his harsh treatment of Ophelia as evidence of his mental instability. Others argue that Hamlet is merely pretending to be mad in order to deceive Claudius and his court. They point to his moments of lucidity, his carefully planned schemes, and his ability to manipulate those around him as evidence of his calculated behavior. Ultimately, the question of Hamlet's madness is left open to interpretation. Shakespeare provides enough evidence to support both arguments, leaving the audience to decide for themselves. However, regardless of whether Hamlet is truly mad or merely feigning madness, the perception of his madness has significant consequences for the other characters in the play. Gertrude, Claudius, Polonius, and Ophelia all react to Hamlet's behavior in different ways, and their reactions shape the course of the play. Gertrude's belief that Hamlet is mad, for example, leads her to try to protect him and the kingdom from the consequences of his actions. She attempts to appease Claudius and maintain a sense of normalcy, even as she worries about her son's mental state. This ultimately contributes to the tragic events that unfold. In essence, the perception of Hamlet's madness becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more that the other characters believe that he is mad, the more his behavior reinforces that belief, and the more likely he is to act in ways that are truly destructive. The graveyard scene is a pivotal moment in this process, as it solidifies Gertrude's belief in Hamlet's madness and sets the stage for the final act of the play.

So, the next time you read or watch Hamlet, pay close attention to Gertrude's reaction in the graveyard scene. Her perspective provides valuable insight into the complexities of the play and the characters within it. Is she a loving mother trying to protect her son, or a queen trying to maintain her power? Or perhaps, she's a little bit of both, just like the rest of us. What do you think, guys? Was Hamlet truly mad, or was he just putting on an act?