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Replies | Post Reply | Shakespeare Queries & Replies From Everyone Else 3.15.97: Top | Help
I read someplace that historically Denmark was matrilinear at the time, though S almost certainly would not have known it. That, if true, would explain the historical equivalent-of-Claudius's actions, in that marrying Gertrude would be necessary to get the throne. S does seem to see it as an elective monarchy (c.f. Claudius's first speech and Hamlet's "between the election and my hopes." What isn't certain is your guess that Claudius stole the election: in a fair contest, not knowing he was a murderer, he could legitimately have been chosen over Hamlet. One of the most interesting touches to the play is that S makes clear Claudius IS good at the job of being king, while suggesting that Hamlet might not have been.Posted by Hamlet on March 29, 1997 at 12:09:11
In Reply to "Rightful King" posted by Lillith on March 29, 1997 at 07:32:40
Replies | Post Reply | Shakespeare Queries & Replies From Everyone Else 3.15.97: Top | Help