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Replies | Post Reply | Shakespeare Queries & Replies From Everyone Else 3.15.97: Top | Help
awfully black and white today, aren't we? WHAT IF Hamlet WAS the first choice of an electoral body to succeed his father, but Claudius jumped in and took over before Hamlet could get back from Wittenburg, thereby showing himself to be a capable successor? WHAT IF he augmented his actions by suggesting that Hamlet was too young or perhaps, not quite mentally stable enough to be king just yet and needed a few more years to grow up?On the other hand, WHAT IF the line was matrilineal? Then Gertrude would rule Denmark and whoever she is married to becomes king. If she doesn't remarry, then Hamlet is king.
If the line is patrilineal, then Hamlet is still king because he is the eldest son of the previous king. If Denmark is a patriarchy then Claudius is not an eldest son - Hamlet the elder is the eldest son and so Claudius has no real claim to the throne.
Anyway. I think that any interpretation of the characters and relationship of Hamlet and Claudius is in some way dependant on how one chooses to answer the succession question.
Your response assumes that if Hamlet were the rightful king, he would be on the throne. Where's the drama and mystery in that?
Posted by Lillith on March 31, 1997 at 07:23:20
In Reply to "Hamlet King?-Never!" posted by J.H.P. on March 31, 1997 at 06:34:07
Replies | Post Reply | Shakespeare Queries & Replies From Everyone Else 3.15.97: Top | Help