Claudius: Politics vs Immorality

Throughout Hamlet, Claudius is revealed to be a malevolent person at heart; however, this does not reflect that of Claudius’ role as King of Denmark. Claudius reveals his immorality through his personal actions, such as the murder of Old Hamlet, his marriage to Gertrude, and manipulative speech; however, in dealing with politics, his leadership ability and effectiveness as a king overshadows his ethical flaws. Claudius is inserted into Hamlet as a malevolent character, as demonstrated by his murder of Old Hamlet, his attempt to murder Hamlet, and other plots to protect himself from the “slings and arrows” of his sinful life (3.1.57). Upon meeting with Hamlet privately, Old Hamlet’s ghost angrily states, “Ay, that incestuous, that adulterate beast, with witchcraft of his wits, with traitorous gifts” (1.5.42-3). Old Hamlet’s ghost sums up the prevalent characteristics that describe Claudius to be an immoral person, such as being an “incestuous beast.” Revealed here is the fact that Claudius won Gertrude’s affection through his clever words and fancy gifts. While speaking to his father’s ghost, Hamlet also discovers that “the serpent that did sting thy father’s life now wears his crown” (1.5.38-9). From the very beginning of Hamlet, Claudius is already perceived to be a bad person due to the fact that he murdered his own brother to take over the crown of Denmark, but that is not the only reason. In Claudius’ eloquent speech to his subjects, he states that “our sometime sister, now our Queen [has] taken to wife” in “your better wisdoms” (1.2.8-15). Claudius does not only murder his brother, but he also marries his sister-in-law, which defines an incestuous relationship. However, to avoid the judgmental glares of the council, he speaks meticulously, mourning the loss of Old Hamlet before discussing the matters at hand, such as his marriage to Gertrude. Claudius illustrates his affection for the deceased Hamlet, then expresses his political concern for