There are several different readings of the relationships between the characters in this play. They are all unique relationships in their own way; they are all slightly dysfunctional. The relationships between the characters show a lot about their individual personalities and can help the audience to identify with the characters and how they are feeling emotionally. Hamlet’s feelings are the most explored in the play, being the main character. Although they are the most frequently delved into they are the hardest to determine and talk about. Hamlet really only has one close relationship in the play and that is with his best friend and advisor Horatio. Most of the relationships in Hamlet aren’t good ones and are all a bit strained at times, especially between Gertrude and Hamlet as he feels let down and disgusted by her marrying his uncle so soon after his father’s murder.
The relationship between Gertrude and Claudius was seen as strong and loving by the majority of people in the play. Claudius’s court certainly believed that, as he was such a strong leader and had them under his thumb. However, the audience and Hamlet can see that the relationship is purely superficial on Claudius’s part as a strategic move to win the throne from Hamlet after his father’s death. Gertrude doesn’t seem to love Claudius anywhere near as much as she loved the late king. She can also see that her ‘o’erhasty marriage’ has upset Hamlet and thinks that is has caused his so-called ‘lunacy’. Gertrude loves her son deeply and Claudius can see this so he uses her love for Hamlet to get her to love him. In front of her he acts as though he also cares for Hamlet and wants the best for him, he pretends he has affection for him. In Act 1 Scene 2 Shakespeare shows Claudius to be the arrogant and powerful man he is in the court and then how powerful his words and influences are over Gertrude. In the presence of Gertrude, Claudius calls Hamlet ‘my cousin, and my son’ (1.2.64) To the audience...