In the play Hamlet the dialogue moves the characters and the play. The dialogue gives the reader or audience member of a play insight into the characters persona. In Hamlet the characters develop throughout the play. One character in particular that shows to be very complex in Claudius.
In the beginning of the play we learn that Claudius is the brother of the late king Hamlet. In Claudius' opening lines the audience would be lead to believe that Claudius is a caring brother. In the first few lines Claudius speaks of grief and sorrow for the thoughts of his dead brother. Claudius then goes on to remark of the joy he now feels because of his marriage to his former sister; his dead brother's wife. This contrast of sorrow for a lost one and joy for marrying the former sister makes me change my mind on the sincere ness of his sorrow. The idea of marrying your former sister in law leads me to believe that Claudius could have ulterior motives in the play.
Claudius continues to portray different facets of his personality when he converses with Hamlet for the first time. Claudius seems concerned for Hamlet's feeling of mourning for his father's death. However Claudius does tell him that "obstinate condolement is a course of impious stubbornness." What Claudius was saying in more simple terms is that is foolish for Hamlet to mourn his father for so long. This leads me as a reader to believe that Claudius is looking down upon Hamlet.
In Act II, scene ii, Claudius brings in two of Hamlet's old friends in order to try and find out what is troubling Hamlet. Once again Claudius is shown to be a concerned person. I for one don't think his motives for concern are pure.
Claudius once again shows interest in Hamlet when he speaks with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Claudius and Gertrude both ask if they were able to discern Hamlet's issues. The two were unable to find the reason but were instructed to invite the king and queen to a play at Hamlet's...