Women living in the Elizabethan era, although more liberated than medieval women, still had to do their husband's will and obey at all times. In William Shakespeare's Hamlet, Queen Gertrude begins the play acting like a typical Elizabethan woman. She sits next to her new husband, Claudio, and reiterates every statement he makes. Later in the play, persuaded by Hamlet, Gertrude begins to question her quick remarriage. When she finally learns the truth about Claudius' betrayal, she breaks free from his grasp and warns Hamlet of the poisoned cup. Shakespeare's character, Gertrude, shows emotional growth, from her dependence on Claudius, to questioning her actions, to betraying Claudius in a futile attempt to save her son, Hamlet. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayGertrude begins the show supporting Claudius and backing his every word. As the widow of the deceased king, she possesses more authority than Claudius, but chooses not to exercise it. When the newly crowned Claudius first speaks to Hamlet, he begins by praising him, but then scolds him for mourning the king's death too long. “It is sweet and praiseworthy in thy nature, Hamlet… it is an unmanly sorrow” (1.2.90-98). After Claudius's long speech advising Hamlet to stay in Elsinore, Gertrude adds her thoughts parallel to Claudius' statements. "Let not the mother lose her prayers, Hamlet. / I pray thee, stay with us" (1.2.122-123). Gertrude's actions in the court scene almost mirror those of Claudius. “Gertrude's speech, then, functions as a strengthening of the wife and a clever reshaping of the husband's orders” (Dash 115). Although the Queen rightfully possesses all authority in Elsinore and can do as she pleases, her character acts in a weakly dependent manner on her new king and husband. "At the beginning of the play, he adopts the more dependent role, believing that he can juggle his different functions. Only as the tragedy progresses, does he discover the impossibility of this assumption and move towards a clearer definition of who he is" (Dash 111-112). As the play progresses, Gertrude's character and sense of self grow. In the cupboard scene with Hamlet, the queen learns of Claudius' betrayal. Before telling the truth to his mother, Hamlet verbally attacks her for her quick marriage to Claudius: "O shame, where is thy blush?" (3.4.91). Unable to accept her son's criticism and seeing the error of her ways, Gertrude responds with, "O Hamlet, speak no more! / Thou turnest my eyes into my very soul," (3.4.99-100). The Queen's actions show that her consciousness is growing. When Gertrude discovers that her new husband has deceived her, she begins to form her own opinions (Wright 43). Gertrude no longer acts under her husband's influence. At the conclusion of the wardrobe scene, Hamlet tells her that Claudius may be responsible for her father's death and enlightens her about his plan, telling her of his feigned madness and offering Gertrude a choice. The conflicting loyalties between her new husband and her son create a difficult dilemma for Gertrude: "O Hamlet, thou hast split my heart in two!" (3.4.177). Hamlet asks his mother not to reveal the information he has just learned to Claudius. A natural response for the addicted Gertrude would be to run to her husband and tell him what she has learned; however, the Queen's personality has changed. Gertrude chooses to stand by her son and does not tell Claudio the truth. "The scene marks the beginning of Gertrude's uncertainty towards Claudio. For the first time, she realizes that she must choose between.