Close Reading of King Claudius

        In act I of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, King Claudius announces that he has not only succeeded the throne of King Hamlet following his untimely death, but has also married his wife, Gertrude. Hamlet, the son of the late King, still mourns his father’s death and is disappointed with his mother’s decision to marry his uncle less than two months following his father’s death. The King asks Hamlet, “ How is it that the clouds still hang on you?” King Claudius does not believe that Hamlet should still be mourning his father’s death after two months. The Queen echoes these concerns and does not believe her son should still be wearing black clothing reflective of those in mourning. Hamlet declares that his black clothing are not able to even capture the true extent of his sadness. Although Claudius finds Hamlet’s deep mourning as “sweet” and “commendable,” he reprimands Hamlet for his continued mourning. Claudius says it is natural for a son to lose his father, as that is what occurs with every generation. He tells Hamlet to understand that some amount of dutiful mourning is appropriate, but to dwell on it in “obstinate condolement” is a sign of stubbornness and is unmanly. Claudius believes that it is unnatural and irrational to mourn one’s death for so long. To do so is, “a fault to heaven, a fault against the dead, a fault to nature.” He commands Hamlet to immediately stop his mourning and think of him as a father. He says after all, “you are the most immediate to our throne.” This is ironic because, in reality, Hamlet should have succeeded his father in becoming King of Denmark. He tells Hamlet that he has a high degree of love for him, similar to that “which dearest father bears his son.”  In addition, he asks that Hamlet not return to school in Wittenberg because it is contrary to their desires. He refers to him as his son and is happy that Hamlet obeys his request to stay in Denmark. He tells him that he is going to have a celebration with drinks and cannons.