Women living in the Elizabethan era, although more liberated than medieval women, were still expected to do their husband's will and obey him 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, Claudius, and repeats each of his statements. Later in the play, persuaded by Hamlet, Gertrude begins to question her rapid remarriage. As she finally learns the truth about Claudius' betrayal, she breaks free from his grip and warns Hamlet of the poisoned cup. Shakespeare's character, Gertrude, shows emotional growth, from her dependence on Claudius, to questioning her actions, to her betrayal of Claudius in a vain attempt to save her son, Hamlet . Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayGertrude begins the play by supporting Claudius and confirming his every word. As the widow of the deceased king, she possesses more authority than Claudius, but she chooses not to exercise that authority. As the newly crowned Claudius first addresses Hamlet, he first congratulates him, then chastises him for mourning the king's death for too long. “'Tis sweet and praiseworthy in thy nature, Hamlet... 'Tis an unmanly sorrow” (1.2.90-98). After Claudius' long speech advising Hamlet to stay in Elsinore, Gertrude adds her thoughts alongside Claudius' statements. “Let their mother not lose her prayers, Hamlet. / Please stay with us” (1.2.122-123). Gertrude's actions in the legal arena almost mirror those of Claudius. “Gertrude’s speech therefore functions as a strengthening of the woman and a skillful recasting of her husband’s orders” (Dash 115). Although the queen rightly possesses all authority in Elsinore and can do whatever she wants, her character acts weak and dependent on her new king and husband. "At the beginning of the play, she adopts the more dependent role, believing she can juggle her several functions. It is only as the tragedy progresses that she discovers the impossibility of this hypothesis and moves towards a definition clearer of who she is" (Dash 111- 112).As the play progresses, Gertrude's character and sense of self grow. In the closet scene with Hamlet, the queen learns of Claudius' betrayal. Before telling his mother the truth, Hamlet verbally attacks her for her quick remarriage to Claudius: “O shame, where is your blush? (3.4.91). Unable to accept her son's criticism and seeing the error of his ways, Gertrude responds, "O Hamlet, speak no more!/You turn my eyes to my soul" (3.4.99-100). The Queen's actions show that her conscience is growing. As Gertrude learns that her new husband has been cheating on her, she begins to form her own opinions (Wright 43). Gertrude no longer acts under the influence of her husband. At the end of the closet scene, Hamlet tells her that Claudius might be responsible for her father's death and enlightens her about his plan, telling her of his supposed madness and offering Gertrude a choice. The conflicting loyalties between her new husband and son create a difficult dilemma for Gertrude: “O Hamlet, you have split my heart in two! (3.4.177). Hamlet asks his mother not to tell Claudius the information she has just learned. A natural response for the dependent Gertrude would be to run to her husband and tell him what she has learned; however, the queen's personality changed. Gertrude chooses to stay by her son's side and does not tell Claudius the truth. "This scene marks the beginning..