Although Hamlet is unsure of the ghosts reality he manages to be persuaded against his mother, whereas with Claudius Hamlet is uncertain which leads him to his antic disposition. These attitudes towards Gertrude show his discomfort towards her into wishing, 'she had not borne' him. The ghost tries to convince Hamlet by questioning, 'If thou didst ever love thy dear father'. Gertrude is thought to have led Claudius on with her sexuality allowing him, 'to seduce' her. She is being criticised only for having had lust lead her away. It is apparent that any women who would fall in love would be discarded as a wretch; although this case may be different the same message is being made. The fact that it was 'incestuous' suggests something forbidden and abnormal is taking place but the ghost may only be implying this through his anger at Gertrude. The ghost would r

ather Hamlet, 'don't go against thy mother'; yet the, 'thorns that prick' is left as a better option. This similar method of pain is also mentioned between Laertes and Ophelia's conversation, she views his forceful commands as showing her the, 'thorny way to heaven'. Ophelia warns her brother not to treat her this way, 'as some ungracious pastors do'.

Hamlet feels he can confide in his mother about his enemies the, 'schoolfellows'. Critic Rebecca Smith believes that, 'she blames herself for Hamlet's madness, and believes she is being punished for her incestuous marriage', and depriving Hamlet of the crown has made him mad. This can support the reasons for her kindness to Hamlet hence her polite behaviour, despite everyone else's attitude towards him.

In the closet scene Polonius hides himself in Gertrude's bedroom, which is followed by his intrusive instructions for her to, 'tell him his pranks have been too broad to bear'. Gertrude finds herself caught up in trouble with Hamlet tugging at her in all directions, she must, 'not budge' according to Hamlet. Hardly unexpectedly Queen Gertrude is aware of the mistreatment of women compared with men; she never doubts this behaviour even from her own son. The closet scene in Zeffirelli's film version sees Gertrude being tackled by Hamlet on her bed in very sexual like positions, which could suggest Hamlet's Oedipal tendencies.

When the Ghost arrives Gertrude, the less able female does not have the ability to see it. It could be implied that she is weak and would possibly not understand. The effect of the ghost's presence makes Hamlet modify his rage and behave with more politeness. If the ghost had not been there Hamlet might have gone to extremes, this could be his inability to control his feelings, which is the cause for his feelings towards the women.

Gertrude's sexuality is invaded by Hamlet and she accepts this repression by only answering in small sentences. It seems that she is forbidden to, 'love' at her age as, 'the hey-day in the blood is tame'. Many critics including Karen Thompson have said it is because Gertrude has played a part in her late husbands murder because of the sexual relationship described by the ghost as, 'adulterate'. It seems little to do with her age as Ophelia has also been criticized for her behaviour. Hamlet sounds as if he is using her age as an excuse for blaming women in general for their sexual conduct.

The play shows various negative attitudes held towards the women. Both are discarded as objects, which the male counterparts dominate and control. Although many critics believe Hamlet may be protecting them at certain stages his ac

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1781
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)