Gertrude’s reaction to the play shows also that she is unaware of Claudius’s guilt. Even though Gertrude is described as being upset after Claudius leaves excitedly, she is anxious more about how Claudius feels than about anyone’s guilt.
Q. When confronted by his mother how does Hamlet justify his actions?
He wants to take vengeance on Claudius, but he has been too heavily guarded. Now in his mother’s closet, to have the King spying on him gives him justification for killing. Killing Polonius sets up Hamlet’s death in Act V, as it gives motivation for Leartes to kill him. Misdirected revenge begets misdirected revenge.
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Q. How does Hamlet make his mother feel guilty during the play?
Polonius quickly hides behind a curtain, planning to eavesdrop on the conversation between mother and son. When Hamlet enters, he’s in such a rage that Gertrude cries for help. Instead of feeling any remorse, Hamlet turns on his mother, attacking her for marrying Claudius so soon after her husband’s death.
Q. Why Hamlet is so angry and hurt by his mother’s actions?
Hamlet feels betrayed and irritated by his mother. He is upset because she married his late father’s brother Claudius. Hamlet thinks that remarriage in such circumstances is unacceptable. Through Hamlet’s disappointment with his mother, his anger is increased towards Claudius.
Q. How is Hamlet cruel to his mother?
Hamlet is tumultuous in his feelings towards his mother. He resents her for marrying Claudius and so soon after King Hamlet’s death. He displays anger with her actions in his treatment of her after the performance of The Mousetrap (“Mother, you have my father much offended”).
Q. How does Hamlet react to Ophelia’s death?
Hamlet reacts as one would expect a boyfriend to react. He is filled with grief and surprise. He does not know when he returns that Ophelia has gone crazy as the result of her father’s death and Hamlet’s bizarre reactions. His astonishment, though, places him in danger.
