What does this passage indicate about Gertrude?
In this speech, Gertrude shows that she is more interested in flirting with Guildenstern and Rosencrantz than in helping Hamlet.
The way that Gertrude orders people around in this speech shows that she is primarily interested in flexing her power.
Gertrude’s dialogue shows her sense of urgency and desperation, proving that she is truly worried about Hamlet.
Gertrude: Thanks, Guildenstern and gentle Rosencrantz;
And I beseech you instantly to visit
My too much changed son. Go, some of you,
And bring these gentlemen where Hamlet is. With this dialogue, Gertrude shows that she is reluctant to trust Guildenstern and Rosencrantz but feels she has no other choice.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is: Gertrude’s dialogue shows her sense of urgency and desperation, proving that she is truly worried about Hamlet.
Explanation:
In this passage, Gertrude’s speech reveals several key aspects of her character, particularly her concern for her son, Hamlet. When Gertrude addresses Guildenstern and Rosencrantz, she uses polite language and requests their immediate attention to Hamlet, saying, “I beseech you instantly to visit / My too much changed son.” This shows a genuine sense of urgency and worry, indicating that Gertrude is deeply troubled by Hamlet’s behavior, which she refers to as “too much changed.” The phrase “too much changed” hints at the distressing transformation she perceives in Hamlet, and her plea for immediate action further emphasizes her anxiety.
Unlike some interpretations that suggest Gertrude is preoccupied with other interests, this dialogue highlights her role as a concerned mother. The way she orders people around, such as telling them to “Go, some of you,” suggests a need to act quickly and decisively to address Hamlet’s state of mind. While it is true that Gertrude holds a position of power as queen, this command is not used to flex power for personal gain but rather to ensure that Hamlet receives the attention he needs.
Moreover, Gertrude’s dialogue does not show reluctance toward Guildenstern and Rosencrantz specifically, as implied in the alternative explanation. Instead, she seems to be relying on them out of necessity, indicating her lack of options in the situation. She is not focused on their ability to influence Hamlet in the long term but simply on getting help for her son in his troubled state. This reinforces the idea that Gertrude’s primary concern in this moment is Hamlet’s well-being, demonstrating her urgent desire to alleviate his apparent distress.