Shakespeare Electronic Conference, Vol. 4, No. 736. Tuesday, 9 November 1993.
(1) From: James Schiffer <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date: Monday, 8 Nov 1993 14:31:17 -0500 (EST)
Subj: RE: SHK 4.0723 Re: Gertrude
(2) From: Kenneth S. Rothwell <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date: Monday, 8 Nov 1993 15:15:08 -500 (EST)
Subj: Re: SHK 4.0730 Re: Gertrude
(1)----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: James Schiffer <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date: Monday, 8 Nov 1993 14:31:17 -0500 (EST)
Subject: 4.0723 Re: Gertrude
Comment: RE: SHK 4.0723 Re: Gertrude
1. What about the possibility that Gertrude was guilty of adultery (before the
death of Hamlet, Sr., obviously)? I have always assumed this is the Ghost's
implication when he says,
Ay, that incestuous, that ADULTERATE beast,
With witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts--
O wicked wit and gifts, that have the power
So to seduce!--won to his shameful lust
The will of my MOST SEEMING VIRTUOUS QUUEEN.
I understand that Gertrude & Claudius would be considered incestuous even after
King Hamlet has died, but would they also be considered adulterous after
Hamlet, Sr., is dead?
2. Before condemning Gertrude as a "cow," we should at least acknowledge that
she keeps her word to Hamlet and does not reveal to Claudius that her son is
"essentially . . . not in madnesss,/But mad in craft." This fact might also
support the argument that before 3.4, Gertrude has no knowledge of the murder.
James Schiffer
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From: Kenneth S. Rothwell <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date: Monday, 8 Nov 1993 15:15:08 -500 (EST)
Subject: 4.0730 Re: Gertrude
Comment: Re: SHK 4.0730 Re: Gertrude
Dear Ronald, If anyone ever agreed with me I'd fall over in shock.
Gertrude may be a "cow," as you put it, but she's a beautiful cow. Good to
hear from you. Ken Rothwell