The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 10.2026  Friday, 19 November 1999.

[1]     From:   Sean Lawrence <
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        Date:   Wednesday, 17 Nov 1999 09:42:44 -0800
        Subj:   Re: SHK 10.2017 Re: Gertrude

[2]     From:   Anne Lounsbury <
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        Date:   Wednesday, 17 Nov 1999 13:16:05 EST
        Subj:   Re: SHK 10.2017 Re: Gertrude


[1]-----------------------------------------------------------------
From:           Sean Lawrence <
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Date:           Wednesday, 17 Nov 1999 09:42:44 -0800
Subject: 10.2017 Re: Gertrude
Comment:        Re: SHK 10.2017 Re: Gertrude

>As to Claudius' words: "Let's follow, Gertrude. How much I had to do to
>calm his rage. Now fear I this will give it start again. Therefore let's
>follow" seem to be addressed to a reliable accomplice; and there is no
>indication in the play that Gertrude does no longer share her husband's
>fears (though on stage, at this point, some actors and directors show
>that there is a split between the two).

It would also indicate that if Gertrude's speech was to all a conspiracy
to calm Laertes's rage, it's the most disastrously unsuccessful piece of
Machiavellianism in the canon.

Cheers,
Se