Loopholes and Loose Ends (Hamlet Q&A)
As is the norm on my blog, I like to answer a few questions that yâall have either messaged me or that I overlooked when analyzing, so here are a few of my answers to some holes left in my Gertrude-the-Evil-Mastermind theory!
Is Hamlet actually crazy or was he faking it?
Ok I answered this question in my âFalling apart or falling into place?â post, but I think Hamlet started off sane then went insane as time went on. At first he was following along with Gertâs plan to avenge his father, but somewhere along the lines he actually goes crazy because his actions were too frenzied and illogical for me to find a way to justify them in Gertrudeâs master plan.
Did Hamlet love Ophelia or vice-versa?
I believe that Hamlet and Ophelia were in love but Hamletâs love of his family, specifically his father that he idolized, was stronger than this romantic love which is why he ends their relationship. Ophelia is broken hearted because of this and goes crazy then commits suicide out of grief.
If Gertrudeâs plan had worked, what would she have done about Fortinbras?
This question was actually a comment on my last post of the thread and itâs a really good one! In my ideal production, Gertrude would have married Fortinbras when he took over Denmark before eventually killing him off as well, so she could finally rule as the solo queen she was always meant to be.
Is there hope at the end of this play?
This final question is one I like to ask myself at the end of every play I read, and I think for Hamlet, my answer is a mixture of yes and no. While I do not think hope is necessary at the end of this play because I do not see who would be needing the hope as the play doesnât really focus on the people of the kingdom, I think that hope is present at the end because the deaths of the whole royal court show that truth prevails above all. All the members lied or deceived in some way, even Laertes who had a strong moral compass, so their riddance from the world kind of washed the slate clean in a way, so Denmark can start over with a hopefully more honest king (or queen đ!)
Until next time my fellow readers, stay suspicious!
-Detective S






