Hamlet: The Hate-Hate Relationship with Claudius

The power-relationship between Hamlet and his Uncle/Step-father, Claudius, is created in Act I of Hamlet through a very brief interaction of the two, but mainly through Hamlet’s monologues and his discussion with the Ghost. The reader (or viewer) does not gain much from the conversation between them except that Claudius is rather unfeeling for his brother’s demise and Hamlet’s right to mourn. Apparently it is “unmanly” for him to “persevere in obstinate condolement [which] is a course of impious stubbornness,” (92-94). Hamlet has an “unfortified heart” according to his uncle (96). So, it must be that being cold-hearted and unfeeling are good qualities of a king and/ or queen. Claudius does continue to confess his love for Hamlet, that he is like a son. One quote that stands out is right after Claudius calls Hamlet “my cousin…and my son,” (64) and Hamlet replies, “A little more than kin, and less than kind,” (65). Hamlet’s animosity, or annoyance is rather evident is this first interaction between them when the reader may tentatively gauge their relationship. Hamlet is saying that they are close by blood but not that close. Almost no one easily accepts a new father and this strain is emphasized here without any specific reason except that he is his father’s brother.

It is only when Hamlet is left alone with his thoughts that the true import behind this conversation comes to light. At first, it is unclear how long it has been since the “old king” passed, but then, as Hamlet explains, it has been only two months since and it was only ONE month after that his mother married his uncle. It puts Claudius in rather smug and undeceiving light and lays down some suspicion. This only increases throughout the talk with the Ghost, which claims to be the old king and the recently murdered victim of Claudius. So, on one hand, we have a princely youth, victor over Fortinbras, wooer of Ophelia, mourner of his father, an all-around young and righteous Hamlet. And on the other there is a lecherous, self-gratifying, fratricidal false king. The struggle for the thrown has begun. Which contender will be the winner?

I have only one question: what if the ghost was lying?
This whole story may hinge on a “what-if?”.