Family relationships Quotes and analysis

“Relocating masculine identity in the presence of the adultering female”

“Relocating masculine identity in the presence of the adultering female”

Critique by Adelman, about Gertrude’s odd position in the play and the degree that she is complicit in the murder.

“Awakening all the fears incident to the primary mother-child bond”

Critique by Adelman

“The loss of the father turns out in fact to mean the psychic domination of the mother”

Critique by Adeklman

“So excellent. aking, that was to this / Hyperion to a satyr; so loving to my mother / That he might not beteem the winds of heaven / Visit her face too roughly”

Hamlets deep admiration for his father as well as his idealised picture of his parents marriage. Hamlet contrasts his father, as this deal king to Claudius someone who is morally corrupt. Hamlet suggests this loss of an ideal picturesque family, which underpin his emotions for revenge throughout the play.

“Frailty thy name is woman!”

Hamlet’s profound disappointment in his mother, Gertrude, for her remarriage to his uncle. Encapsulating the sense of betrayal and broader condemnation of women, stemming from his mother’s actions. Gertrude’s relationship with Claudius disrupts Hamlet’s view of his ideal family, that has integrity and loyalty.

“A little more than kin, and less than kind”

Hamlet’s response to Claudius greeting him as “son” highlighting their strained relationship. the play on words of “kin” then”kind” suggests that despite them being relatives there is no familial affection.

“I do not know my lord what should I think”

Ophelia’s response to Polonius when he questions her about Hamlet. Polonius’s guidance to Ophelia displays a controlling aspect to his character, shaping ophelia’s actions and illustrating the restricitive familial expectations placed upon her.