A Journey Into Shakespeare: “Gertrude and Claudius” by John Updike

John Updike‘s “Gertrude and Claudius” embarks on a daring literary endeavor, aiming to unfurl the mysterious backstory of two pivotal characters from Shakespeare‘s renowned tragedy, “Hamlet.” In this sprawling narrative, Updike intricately weaves together elements of romance, politics, and human ambition, inviting readers to traverse the tumultuous landscape of Elsinore and witness the genesis of one of literature’s most enduring dramas.

At the heart of “Gertrude and Claudius” lies a bold premise – to excavate the hidden depths of Gertrude and Claudius’s lives before the events of “Hamlet” transpire. Transporting readers back to the Danish court of Elsinore, Updike constructs a vivid tableau of intrigue and ambition, where power struggles and personal desires intertwine against the backdrop of a kingdom on the brink of upheaval.

Character Portrayals: Breathing Life into Shakespeare’s Creations

One striking feature of the novel is its nuanced portrayal of Gertrude and Claudius. Updike’s protagonists are complex and multi-faceted. They each grapple with inner demons and external pressures.

Gertrude: Updike’s Gertrude defies traditional stereotypes. She transcends her depiction as a passive pawn in “Hamlet.” Instead, she emerges as a woman of agency and ambition. She navigates court politics with steely resolve, tempered by vulnerability and longing.

Claudius: Similarly, Updike offers a fresh perspective on Claudius. He complicates our understanding of Claudius as a one-dimensional villain. Ambitious yet tormented by insecurities, Claudius becomes a tragic figure. He is ensnared in a web of his own making, torn between power and redemption.

Themes Explored: Love, Power, and Betrayal

“Gertrude and Claudius” delves into themes that resonate deeply. It offers a lens to examine the complexities of human relationships and motivations.

Love: At its core, the novel meditates on love in all its forms. Through Gertrude and Claudius’s tumultuous romance, Updike explores the depths of human desire. He examines the sacrifices we make in pursuit of love.

Power: Set against Elsinore’s court intrigue, the novel confronts the corrupting influence of power. Ambition drives characters to desperate acts. It blurs the lines between right and wrong as they vie for control of the kingdom and their destinies.

Betrayal: Betrayal looms large in “Hamlet,” and Updike explores its origins with gripping intensity. Alliances shift and secrets unravel. Characters confront the consequences of their actions. They grapple with guilt and remorse in the wake of betrayal.

Narrative Style in “Gertrude and Claudius”: A Tapestry of Language and Imagery

Updike’s prose is nothing short of masterful, weaving a rich tapestry of language and imagery that transports readers to the heart of Elsinore. From the opulent halls of the castle to the windswept shores of Denmark, the novel brims with sensory detail, immersing readers in its vividly realized world.

Dialogue: Updike’s dialogue crackles with wit and tension, capturing the cadences of Shakespearean language while infusing it with a modern sensibility. Conversations brim with subtext and nuance, revealing hidden depths within the characters’ relationships and motivations.

Pacing and Structure: Despite its sprawling scope, “Gertrude and Claudius” maintains a brisk pace, with Updike expertly balancing moments of introspection with scenes of high drama. The novel moves seamlessly between different perspectives and timelines, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.

Quotes from Gertrude and Claudius

• “Her clothes draped loose over a body she had, in forty years, not made much use of.”
• “And yet, by killing his brother, Claudius was doing something forbidden. This was what would make his story worth telling, in some future form, as a story told about one’s family is worth telling, no matter how ghastly the truth.”
• “Was it love? The way his father had of overrunning her with talk, of surrounding her and submerging her, of answering every question with several arguments, of never seeming to notice her retreats, her closing off of her attention, of crowding her with his ideas, of giving her nothing to do but love him?”
• “And yet the wish to rule, to command, had always burned in Claudius, like a malady. He watched his father, and thought, He has that power because he was born first. Well, why should not I have it?”

Trivia Facts about “Gertrude and Claudius” by John Updike

1. Inspiration from Shakespeare: “Gertrude and Claudius” serves as a prequel to Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” It provides a fictionalized account of Gertrude and Claudius’s lives before the play’s events.
2. Updike’s Exploration of Shakespearean Lore: John Updike, known for his prolific literary career, embraced the challenge. He reimagined and expanded on the characters and themes of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy.
3. Publication Date: “Gertrude and Claudius” was published in 2000. This marked Updike’s entry into historical fiction and literary reimagining.
4. Character Complexity: The novel excels in its nuanced portrayal of Gertrude and Claudius. It offers readers a deeper understanding of their motivations and relationships than “Hamlet” provides.
5. Critical Reception: The novel received mixed reviews. Some praised Updike’s lyrical prose and imaginative storytelling. Others criticized the liberties taken with Shakespeare’s source material.
6. Narrative Structure: Updike uses a non-linear narrative structure in the novel. He shifts between different timelines and perspectives. This approach provides a multifaceted view of Gertrude and Claudius’s lives.
7. Historical Accuracy: Although a work of fiction, Updike researched the historical context of Shakespeare’s play. He strived for authenticity in portraying 11th-century Denmark.

Conclusion: A Journey Into Shakespearean Lore

In “Gertrude and Claudius,” John Updike offers a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of two enigmatic characters. The novel’s rich setting, complex characters, and gripping narrative showcase Updike’s storytelling skill.

Whether you love Shakespearean lore or enjoy a well-crafted tale of love, power, and betrayal, “Gertrude and Claudius” enthralls. Updike’s bold reimagining breathes new life into familiar characters. It invites readers to see them in a fresh and illuminating light.

Reviews of other Works by John Updike