Gertrude and Claudius
Gertrude and Claudius by John Updike, published by Penguin in 2001, is a literary exploration that delves into the backstory of Shakespeare’s iconic characters. This edition spans 214 pages and is presented in English. Updike draws on ancient Scandinavian legends that inspired Hamlet, illuminating Gertrude’s early life as the daughter of King Rorik, her arranged marriage to King Hamlet, and her subsequent affair with his younger brother, Claudius.
Readers will find a nuanced portrayal of Gertrude and Claudius, emphasizing their complexities against a backdrop of medieval violence and familial dysfunction. The narrative offers fresh insights into Gertrude’s warmth and clarity, alongside Claudius’s soldierly yet peaceful demeanor. This retelling invites a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations, set against the looming presence of a troubled prince.
Official synopsis Publisher
Using details of the ancient Scandinavian legends that were the inspiration for Hamlet, John Updike brings to life Gertrude’s girlhood as the daughter of King Rorik, her arranged marriage to the man who becomes King Hamlet, and her middle-aged affair with her husband’s younger brother. As only he could, Updike recasts a tale of medieval violence and presents the case for its central couple that Shakespeare only hinted at. Gertrude’s warmth and lucidity, Claudius’s soldierly yet peaceable powers of command are seen afresh against a background of fond intentions and familial dysfunction, on a stage darkened by the ominous shadow of a sullen, disaffected prince.
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