s madness has been feigned the entire time and that she is not to disclose this information to anyone, but rather hide his secret and not return to her husband’s bed that night. This is the beginning of Hamlet and Gertrude’s restored relationship as she aides her son in seeking revenge for King Hamlet’s death.Gertrude continues to cause Claudius to believe Hamlet’s artificial condition. Claudius asks Gertrude how Hamlet is and she responds “Mad as the sea and wind when both contend/Which is the mightier.” (IV.i. 6-7). Thus, Claudius is continually fooled into believing Hamlet’s madness and fears the Prince’s actions. Gertrude, evidently takes allegiance with her son, rather than her new husband as seen during the fencing match between Hamlet and Laertes when she says “Here, Hamlet, take my napkin. Rub thy brows./ The Queen carouses to thy fortune, Hamlet” (V.ii. 231-232). She then drinks from the poisoned cup to Hamlet’s fortune, even though Claudius says “Gertrude, do not drink” (V.ii. 233). This is a mark that she now is on her son’s side and does not wish to listen to her husband Claudius anymore, believing that he killed her first husband. Thus, Gertrude and Hamlet’s relationship, although still full of intense feelings, has begun to be mended before Gertrude’s death.Hamlet, throughout most of the play, believes that Gertrude has betrayed his father’s memory and that she does not feel any remorse for her actions, not considering them wrong at all. He wants to take vengeance against those who had mistreated his father, but does not wish to harm his mother. Although upset with his mother, he still loves her a great deal. Instead, he forces Gertrude to realize that her actions were a treachery to her former husband and they begin to work together in seeking punishment for King Hamlet’s death. Hamlet’s destroyed r...
