Gertrude and Claudius

Brief Overview

«Gertrude and Claudius» by John Updike is a prequel to Shakespeare's «Hamlet», exploring the relationship between Gertrude, Hamlet's mother, and Claudius, his uncle. The book delves into how their feelings for each other developed, starting from the time when Gertrude was married to King Hamlet Senior. Updike explores the psychology of the characters, showing how their love and ambitions lead to tragic consequences. The story reveals the motives and inner conflicts of the characters, which ultimately lead to the events depicted in «Hamlet». The book offers a fresh perspective on the classic tragedy, adding depth and complexity to the well-known characters.