Hamlet's Love for His Mother
Hamlet is seen as one of the most complex literary character of all time.   The relationship between Hamlet and Gertrude can be interpreted in many ways.   Hamlet's motivation for killing Claudius is not to avenge his father's death, but because of his love for his mother Gertrude.   This is where the Oedipus complex comes into play in Hamlet by William Shakespeare.
The Oedipus complex refers to the thoughts some men have regarding their mother or maternal figures.   Many scenes from the play can prove Hamlet did have these thoughts about his mother, such as acts one and three.   If the reader knows what he or she is looking for, then these signs can be easily spotted.   The story of Oedipus Rex is an ancient myth of a sick and diseased land, which can only be saved by the death of the hero. Hamlet's situation seems to fit this description well.   Harold Fisch feels that the sickness in the state of Denmark has takes over inside Hamlet, (173 – 174).   As in the story of Oedipus Rex Hamlet must die so that eventually health and fertility will be restored in Denmark.   Denmark is in a state of disgust and corruption.   When hamlet and Claudius are killed, no longer will there be corruption and incest, everything will be back to normal.   Claudius' evil deeds and Hamlet's sick thoughts will be extinguished once for both of them are dead.
Hamlet delays killing Claudius because he understands the feelings Claudius has for Gertrude.   Hamlet knows why Claudius wants King Hamlet out of the way.   Hamlet knows this because he also wishes he could have Gertrude for himself.   Hamlet tells Gertrude, "Good night, but go not to my uncle's bed" (IV. iii.180).   Hamlet does not want Gertrude sleeping in the same bed as Claudius, Hamlet wants her to realized that the king is an evil person.   Hamlet does not want her to associate with Claudius in any way.
Ernest Jones feels that "If someone cannot bring himself to do something…it is because there is some... [continues]

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