BLOG #12A: SELFIE EXTRA CREDIT BLOG POST

A notable aspect of Claudius' character is that he will do anything to maintain his image or advance his social standing. While the most significant example of this is murdering his own brother, King Hamlet, it can also be seen in Act 5 Scene 2. Claudius plots to kill Hamlet by poisoning his wine during the fencing match, but Hamlet declines. Gertrude goes to take a drink. When Claudius sees this, he warns her to stop, saying "Gertrude, do not drink," (5.2.264). She carries on anyway, but Claudius makes no further effort to dissuade her. This decision of choosing inaction over action was to hide his intent of poisoning Hamlet, but in doing so, he needed to sacrifice Gertrude's life. This reflects upon Claudius' character in that he cares more about hiding his wrongdoing than his own wife's life. In the Instagram post, Gertrude is shown lying on the floor of the throne room, dead, while the King Hamlet's ghost is shown in the corner expressing anger. Front and center is Claudius. The nature of the selfie is to make oneself look good. This self-preservation is paralleled in Claudius's choice to keep silent and let Gertrude die. On the other hand, the apparition is a representation of the contrast between Claudius' feelings for Gertrude compared to King Hamlet's. Claudius cares very little for her wellbeing, showing his lack of concern for others. It is this disparity in character that infuriates Prince Hamlet, as he holds Claudius in lower regard, which is shown when he compares Claudius to "a mildewed ear" (3.4.65). This ultimately drives Hamlet kill Claudius shortly before he dies himself. Thus, Claudius' selfish ambition results in his own downfall.