Question

Claudius: ’Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet,
To give these mourning duties to your father:
But, you must know, your father lost a father;
That father lost, lost his; and the survivor bound
In filial obligation for some term
To do obsequious sorrow; but to presever
In obstinate condolement is a course
Of impious stubbornness, ’tis unmanly grief

–Hamlet,
William Shakespeare

Use the drop-down menus to answer the questions about the passage.

Based on the passage, how does Claudius really feel about Hamlet’s mourning?


What does the passage reveal about the relationship between Claudius and Hamlet?

Answer 1

1) Claudius pretends to praise Hamlet’s mourning but actually disapproves of its duration and intensity. He calls brief mourning "sweet and commendable" but condemns continued grief as "impious," "stubborn," and "unmanly" — i.e., he thinks Hamlet should stop dwelling on it and move on.

2) The passage shows a tense, hierarchical relationship: Claudius speaks condescendingly and authoritatively (uncle/stepfather and king), advising and attempting to control Hamlet’s conduct. There is little real sympathy—Claudius is diplomatic and judgmental rather than genuinely supportive.