Hamlet - Gertrude

This is at least the fourth time I have read Hamlet, possibly the fifth. Each time I notice and wonder new things that I have not thought of before. Reading the play this time and focusing on the first two acts, two new (different but connecting) questions arose. The first question I thought worth considering was to think about the motives of Hamlet's mother, Queen Gertrude. It was seemingly obvious that Claudius was behind the King's death and there is evidence that proves that in the first act. He is pushing Hamlet to move on, stop mourning, and to act "manly". The question that I have is why is his mother NOT mourning? Furthermore, why is she not helping or comforting Hamlet who is obviously in an unhealthy psychological state. She claims that she is concerned about him and sends people to investigate and look after him. However, her actions show otherwise. The fact that she married so quickly after her husbands death makes me wonder if she was aware of Claudius' plot to murder him. Were they having a love affair before the King died? Even if they weren't, why then does she not whole heartily and honestly help her son with his mourning. She is so easy to agree with Claudius and how he believes Hamlet should be acting. She (and all other characters) are so quick to claim that Hamlet is simply "mad" instead of actually talking to him and figuring out his psychological state.

Hamlet's psychological state is the second concern I found. Losing a close relative is an event that would create normal feelings of melancholy. Everyone's concern is that two months is enough time to no longer be in this depressive state and Hamlet should be moving forward with his life. He for some reason is not able to let go of this father's death and therefore is living a lifestyle of a mad man. Why is everyone just accepting his situation instead of trying to help him? Some could argue that they are characters in the play that try to inquire about Hamlet's psychological state of mind and his motives. Being nosy and prying into Hamlet's love interest is not an honest way of helping. I am not aware of during this time and location of how people dealt with depression, anxiety, or any other mental illnesses. I am sure it was not acceptable as easily as it is today. There probably was not any such thing as moral treatment either. Why doesn't anyone see the signs that Hamlet wants to kill himself? Why, if they understand something is wrong, does no one try to honestly help him? I guess that I am a believer of Freud's talk therapy and maybe if someone had just talked with Hamlet things would have ended a lot different.

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