Discuss the character of Gertrude in terms of her innocence Queen Gertrude the mother of Prince Hamlet in Shakespeare s - play Hamlet is a gentle and emotional woman Many readers and critics argue about her character some see her as guilty and weak while others believe she is innocent and unaware of the evil around her Her actions often come from love and confusion not from wickedness Unaware of Claudius s Crime Gertrude marries Claudius soon after King Hamlet s death This shocks her son but the play never shows that she knows Claudius killed the king Her marriage seems foolish but not criminal She might have married quickly because she wanted safety after losing her husband When Hamlet accuses her in the closet scene she looks truly shocked and says What have I done that thou so rude against me Her surprise proves that she never realized the