King Claudius is tactically, yet not subtly, manipulative. His rhetorical approach to the situations he wishes to receive a certain outcome from are certainly well thought out, however executed in such a way that does not simply distract his audience from the truth, but rather fuels the fire that ultimately leads to his own death.
In his personal speech to Hamlet in Act 2, scene 1, Kind Claudius attempts to cheer Hamlet up, or rather, give him less reason to lament so heavily as he believes he is doing. His motive is most likely one or both of two things: that his guilt is beginning to eat away at him as Hamlet seems so outwardly upset about his father’s death, or that he fears Hamlet’s lamentation for his deceased father will interfere with his rule. Whatever the underlying motive may be, the King exhibits an obvious will to somehow wrestle Hamlet away from his grief. He begins by validating Hamlet’s feelings and behavior on the matter: “’Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet//To give these mourning duties to your father” (I.ii.86-87). However, he goes on to promptly invalidate his suffering by the tool of comparison, reminding Hamlet that everyone man in his family who has come before him as lost a father, and that it is a part of life. He emphasizes that it is understandable to grieve at a time like this, but to continue to do so after too much longer would exhibit “stubbornness,” implying that Hamlet’s grief is a choice (I.ii.94). He further invalidates Hamlet’s behavior with the statement, “’Tis unmanly grief” (I.ii.94). By attacking his manhood, he attacks his heritage and his ability to rule, which is a possibility for Hamlet’s future at this time.
Claudius goes on to describe Hamlet’s behavior as unacceptable, being sure to address the behavior itself rather than Hamlet, in order to avoid a direct attack on his character. Describing the nature of Hamlet’s actions as “a heart unfortified, or mind impatient,” he implies that Hamlet is exhibiting these traits without accusing him directly (I.ii.96). He continues in his speech to include the divine, referring to Heaven and even implying that Hamlet insults his deceased father by continuing to mourn him too long. All implications that accompany Claudius’ speech contribute to an overwhelming amount of evidence that Claudius generally dislikes Hamlet and wishes his behavior would change completely, and for reasons apart from his explanation to Hamlet. His language does not outwardly exhibit this, however, because he is very manipulative in how he chooses to address Hamlet’s attitude as a sort of symptom rather than a character trait.
Claudius also uses “we” on multiple occasions when speaking to Hamlet, while sitting next to Hamlet’s mother, who is also his new wife. By pulling her into the discourse in this way, he seeks to indirectly impart his opinion onto her through Hamlet’s perspective, possibly giving his stance more validity and credibility, while alienating Hamlet in the process. After insulting Hamlet and his grief for approximately seventeen lines, Claudius tells Hamlet, “that which dearest father bears his son//Do I impart toward you” (I.ii. 111-112). It would clearly not be in Claudius’ best interest to “correct” Hamlet with no level of empathy or familial concern. This “love” however, is short-lived as he ends his speech with the request of sending Hamlet back to school. By claiming, “It is most retrograde to our desire,” Claudius attempts to relieve himself of some guilt in this decision in Hamlet’s eyes, however, Hamlet sees through it easily (I.ii.114). His attempts to close his short speech with a loving conclusion are weak and transparent, given the sensitivity of the situation and level of analytical behavior Hamlet goes on to exhibit.
Claudius clearly wishes for Hamlet to be as far removed from the picture as possible, and his attempts at both breaking down Hamlet’s opinion of himself then immediately pandering to him are clever, but evident.
