Mosh answers “Why was Claudius the one who inherited the...”

James Duško asked this question about Hamlet:

Why was Claudius the one who inherited the throne of King Hamlet, Claudius' brother and Hamlet's father, when prince Hamlet was the rightful heir to the throne and already 30 years old, and therefore, a person old enough to reign the kingdom?

Mosh I think it also has to do with Fortinbras threatening to invade after the death of King Hamlet. Given that Prince Hamlet was in Germany at the time of…moreI think it also has to do with Fortinbras threatening to invade after the death of King Hamlet. Given that Prince Hamlet was in Germany at the time of his father's death, the time it would take to deliver the news plus that amount of time again to get him back to Denmark would leave the nation leaderless (defenseless?) for too long. (less)

flag

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more