What Does Claudius Symbolize

Claudius is a morally weak villain who values power and material things more than he values others. He differs from other men in the play because he is cunning, lacks morals, and is manipulative. Other men in Hamlet seek justice and have strong morals that dictate their decisions.

What does Claudius represent?

The King of Denmark, Hamlet’s uncle, and the play’s antagonist. The villain of the play, Claudius is a calculating, ambitious politician, driven by his sexual appetites and his lust for power, but he occasionally shows signs of guilt and human feeling—his love for Gertrude, for instance, seems sincere.

Why is Claudius compared to a snake?

I found another good comparison in eNotes own character analysis of Claudius that also fits a snakelike description: Claudius is shrewd and able, though not always ethical or moral. Same with a snake, of course. Shrewd and able, snakes often swallow their paralyzed victims whole.

Alexander Ross

Alexander Ross

Gaming, Esports & Interactive Media Writer

Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.

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