1. Claudius
Good king or bad man?

2. Just the facts ma’am. Brother died suddenly
Married brother’s widow immediately
Throws lavish parties
Ignores the rotting of Denmark

3. Good King? Marrying his brother’s widow.
Also, he is likely the legitimate heir to the throne
Due to the Kalmar Union in 1397
Hamlet takes place long before 1397

4. Bad Man? Assuming he didn’t kill Old Hamlet
By modern standards, he’s awful
By their standards, aside from the state of his kingdom and his personal lust and debauchery
He’s not that bad
For now.

5. Conclusions?
Safer to say:
Bad king
Good man
Why?

6. Why? Ignores his duties Fortinbras is obviously going to attack
Fulfills what society expects of him

7. Thoughts and Comments?
Discuss!