Abstract:
King Claudius has wider problems of rule than just the disruptive behaviour of Hamlet, though they are not unconnected with Hamlet. His kingdom is unruly, he fears the populace - largely because of Hamlet: "Why to a public count I might not go/Is the great love the general gender bear him." (Hamlet 4.7.17-20) The general gender "convert his gyves to graces" (22).
