Hamlet the populist politician

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).