Gertrudes and Cláudio

Updike offers a deeper look into characters we only see briefly in Shakespeare. I'm curious what motivated this focus and how it shapes our understanding of the original play.

Their actions are complex and often unlikable, which made me question whether the story was meant to evoke empathy or discomfort. How did others interpret their motivations?

The book immerses us in a specific time period that seems to shape their values and dilemmas. I'm interested in whether the setting feels authentic or more like a backdrop for the story.