Gertrude Has Some Questions by Emily Martin
"Many women have discovered as they get older that they become invisible. While it may be a relief to be spared certain unwanted attentions, it is disconcerting to discover that they have completely disappeared from general notice. Consider Gertrude, Queen of Denmark in Shakespeare's play ‘Hamlet’, she is more a part of the scenery, a pawn maneuvered by her husband and son, rather than an active player. Here is her turn at center stage and she would like some answers.
“For those unfamiliar with the play ‘Hamlet’, I offer this very brief and very incomplete synopsis. Before the play opens, Gertrude's first husband, Hamlet's father, the King, is dead. Gertrude is remarried to Claudius, the King's brother. Within the play, Hamlet sees his father's ghost, believes Claudius is responsible for the King's death, murders another character having mistaken him for Claudius; and both berates and belittles his mother Gertrude. Claudius has his own series of deadly machinations throughout the play. By the end of Act 5, all the main players, except Horatio, Hamlet's buddy, are dead by stabbing, drowning, or poison." - Emily Martin
Questions that Gertrude poses –
Is this entire play an example of toxic masculinity?
Is this what is called slut shaming?
Did he even propose to me?
Would I have been happier not having a child?
Did I choose the wrong moment for a toast?
Each question is accompanied by a quote from the play “Hamlet” with Act and Scene noted.
Processes, Dimensions, and Edition Information
Iowa City, Iowa: Emily Martin, 2021. Edition of 33.
6.5" x 8.5", 6 leaves. Printed on Sakamoto heavy paper using polymer plates and pressure printing. Printed on one side. Loose sheets enclosed in a fabric covered folder with magnetic closures and paper title on cover. Signed and numbered by the artist.