The Hamlet Project

So I guess Claudius didn’t cry too hard over the loss of his dad.
The father Hamlet’s father lost was presumably Claudius’ father as well.
At his loss, he did obsequious sorrow. He does not say he felt it.
This makes me wonder about Claudius’ childhood. Had he always hated his brother?
Presumably Hamlet Senior was first born –
Heir to the throne of Denmark
Probably his father’s favorite.
Grandfather Denmark probably sat with him, talked him through
Affairs of state, at least, (even if there weren’t lots of Father/Son heart to hearts)
While little Claudius sat by
Tied to his nursemaid,
Longing for a father
But getting nothing but envy.
Grandfather Denmark
Could be said to have killed his son Hamlet
By way of favoring him.
It was he who must have planted the seed of hate in his second son.
He gave his first born strength and pride and heroic battle skills.
He gave his second, patience, political maneuvering around immovable obstacles
and a fratricidal heart.