Question

Does Gertrude seem sincere in Scene 1 when she tells Claudius that Hamlet killed Polonius in a fit of insanity, or is she trying to protect him?

Consider the following:
Hamlet’s instructions to her at the end of Act III
how closely her description matches Hamlet’s actual behavior

Answer 1

Answer: I think that Gertrude is being insincere because she promised Hamlet that she wouldn't tell anybody. However, she went immediately after and told Claudius that Hamlet killed Polonius. She is trying to protect him by lying about his actions.