What are the motifs in Gertrude and Claudius by John Updike?

Denmark's Christianity is a recurring idea. The spread of Christianity is part of the backdrop of this story, part of the time in which it is set. It reaches Denmark later than the rest of Europe, when Harald Bluetooth introduces it to Denmark to preempt a German invasion. The heathen altars still stand, although Rorik says that the peasants, who were the first to embrace the faith, no longer know what they mean. Gertrude was baptized and raised knowing something about the creed, but there was little faith at her father's court. The castle's chapel frightened her, and made her feel that her body was a sin that would one day be avenged.