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How Does Shakespeare Present Claudius's Soliloquy

399 Words2 Pages

In Act 3 Scene 3 of Hamlet by William Shakespeare, Shakespeare highlights Claudius’s complex thoughts in his expressive soliloquy concerning prayer and forgiveness. Shakespeare does this by displaying Claudius’s satisfaction with killing his brother, despite the immense guilt beneath his content composure. Claudius is conflicted as he is more than happy with the benefits of his brother's death but recognizes the sin he has committed and struggles with the shame that follows. In this soliloquy, Claudius confesses to killing his brother for the first time and acknowledges his guilt and moral conflicts that keep him from repenting. In lines 39 through 41, Claudius says, “O, my offence is rank! It smells to heaven; It hath the primal eldest curse …show more content…

This suggests that through his guilt, Claudius struggles with regret as killing his brother has given him the throne and a queen to stand by him. However, he cannot truly repent as he is unwilling to give up his gains. This adds to Claudius’s complexity as he recognizes that genuine repentance is unattainable. Moreover, Shakespeare highlights Claudius’s morals as he faces the conflict between ambition and ethics. Claudius is aware and understands the consequences of murder, but continues to violate them for personal gain. His soliloquy reveals a deep internal struggle as he attempts to pray for forgiveness. Claudius says, “May one be pardon’d and retain the offence?”(59). This shows how Claudius experiences the positives and negatives of killing his brother. Not only does Claudius feel shame and guilt for killing his brother, but he also feels as if forgiveness is unachievable. In lines 54 through 56, Claudius says, “But, O, what form of prayer can serve my turn? Forgive me my foul murder. That cannot be since I am still possessed.” This exemplifies Claudius’s inner thoughts and recognition of his

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