The Intrigue and Guilt of Claudius in Hamlet - Act 3 Scene 3

TLDRIn act 3 scene 3 of Hamlet, Claudius sends Hamlet to England for safety, while contemplating his own guilt and seeking forgiveness. Hamlet has the opportunity to kill Claudius while he is praying but hesitates. This scene reveals the complexity of Claudius' character and Hamlet's internal struggle.

Key insights

:innocent:Claudius expresses his desire for forgiveness and wonders if he can be pardoned while retaining his power.

:dagger:Hamlet considers killing Claudius while he is praying but decides not to, fearing that it would send him to heaven.

:thought_balloon:Claudius confesses his guilt in a soliloquy, revealing his scheming and lack of remorse.

:spy:Polonius hides in order to spy on Hamlet and Gertrude, showing his role as a manipulative character.

:confused:Hamlet's hesitation to kill Claudius highlights his internal struggle and inability to take decisive action.

Q&A

Why does Claudius send Hamlet to England?

—Claudius sends Hamlet to England for everyone's safety, as he believes Hamlet's madness poses a threat.

Does Claudius truly repent for his crimes?

—Claudius shows moments of guilt and contemplation, but ultimately chooses power over true repentance.

Why does Hamlet hesitate to kill Claudius?

—Hamlet hesitates to kill Claudius while he is praying because he fears it would send him to heaven.

What does Polonius' behavior in this scene reveal about his character?

—Polonius' decision to spy on Hamlet and Gertrude shows his manipulative nature and willingness to betray others.

What does Hamlet's hesitation to act reveal about his character?

—Hamlet's hesitation to kill Claudius highlights his internal struggle, indecisiveness, and inability to take decisive action.

Timestamped Summary

00:09After the murder of Gonzago, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern meet with Claudius.

00:22Claudius tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to take Hamlet to England for his safety.

00:24Polonius hides to spy on Hamlet and Gertrude.

00:27Claudius contemplates his guilty conscience and desire for forgiveness.

01:17Hamlet finds Claudius praying and considers killing him but hesitates.

01:24Claudius realizes his prayers were in vain and that he still chooses power over repentance.

01:39Claudius's plans for Hamlet to be sent to England are revealed to Polonius.

02:23Hamlet decides not to kill Claudius while he is praying, fearing it would send him to heaven.

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