In typical Shakespearean fashion, we have a soliloquy about Claudius in Hamlet that has left readers in tangles about the emotions and feelings that must have been going through this central character. The scene begins with Claudius in obvious turmoil for being responsible to sending King Hamlet to purgatory as a direct result of killing him before his sins could be atoned for. Claudius obviously understands the spiritual significance of this, as he is working to atone for his own sins. As a result, we now see Hamlet in turmoil as well. If he were to avenge King Hamlet’s death now by killing Claudius, Claudius himself would go straight to heaven. This appears to be an injustice in his own mind.
Claudius is a strong character in the play, with an equally powerful resolve. He knows that Hamlet is now his enemy, so he spends his days lining up allies to keep Hamlet at bay. As such, the reader gets the sense that Claudius is fearful of what might take place, and he wants to remain in prayer so he can escape purgatory were he to suddenly perish. We read about him calling out in aguish, “Pray can I not/though inclination be as sharp as will” (Hamlet para. 4). Even with all that has taken place, he is still trying to get Hamlet out of England, even though he knows deep down that this will never happen. This leaves him feeling bitter and angry, but with little left to do but to do make Hamlet’s own life a living hell. For that, Claudius himself is expecting to spend eternity outside of Heaven’s gates. This is reflected in the passage where he is talking about never giving up Gertrude and may it “Be as soft as sinews of the newborn babe” (Hamlet para 6).
Work Cited
"Hamlet Act 3 Scene 3 - Claudius' Soliloquy My Offence Is Rank." Hamlet Act 3 Scene 3 - Claudius' Soliloquy My Offence Is Rank. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2016.
