Hamlet

Question about quote Choose a line or short passage from the play and cite it correctly demonstrating that Claudius has regret for his actions but this regret only goes so far.

Hamlet

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Consider Act 3 sc 3 when Claudius is praying at an alter. He seems especially desturbed about his sins, especially the one about killing his own brother! Claudius is pretty affarain of God's judgment. He seems to want to repent his sins but is unwilling to give up what he has sinned for. Claudius feels guilt but refuses to give up his queen and his crown.

Oh, my offence is rank. It smells to heaven. It hath the primal eldest curse upon ’t, A brother’s murder.... My words fly up, my thoughts remain below. Words without thoughts never to heaven go.