Hamlets Dilemma (Sarah McD)

Hamlet's dilemma underlies his entire insanity. If he kills Claudius, he will assuredly be killed himself. Hamlet is not sure he is ready for death and life is all he knows. He's fearful of the unknown. Furthermore, he is not yet ready to take responsiblity for sending another human being into the pits of death. He understands his duty to avenge his fathers murderer, and he accepts responsibility for his fathers Ghost tormenting him, but he knows that by killing Claudius he could be consigning himself to his father's fate for all eternity.

       The real irony is that Hamlet does not realize that his revenge could have been complete if he had actually killed the king right then and there. Claudius was not really praying. Oh, sure, he was on his knees, but Claudius says that he knows he cannot be forgiven for the murder unless he actually and meaningfully repents. This would mean giving up his crown and queen, which we all know would never, ever happen. So when Claudius says "My words fly up, my thoughts remain below./ Words without thoughts never to heaven go," he is really admitting that he knows he isn't forgiven. If only Hamlet had known.

      This scene shows a significant theme that runs through the play. Hamlet, faced with this deed to kill the King, finds difficulty carrying it out because he tends to think too much about the consequences of his actions. Moments before this scene where Claudius is praying, Hamlet gets the proof he wanted that Claudius murdered his father. At this point he says "I will drink hot blood." He is ready to kill Claudius and has the perfect opportunity. His excessive thought, however, stops him. If Hamlet actually killed Claudius right then and there, the play would have been over, so I guess it only makes sense that he didn't kill Claudius right there.