Act 3- Scene 3

ROSA,
TIEGAN,
MUNEMA,
LAURA.

Summary of the Scene

The first part of the scene is Claudius speaking with

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, asking them to escort

Hamlet to England. Following the pairs exit, Polonius
enters, informing us of his plan to hide behind the tapestry
and listen in on Hamlet and Gertrude's conversation.
Claudius begins a soliloquy expressing his wish for
forgiveness, but at no point truly repenting or expressing
regret for his actions. Hamlet approaches with the intention
of killing Claudius, but decides not to kill him at the time as
it appears Claudius is praying, which would mean he would
go to heaven. Hamlet wants him to die whilst sinning so as
to assure that he goes straight to hell.

Major Themes
Forgiveness
Revenge
Heaven and Hell
Secrecy
Religion

Form, Structure & Language

The speech is in iambic pentameter, which shows a

sense of control.
Claudius speech begins a soliloquy, but on Hamlets
entry becomes a monologue (by definition).
Guildenstern repeats many to emphasise the quantity
of people in Claudius care.
My words fly up, my thoughts remain below. Words
without thoughts never to heaven go. Shows that
Claudius is not genuinely sorry for his actions, and
though his words could go to heaven his thoughts and
therefore himself could not.

Analysis of Claudius speech

The King confesses to his crime, which gives the

audience confirmation that the ghosts story was at

least reliable. He does, however, cease to express real
regret as to his actions. He is asking for forgiveness,
but he doesnt wish to sacrifice what hes gained from
the murder.
He asks the angels for help as he knows he has not
done enough to earn forgiveness through his own
actions prayers.

Relevance of Elizabethan Context

It fulfils the stereotypes of a revenge tragedy, which

was a hugely popular theme when Shakespeare

begun his career as a playwright.
Hamlet takes on the role of the traditional revenger,
and comparisons can be drawn with Hieronimo in
The Spanish Tragedy and Vindice in the
appropriately named The Revengers Tragedy.

Audiences Perception of Characters.

In this scene we are shown that the Ghost is perhaps

more trustworthy than we previously thought, as the

story we were told by him turns out to be true.
We also see that Claudius does have a conscience, but it
is about what is going to happen to him rather than
regret for what he did to his brother; he fears living in
hell for eternity, and so wants God to forgive him, but
also wants to keep Gertrude and his crown, which
shows us he doesnt truly regret his actions.
Hamlets motivations are made clear, and we see just
how set he is on obtaining revenge.

Key Quotations
I like him not, nor stands it safe with us to let his madness

range. Claudius, Lines 1-2.

Behind the arras Ill convey myself. Polonius, Line 28.
Oh my offence is rank, it smells to heaven Claudius, Line 36.
I am still possessed of those effects for which I did the murder
my crown, mine own ambition, and my queen. May one be
pardoned and retain thoffence? Claudius, Lines 53-56.
Trip him that his heels may kick at heaven, and that his soul
may be as damned and black as hell whereto it goes. Hamlet,
Lines 93-95.
My words fly up, my thoughts remain below. Words without
thoughts never to heaven go. Claudius, Lines 97-98.