Examples Of Guilt In Hamlet

Kaylee Sims
Scott Cheney
AL2332
29 November 2013
Overpowering Guilt Jealously and guilt are common motives for a course of action. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the murder of the king and Claudius’ prompt rise to the throne are obvious examples of envy. But, the play’s illustration of guilt is much more subtle and is revealed through the struggle Claudius experiences with his feelings that result from a repercussion of his actions. Claudius claims that Hamlet is mad, even though he does not believe so, to cause a diversion from the brutal truth. This idea is proven through his soliloquy and attempted prayer when he exclaims “my stronger guilt defeats my strong intent.” The audience first begins to sense the falsity of Claudius’ accusation
Even though Claudius doesn’t believe in Hamlet’s madness, this hope is enough to temporarily aid Claudius’ guilt because he isn’t forced to accept the responsibility of the effects that the murder he initiated has on Hamlet. In preparation for the plan for Ophelia and Hamlet to interact so that it can be determined whether or not his craziness is associated with love, Polonius makes the comment that people often mask their sins and fake affection to God. After hearing this, Claudius becomes distraught and confesses “how smart a lash that speech doth give my conscience! The harlot’s cheek, beautied with plastering art, is not more ugly to the thing it helps than is my deed to my most painted word.” For Claudius to admit these feelings proves the shame he feels for what he has done while also revealing that the words he speaks are untruthful. When this revelation is applied to the current situation, the idea of Claudius’ lies about Hamlet’s condition is proven by his own words.
After Ophelia and Hamlet’s encounter Claudius determines that Hamlet’s words “though lacked form a little was not like madness”. Claudius’ becomes frightened at the now eminent truth that he has sent Hamlet into this mindset. The king believes “there is something in his soul o’er which his melancholy
After the king’s reaction to leave the play, his first order is a request to send Hamlet to England claiming that “hazard so near us as doth hourly grow out of his lunacies.” It can be inferred that the speedy banishment is the reaction of the king’s realization that Hamlet is now a risk to his throne. By forcing him to England, not only does he rid himself of the threat, but now he is not constantly surrounded with Hamlet to provoke his guilt. In front of his friends and advisors Claudius still claims that Hamlet suffers from craziness to protect his title and distract them from the content of the play that was recently performed. He acts put together and doesn’t reveal his emotions to the others, but as soon as they leave he breaks down into prayer Claudius pleas for forgiveness when we exclaims “O bosom black as death! O limed soul, that struggling to be free art more engaged!” Through his prayer we become aware that the king feels remorse for what he has done, but has become trapped in his own sin, and also