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Why Hamlet Did Not Kill Claudius Analysis

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The reason why Hamlet has not murdered Claudius by the end of Act 3 varies. Hamlet as the procrastinator tends to contemplate the consequences of his actions. Also, Hamlet thinks that by killing Claudius during prayer, his soul will be sent to heaven, not hell. In this essay, I will assess the reasons why Hamlet did not kill Claudius by the end of act 3. Hamlet does not kill Claudius during prayer as he believes that killing the King now would be “hire and salary, not revenge” He cannot allow Claudius to be sent to heaven as this would not avenge his father’s death. Hamlet thinks killing Claudius when he is fit for heaven would be like paying Claudius for the murder of his father. “He took my father grossly, full of bread; With all his crimes …show more content…

As he is more of the thinking type, meaning he will rarely speak his thoughts aloud, he admits he’s weak. However, this is seen in contrast when Hamlet shows his split personality by killing Polonius, thinking it is Claudius instead of being the coward he usually is. He proves that he actually has some of his father’s heroic traits. “Now might I do..” “..now I’ll do 't” “...so am I revenged” his evident procrastination suggests the weakness of his character and that he cannot bring himself to serve justice for his father 's death. Hamlet’s desire to follow his father’s ghosts wish is strong, he thirsts for revenge yet he can’t figure out a way to kill Claudius as he cannot find the right time. “Or in the incestuous pleasure of his bed;” The constant repetition of “incestuous” suggests the deep pain of Hamlet and his disappointment in his mother for sharing a bed with Claudius. This makes Hamlet rage even more against Claudius, yet he keeps a ‘poker face’ to not portray his plans. Also, his madness adds to the contemplation, as it manages to take over him. Hamlet is controlled by his own game, and when he thinks about the consequences of killing Claudius he refuses to do it at the current

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