Hamlet 3.3 | Claudius’ Conflicted Soliloquy

Question 1

3.3 “Most painted word” / “plast’ring art” of a harlot”

Answer 1

Suggesting both are used to conceal immorality and sin

Question 2

3.3 “Is there not enough rain in the sweet heavens to wash it white as snow”

Answer 2

Claudius ponders if gods forgiveness is vast enough to cleanse him of sin and grant purity

Question 3

3.3 “My offense is rank it smells to heaven”

Answer 3

Biblical reference (genesis) - cain mirders brother out of jealousy ‘primal eldest curse’ , ‘a brother’s murder’ - highlights how Claudius’ crime is not just an act of regicide but a deeply sinful act of Pratricide

Question 4

3.3 “My crown, mine own ambition and my queen”

Answer 4

Conveys how Claudius, although wanting to repent, also wishes to retain the rewards he has gained from his crime

Question 5

3.3 ‘Black as death’

Answer 5

Colour imagery conveys how Claudius feels his very heart has been darkened + corrupted by his crime

Question 6

3.3 “Be soft as sinews of the newborn babe”

Answer 6

Claudius feels that he has been hardened by his sinfulness; this simile conveys Claudius’ desire to reclaim his lost innocent and purity