There is a Christian idealistic behind Hamlet's backing out. If he does believe in this, then why can't he act like a Christian? He could just forgive Claudius, and just move on...
Also, Hamlet is just impulsive throughout the whole play. He has this set goal, but half the time he cannot make up his mind. And if Hamlet takes action, it's out of impulse.
Besides my rants and complaints about Hamlet's childish behavior... I do believe he made the right decision to ponder on the death of his uncle. Hamlet simply cannot kill Claudius and send him to heaven during his time of forgiveness. Hamlet thinks that would not avenge his father's murderous death, because Claudius killed King Hamlet without giving him the opportunity to pray, and therefore, King Hamlet must spend time in hell.
It's incredibly ironic tho, that Claudius wasn't really repenting and asking for forgiveness in my opinion. Sure he's on his kneels, in his private chapel (but it's the same as people pretending to bow their heads in church but are actually on their phone) ... he's giving himself a self-evaluation and is realizing that he's in deep horse poop. 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.
Overall, Hamlet just needs to get his priorities straight. This was probably the best decision he made throughout the whole play tbh.
I agree with your opinion that Hamlet should not have killed Claudius. If Hamlet was truly following his religion, than this would not even be a dilemma. I think your analogy to people who pretend to be praying in church but are really on their phone is perfect for describing Claudius's attempt at praying.
ReplyDeleteHa! Love that you found a Charlie Brown meme for this! I feel like this would almost work better in the Ophelia post, though. I feel as though it's taken from Ophelia's point of view.
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