Hamlet Blog 6

11.18.16

Prompt: Find evidence of Hamlet's religious beliefs. How do these beliefs influence his actions and decisions?

Within the play, Hamlet, religion does not play a large influence. In Catholicism, (from what we learned in class) if an individual does not pray or repent their sins then they will most likely be sent to Hell rather than Heaven. Within Act III Scene III, Claudius is praying and Hamlet begins his approach on him in order to avenge his father's death. However, Hamlet decides to not kill Claudius during this scene because he is praying and would be sent to Heaven for repenting his sins or praying in general. Hamlet's father was killed without praying, so it is only justified that Claudius, too, would be killed at a time where he was without prayer. At the least, Act III Scene III provides some insight into Hamlet's religious beliefs and some evidence that his character falls under the Catholic religion.