Hamlet 6

Although Hamlet has lost touch of his sanity, he is still able to think through his actions. Hamlet's decision to spare King Claudius' life during prayer directly parallels Hamlet's decision of sparing his own life in the first act of the play: "Or that the Everlasting had not fixed His canon 'gainst (self-slaughter!)" (I.ii.135-136). Hamlet contemplates suicide due to the extensive grief he feels for his father's death; however, his devotion to his religion overpowers his will to die. He is aware that one who commits suicide goes to hell. Similarly, Hamlet spies on Claudius praying and draws his sword to kill him right then and there. For a quick moment, Hamlet demonstrates bravery and initiative. Shortly thereafter, Hamlet decides not to: "And so he goes to heaven, And so am I (revenged.) That would be scanned: A villain kills my father, and for that, I his sole son, do this same villain send To heaven" (III.iii.79-83). The value that Hamlet gives to religious ideals contributes to the idea that he is a Christian. Even though he has the opportunity to kill Claudius, his sense of religion overpowers his anger because he does not want Claudius to go to heaven.