Hamlet 3.3 “May One Be Pardoned and Retain th’Offense?”

Claudius is doubtful about the power of prayer to absolve him of his sins, as he continues to enjoy the benefits of his crime—killing King Hamlet to become king and marry Gertrude. He reflects on the differences between earthly and heavenly justice, noting that in the real world, criminals often escape punishment by using their ill-gotten gains to manipulate the legal system.

Why does Claudius doubt the effectiveness of prayer?

• He has already been forgiven.

• He believes he can be forgiven without it.

• He is still benefiting from his crime.

• He thinks prayer is unnecessary.

What does Claudius compare in his reflection?

• The power of prayer and meditation

• Earthly justice and divine justice

• The rule of law and anarchy

• The past and the future

According to Claudius, what often happens to crimes in everyday life?

• They are always punished.

• They are often overlooked.

• They are forgotten.

• They are celebrated.

How do criminals avoid punishment, according to Claudius?

• By hiding their crimes

• By seeking forgiveness

• By using their profits to influence the legal system

• By confessing their crimes

What metaphor does Claudius use to describe how justice is avoided?

• A gilded hand

• A golden shield

• A diamond sword

• A silver tongue