Does Hamlet To Kill Claudius

(Claudius enters his chambers in the castle)

Pitiful Laertes, ill-fated Polonius, what am I to do? What would my brother have done in these despondent times? What am I able to do without risking what I value most? The fruits of my ambition and transgression, the murder of my brother. My Queen, my crown, would certainly become nothing but a faint past for me if I were to let young Hamlet walk free. He contends the very preservation of my livelyhood. No… the young prince is far too beloved by the kingdom, and to imprison him would be foolish. What course of action is there to take? What punishment can I enact? As King I cannot risk the danger he represents as he grows crazier by the hour. The inaction that burdens and restrains me only increases

A sin only God can forgive. An action only a truly desperate man can make. I have already taken my brother’s life and place and now I am left with no other option but to murder again. I have prayed for God’s mercy and pardon once before… No. The risk is too high and reward too lttle. I have barely escaped the justice of my initial offence, and to involve myself in yet another act of evil would only confirm suspicions, incriminate me, and would ultimately be an act of stupidity. I must try to not conform to my emotions, I am reacting out of fear and survival, my current judgement may be comprimised. Although, this may present an opportunity… perhaps another person that is emotinally affected by Polonius’ death and Hamlet’s crime shares my goal… An immature, senseless and naïve person may be feeling a strong sense of revenge and retribution for Hamlet. Polonius’ friends? His bride? His daughter? His son… Laertes? Impulsive and irrational, a common trope shared amongst men of his age. The perfect subject for manipulation. My perfect

If Laertes were to hear of his own father’s death he would act out of pure enragement, skewing his judgement and morals, leaving him to act without any thought but one; to avenge his father. Better yet, if I were to tell him of his dearly beloved sister’s descent to madness as a result of Hamlet’s action Laertes’ anger and passion would only grow stronger. Although, Laertes may be manipulable and naïve in this state he is not an unintelligent person. He will be quick to judge why I had not taken immediate action against Hamlet and why I have continued not to. I must create an excuse for my inaction… My wife, the Queen! Of course! “I could not possibly live apart from my Queen and she is devoted to Hamlet as is the public so his prosecution would only hinder me” Perfect. Now, how can I further influence him to murder Hamlet and follow through with his