Hamlet

Act 3, Sc. 1, lines 50-55: How does Cludius's aside relate to the play's theme?

King. [aside] O, 'tis true.

How smart a lash that speech doth give my conscience!

The harlot's cheek, beautied with plast'ring art,

Is not more ugly to the thing that helps it

Than is my deed to my most painted word.

O heavy burden!

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Claudius talks about how duplicity and sin takes a toll on one’s conscience and soul. One might get away with a crime but the crime and sin still exists in the perpetrator's heart. Claudius is listening to Polonius instruct his daughter on duplicity. Claudius is reminded of his own nature and sin which, despite acting like he is fine, weighs heavy on his soul.