Hamlet

act 3 scene 3

why doesnt hamlet kill claudius when he has the chance?

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Claudius is praying at an alter when Hamlet sees him but hesitates because he feels that Claudius may go to Heaven, having just absolved his sins. Hamlet would rather kill Claudius when he is engaged in some type of sin,

Up, sword, and know thou a more horrid hent. When he is drunk asleep, or in his rage, Or in th' incestuous pleasure of his bed, At game a-swearing, or about some act That has no relish of salvation in ’t— Then trip him, that his heels may kick at heaven, And that his soul may be as damned and black As hell, whereto it goes....