Analysis Of King Claudius Soliloquy

In 3.3 of Hamlet by William Shakespeare, King Claudius’ soliloquy is presented in the midst of the climax. During the staged ‘play’ it is made known to Hamlet and the readers that Claudius is most certainly guilty of royal treason which leads him to confront his own actions. Throughout his soliloquy, Shakespeare uses dismal metaphors and allusions and Claudius’ conflicting self dialogue to portray his guilt and inner turmoil over his actions that led him to become king. In the first three lines, Claudius begins his soliloquy with an allusion to the biblical story of Cain and Abel. Claudius states, “It smells to Heaven. It hath the primal eldest curse upon’t, A brother’s murder.” (3.3.36-37) Claudius is comparing his own actions to those of