this future occasion.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 actThat has no relish of salvation int; (III, iii, 88-92)This procrastination shows Hamlets capabilities for intellectual reason, even in a situation involving extreme emotions. However, this decision presents Hamlets final opportunity to seek substantial revenge against Claudius. In this scene, Hamlet shows reasoning worthy of admiration. Although Claudius prayer may evoke sympathy from an emphatic onlooker, Hamlets decision lies in reasoning. He does not feel sorry for Claudius, although his actions could lend evidence to that interpretation. His soliloquy reveals that he does not choose his inaction out of sympathy or forgiveness, but out of theological reasoning. This reasoning would not be facilitated by a person of lesser intellect than Hamlet. Claudius remains undeserving of sympathy, despite his prayer. Although he seeks forgiveness, he continues with his immoral plots throughout the course of the play.The film version of Hamlet, starring Kenneth Branaugh, portrays this scene almost precisely in accordance with Shakespeares text. The thoughts of Hamlet become clear through not only the dialogue, but through Hamlets tone of voice and facial expression. The film shows Hamlets deep contemplation of how to go about avenging Claudius. Claudius remains unaware of Hamlets watchful eye throughout the scene. The film accurately depicts Hamlets process of contemplation and reasoning....
