That do I long to hear! [2.2: 53] refers not to news of Fortinbras but to the cause of Hamlets perceived lunacy. This exclamation is also the first time that we have seen Claudius stray from his even-tempered public appearance, as he reveals a bit of emotion where Hamlet is concerned. The effect of Hamlet on the King reaches a climax during The Murder of Gonzago, during which the Kings composure breaks down completely. Hamlets plan to confirm Claudius guilt succeeds brilliantly: when the murder in the play pours poison into Gonzagos ear, telling the audience that the plot is based on true events, Claudius suddenly rises, shouting Give me some light. Away! [3.2: 295] Gone is the calm that had begun to make Claudius a successful leader, replaced by a sudden outburst of emotion in the presence of many others. Now that Claudius even-tempered shell has been shattered, we get a better idea of what he would call the inward man. [2.2: 6] In the third scene of the third act, we finally see Claudius alone, and he reveals his innermost thoughts while acknowledging his guilt. Clearly, he is not a cold-blooded and inhumane monster but a person whose conscience is making him regret his sins. He explores the similarities between himself and Cain, the Biblical first man to commit fratricide. Claudius knows that in order to achieve divine salvation he must be truly repentant for his sins. However, he is unwilling to give up either the crown or Gertrude, both of which he loves very much, and he resigns himself to a hopeless fate. Claudius is clearly a tormented man who has fallen victim to the temptations of love and power, very similar to the situation of Macbeth. At no point in the play does Claudius glorify his crime; instead, he simply tries to forget about it and move forwards. In the first two acts, Claudius is able to mask his turbulent conscience with a confident appearance. While this approach certainly succeeds in making Claudius a strong lead...
