Hamlet 3.3 “My Mother Stays”

The transcript discusses a scene where Claudius is found praying, drawing a parallel between purging sins and a historical medical practice of using laxatives to cleanse the body. This analogy highlights how Claudius inadvertently extends his life by confessing his sins, similar to how a sick person prolongs life by purging their bowels.

What does the act of purging symbolize in relation to Claudius?

What is the significance of the phrase 'purging his sins' in the context of the text?