Hamlet 3.3 “What’s in Prayer”

The transcript explores the dual role of prayer in preventing sin and seeking forgiveness. It highlights the importance of forgiveness when prevention is no longer possible, using Claudius's phrase 'I'll look up' as an example of Shakespearean wordplay. This phrase signifies both optimism and an appeal to heaven for forgiveness.

What is the primary function of prayer according to the text?

How does the text describe the relationship between sin and forgiveness?

What does the text imply about the timing of seeking forgiveness?

What does Claudius's phrase imply about looking up in the context of the text?

In what way does the text suggest that looking up can be interpreted?