Question

Reread Claudius's soliloquy in Act III, Scene 3, beginning "O, my offense is rank . . ." and ending with "All may be well." Briefly tell in your own words what you learn about Claudius that you otherwise may not have known with certainty.

Answer 1

In Claudius's soliloquy, we learn that Claudius did actually kill his brother. In his soliloquy, Claudius talks about his crime, and he says that it "bears the mark of Cain" who also killed his brother. Although we had been suspicious of Claudius throughout the story, this is the moment when our doubts are confirmed. We also learn that Claudius is extremely guilty about his actions, but that he believes that time and God's mercy will eventually help him overcome this feeling of guilt.