Claudius- Quotes

Question 1

“Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother’s death The memory be green, and that it us befitted To bear our hearts in grief, and our whole kingdom To be contracted in one brow of woe, Yet so far hath discretion fought with nature That we with wisest sorrow think on him Together with remembrance of ourselves.”
(Act 1, Scene 2)

Answer 1

Claudius addresses the court, acknowledging the recent death of his brother (the former king) while also justifying his quick marriage to Queen Gertrude as a necessary step for the stability of Denmark

Question 2

“But now, my cousin Hamlet, and my son—”
(Act 1, Scene 2)

Answer 2

Claudius tries to establish a paternal relationship with Hamlet, referring to him as both nephew and son after his marriage to Gertrude

Question 3

“Madness in great ones must not unwatched go.”
(Act 3, Scene 1)

Answer 3

Claudius expresses concern about Hamlet’s apparent madness, suggesting that those in positions of power must be carefully observed when they exhibit such behaviour

Question 4

“Give me some light. Away!”
(Act 3, Scene 2)

Answer 4

Claudius abruptly ends the play-within-a-play when it becomes clear that it is mirroring his own guilt in the murder of King Hamlet. His reaction confirms his guilt to Hamlet

Question 5

“O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven; It hath the primal eldest curse upon’t, A brother’s murder.”
(Act 3, Scene 3)

Answer 5

Claudius admits his guilt in a soliloquy, acknowledging the gravity of his crime and comparing it to the biblical story of Cain and Abel

Question 6

“My words fly up, my thoughts remain below: Words without thoughts never to heaven go.”
(Act 3, Scene 3)

Answer 6

After attempting to pray for forgiveness, Claudius admits that his prayer is insincere because he is unwilling to give up the benefits of his crime

Question 7

“O Gertrude, come away! The sun no sooner shall the mountains touch, But we will ship him hence: and this vile deed We must with all our majesty and skill Both countenance and excuse.”
(Act 4, Scene 1)

Answer 7

Claudius reacts to Hamlet’s murder of Polonius by plotting to send Hamlet away to England, where he secretly arranges for Hamlet to be killed

Question 8

“When sorrows come, they come not single spies But in battalions.”
(Act 4, Scene 5)

Answer 8

Claudius reflects on the compounding misfortunes that have befallen the royal family, particularly after hearing about Ophelia’s madness and Laertes’ return

Question 9

“No place, indeed, should murder sanctuarize; Revenge should have no bounds.”
(Act 4, Scene 7)

Answer 9

Claudius manipulates Laertes into seeking revenge against Hamlet, implying that there should be no limits to Laertes’ pursuit of vengeance

Question 10

“Gertrude, do not drink.”
(Act 5, Scene 2)

Answer 10

Claudius tries to stop Gertrude from drinking the poisoned wine, but does not do so forcefully enough, revealing his fear of being exposed

Question 11

“It is the poisoned cup: it is too late.”
(Act 5, Scene 2)

Answer 11

After Gertrude drinks the poisoned wine, Claudius acknowledges his guilt but makes no effort to stop the unfolding tragedy