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Date Posted: 11:39:22 02/14/08 Thu
Author: tsawyer
Subject: Re: First Hamlet Question to Think About
In reply to: Joel Gehrke 's message, "Re: First Hamlet Question to Think About" on 23:16:31 02/13/08 Wed

I agree more with this view of his intentions than the idea that he lacks repentance or sincerity. In the first place, he is talking to himself - he has no need to put on a false front of sorrow that he doesn't feel. The fact that he is alone on stage is a signal that his words and emotions correspond.

That being said, I feel like repentance isn't the right word to talk about his situation. He obviously isn't "repentant" as he never asks for forgiveness (though he hints at it several times), but he does acknowledge the sin he has committed ("O my offense is rank, it smells to heaven...etc."). His dilemma lies in his focus on his own failure rather than the possible forgiveness. To speak of contrition or confession goes too far - he cannot get past himself to his God. This whole soliloquy is his attempt (and failure) to pray. He never achieves contrition, confession, or satisfaction because there is no one to be contrite toward, to confess to, to make satisfied.

As you (joel) said, he has trapped himself in his own sorrow and doubt, unwilling to relinquish his earthly standing for his heavenly peace.

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