What Role Does Religion Play In Hamlet

Religion plays rather an important role in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. It is seen in the motives and actions of the characters as decisions throughout the play are placed before them, such as making choices based off of their religious beliefs. Religion is mentioned repeatedly in the play and can be seen as one of the most crucial points that it is based upon. A perfect example would be Hamlets famous soliloquy “To be or not to be” (III, i, 67) in which Hamlet is contemplating committing suicide. He then concludes at the end of the speech to refrain from suicide merely because he cannot be sure of what will happen to his spirit after death. This is an example in which his religious belief of fearing the unknown (life after death) causes him to reevaluate, leading to his action of not taking his life. Another scene which shows the importance and role of religion would be when Claudius is praying in the church and cries “Oh, my offense is rank. It smells to Heaven,” (III, iii, 37) knowing he has committed a great sin but is not willing to repent because of what he has gained. Standing by is Hamlet, wanting to seize his perfect opportunity to avenge his father, but realizes what he would

The reference of the convent shows knowledge based on beliefs. Another reference would be as Hamlet is dying Horatio leaves his last words with him saying “Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!” (V, ii, 358-360). He assumes that Hamlet is not going to hell but to heaven, having a different religious perspective considering all the sin Hamlet had committed while avenging his father. Horatio has obviously not had any religious objection to his friends