He employs a hyperbole from the start of the passage. The use of extreme exaggeration assists in over-dramatizing and emphasizing his point. "O, my offence is rank it smells to heaven…" consists of a hyperbole. He expresses that his sin is so terrible that God can smell it from heaven. The author applies this device to evoke pity from the audience, establish a connection between the character and the viewer, and, last but not least, set a tone for the passage. In Hamlet, alludes are scattered throughout, majorly being biblical such as in this quote: "it hath the primal eldest curse upon't, A brother's murder. Pray can I not." The application of this quote helps allude to the story of Cain and Abel, in reference to Claudius, who also murdered his brother like Cain; it also successful reflects upon Claudius’s character. The alliteration in "my crown, mine own ambition and my queen" seems to emphasize Claudius's satisfaction to the audience. Shakespeare also splatters apostrophes in his work. "Help, angels! Make assay!" demonstrates the need for help as well as a hurt ego. Lastly, internal conflicts are often seen in soliloquies. "My stronger guilt defeats my strong intent..." displays the complexity of this dynamic character, struggling with emotion-bound murder, establishing credibility and creating sympathy …show more content…
The character in this passage feels contrite, clearly expressing his misery over his sins and its corresponding guilt. He asks "But O, what form of prayer can serve my turn?" (lines 16 and 17), displaying his regret and clear desire for repentance of his brutal act. The questioning of "What if this cursed hand... 'Forgive me my foul murder'?" (lines 8-17) contributes a contemplative tone, where Claudius conveys deep thought. Additionally, the King demonstrates the feeling of doubt, cynically inquiring "In the corrupted currents... Yet what can it if one cannot repent?" (lines 22-31). Guilt overpowering him, he begins self-loathing, forcing his “stubborn knees” to “bow” (line