The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 13.1577  Thursday, 27 June 2002

From:            Bob Rosen <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date:           Thursday, 27 Jun 2002 00:45:56 EDT
Subject:        The Currency of Prayer

Words without thoughts never to heaven go. --William Shakespeare

As I recall, King Claudius, Hamlet's uncle, prays and senses that his
crimes preclude divine solace. Therefore his words have no effect,
because there is no excuse in conscience that could validate those words
of prayer. They can have no redemptive meaning. Yet Hamlet, who secretly
witnesses those empty words, spares Claudius' life at that moment. So
Claudius's prayer does have a moderating effect -- not upon Claudius's
spirit -- but on Hamlet.

Br

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