The lines you’ve quoted are from William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet,” specifically from Act 3, Scene 3.
In these lines, King Claudius is expressing guilt and remorse for his actions, particularly the murder of his brother (King Hamlet) to gain the throne and marry Queen Gertrude. The reference to the “primal eldest curse” alludes to the biblical story of Cain and Abel, where Cain commits the first murder by killing his brother Abel.
Here’s a breakdown of the lines:
- “O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven,”
- Claudius acknowledges the gravity of his wrongdoing, describing it as a foul and pervasive offense that reaches the heavens. The use of the word “rank” suggests that his crime is not only serious but also carries a strong odor of moral corruption.
- “It had the primal eldest curse upon’t A brother’s murder!”
- Here, Claudius reflects on the heinous nature of his crime. He likens it to the “primal eldest curse,” a clear reference to the biblical story of Cain, who committed the first murder by killing his brother Abel. Claudius acknowledges that murdering his brother carries the weight of this ancient, cursed act.
- “Pray can I not. Though inclination be as sharp as will”
- Claudius expresses his inability to pray or seek forgiveness for his sins. Despite feeling the sharp inclination or desire to repent, he acknowledges that his will to do so is insufficient. This suggests a profound internal struggle and a recognition of the moral consequences of his actions.
These lines capture Claudius’s internal turmoil and guilt over his crime, highlighting the moral complexity and psychological depth that Shakespeare often explores in his characters. The allusion to the biblical curse adds a layer of cultural and moral significance to Claudius’s acknowledgment of guilt.