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Claudius commits one of the oldest sins when he poisons his own brother in his path to become king of Denmark. He ventures even farther into evil when he seduces the old queen, his sister-in-law and uses her as well on his path to kingship. Despite Claudius’ declaration of guilt, he admits that he is still benefiting from his sins, and chooses power and greed over salvation: “That cannot be; since I am still possess’d of those effects for which I did the murder, my crown, mine own ambition, and my queen” (4.3, 57-59). Claudius is also a master manipulator and uses it to get his ways. When his previous plan to get rid of Hamlet fails, the King places guilt on Laertes to avenge Polonius’ death for Claudius’ own self-gain: “Laertes, was your father dear to you? Or are you like the painting of a sorrow, a face without a heart?” (4.7, 122-124). Claudius’ love for Gertrude is also put to test when Gertrude drinks the poison that is intended for Hamlet in the fencing scene. Instead of saving his love, the King decides that his own ambition is more important. At times, one can see Claudius as the cruelest of characters because his actions can seem
