Hamlet’s Monologue: Act 3 Scene 3 – “Now Might I Do It Pat, now he is praying;”

Synopsis

In this crucial moment of Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark finds himself in a position to avenge his father by killing King Claudius. Claudius, however, is praying, and Hamlet hesitates, fearing that killing Claudius while he prays might send his soul to heaven—a fate Hamlet deems too kind for the man who murdered his father. This monologue reveals Hamlet’s internal conflict, his philosophical musings on morality, and his desire for justice tinged with vengeance.

Original Text

Now might I do it pat, now he is praying;
And now I'll do't. And so he goes to heaven;
And so am I revenged. That would be scann'd:
A villain kills my father; and for that,
I, his sole son, do this same villain send
To heaven.
Why, this is hire and salary, not revenge.
He took my father grossly, full of bread;
With all his crimes broad blown, as flush as May;
And how his audit stands who knows save heaven?
But in our circumstance and course of thought,
'Tis heavy with him: and am I then revenged,
To take him in the purging of his soul,
When he is fit and season'd for his passage?
No!
Up, sword; and know thou a more horrid hent:
When he is drunk asleep, or in his rage,
Or in the incestuous pleasure of his bed;
At gaming, swearing, or about some act
That has no relish of salvation in't;
Then trip him, that his heels may kick at heaven,
And that his soul may be as damn'd and black
As hell, whereto it goes. My mother stays:
This physic but prolongs thy sickly days.

Modern Translation

Now I could kill him, right here while he’s praying.
And I’ll do it now! But if I kill him while he’s praying,
He’ll go to heaven, and that’s not revenge at all.
Let me think about this: a villain murders my father,
And I, his only son, send that villain to heaven?
No, that’s a reward, not vengeance.
My father was taken suddenly, without a chance to repent,
With all his sins upon him. Who knows what his judgment was?
But by earthly reckoning, it must have been heavy.
And would it be justice if I send Claudius
To his death when his soul is clean and ready for heaven?
No, that won’t do!
Put your sword away, Hamlet, and wait for a worse moment:
When he’s drunk, or enraged, or in the middle of sinning—
In bed with my mother, or swearing, or gambling—
When he’s doing something that will surely damn his soul.
Then strike him down, so his soul will fall into hell where it belongs.
My mother waits. This delay is only medicine
That prolongs the diseased days of his life.

Glossary of Terms

  • Pat: At the right moment.

  • Scann'd: Examined or analysed.

  • Hire and salary: A reward or payment, as opposed to true vengeance.

  • Grossly, full of bread: Without fasting or purification; in sin.

  • Flush as May: In full bloom, vibrant and unrepentant.

  • Purging of his soul: Cleansing of sins through prayer.

  • Hent: Opportunity or occasion.

  • Relish of salvation: Any quality that could lead to redemption.

  • Physic: Medicine.

Suggested New Thought Chunking / Paragraphing

  1. Now might I do it pat, now he is praying; And now I'll do't.
    Hamlet considers the opportunity to act decisively.

    Acting Note: Convey Hamlet’s initial resolve with a sharp sense of urgency and focus, as though he’s about to take action.

  2. And so he goes to heaven; And so am I revenged. That would be scann'd:
    Doubt creeps in as Hamlet begins to question whether this moment is suitable for revenge.

    Acting Note: Let the tone shift to hesitation and deep contemplation.

  3. A villain kills my father; and for that, I, his sole son, do this same villain send to heaven.
    Hamlet acknowledges the moral contradiction in his plan.

    Acting Note: Infuse this section with frustration, as Hamlet wrestles with his sense of justice.

  4. No! Up, sword; and know thou a more horrid hent:
    Hamlet rejects the idea of killing Claudius now and resolves to wait for a better opportunity.

    Acting Note: Show determination, with physical gestures reinforcing the decision to stay his hand.

Journey Keypoints

  • Hook: Hamlet’s immediate resolve to act while Claudius prays.

  • Turning Point: Hamlet’s realisation that killing Claudius now might reward him with heaven.

  • Climax: Hamlet’s decision to delay revenge until a more damning moment.

  • Resolution: Hamlet sheaths his sword, postponing Claudius’s death, and leaves to attend to his mother.

Notable Actors Who Have Played Hamlet in This Scene

  • Laurence Olivier (1948): Brought an iconic, psychological depth to Hamlet’s internal struggle.

  • David Tennant (2008): Highlighted Hamlet’s emotional volatility and sharp wit.

  • Andrew Scott (2017): Delivered a modern, introspective interpretation, emphasising Hamlet’s moral ambiguity.

Explore Hamlet’s Complexity with Expert Coaching

Hamlet’s monologues, particularly this one, demand a deep understanding of the character’s internal conflict. At ACS Drama School Audition Coaching, we can help you unlock the layers of Hamlet’s psyche, refine your performance, and stand out in auditions. Let’s bring Shakespeare’s most complex character to life—your way!