One other thing that we learn about Claudius that is interesting, particularly in the light of Hamlet's indecision and the way he compares himself to Claudius as a man of action, evil though it may be, is that Claudius too has problems making decisions. He states:
Pray can I not,(40)
Though inclination be as sharp as will;
My stronger guilt defeats my strong intent,
And, like a man to double business bound,
I stand in pause where I shall first begin,
And both neglect.
He too cannot always figure out exactly what to do as he neglects both sides of the decision. In the end of course he makes himself kneel to begin asking for forgiveness, but he is torn for a time about whether he can or ought to.
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