Central Themes in "Hamlet"- Attaining Salvation

In the play "Hamlet", there are many recurring themes. One of the central themes of the play is attaining salvation, a goal which many of the characters hope to achieve. The after life and the hopes of being accepted into heaven were of utmost importance to the people of Hamlet's time. If one died with a venial sin (a "minor" sin such as stealing or lying), on their soul, they would be destined to spend a period of time in purgatory as punishment. If the sin was a mortal one (such as murder), without forgiveness, the persons soul was doomed to eternal hell.
Although Claudius believes that…