The Mechanics Of Prayer

Claudius knows his prayer will not be heard in heaven, for he doubts retribution. If the King doesn't completely regret his actions, how can they be forgiven? He acknowledges his dilemma when he concludes that his "words fly up, my thoughts remain below;/ Words without thoughts never to heaven go" (III. iii. 104-105). Here, there are two terms which require a contextual definition: "Words" and "thoughts". Words may be the superficial petitions and visible emotions observed in Claudius, while his thoughts are those hidden intentions that require censorship. He knows that any attempt to fool heaven will invalidate the absolution ticket he craves.