How do Hamlet's thoughts and doubts about the afterlife affect him?

Question

In _Hamlet_, there are many references to the afterlife, god, and what the consequences of his actions are. ###My question is this: _Did Hamlet's pre-conceptions about the afterlife ultimately affect his choice to kill his uncle or not?_ More specifically, why did Hamlet not kill Claudius when he had the perfect chance? Why did he then change his mind and wildly shove the rest of the poison in his mouth later? Why does Hamlet not feel the proper motivation to kill him beforehand? A thorough explanation would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Well, he *says* he's concerned about the after-life. After all, where might Claudius go when he dies if he's killed in the middle of praying?