Explanation:
In Act III of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the play within a play is performed, and the actors reenact the murder of King Hamlet. During the performance, King Claudius becomes visibly upset and abruptly leaves the room. In a soliloquy that follows, he says the line “O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven,” which suggests that he is aware of the gravity of his sin and fears divine retribution. This line supports the conclusion that Claudius fears his own fate and is plagued by guilt.