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All Site ContentHamletAct 1Scene 3
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"way to heaven"
Allusion
Act 1,
Scene 3
Lines 45-51a

An explanation of the “way to heaven” allusion in Act 1, Scene 3 of myShakespeare’s Hamlet.

Ophelia

I shall the effect of this good lesson keep
As watchman to my heart. But, good my brother,
Do not — as some ungracious pastors do —
Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven,
Whilst, like a puffed and reckless libertine,
Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads,
And recks not his own rede. 

Laertes

The book of Matthew describes two paths in life. Most people choose the wide gate and the easy path that leads to sin and destruction, while fewer choose the narrow gate and the steep path, which leads to salvation—“the steep and thorny way to heaven.”