and the fear of his own death leads to his ruin. Claudius praying for forgiveness shows his guilt and that "his stronger guilt goes against [his] strong intention" (3.3.85). When Claudius realized that he was "still in possession of the effects for which [he] committed the murder" (3.3.85), he knew that he could not be forgiven and that all his prayers for forgiveness would not be not answered because “words without thoughts never go to heaven” (3.4.87). The guilt Claudius felt eventually turned into Claudius planning Hamlet's death to save himself. Claudius realized that Hamlet knew of the murder and that Hamlet was returning from England "naked to [his] kingdom" (4.7.116). Fearing his own death, he then hatched a plan with Laertes that ended up killing Laertes, Hamlet, and Claudius himself. Claudius also kills another character whom he had no intention of killing. This character is Gertrude. Claudius claimed to love Gertrude and that "she is so connective to [his] heart and soul that, as the star moves but not in its sphere, [he] could only through her" (4.7.115). Claudius killing Hamlet Sr. caused evil and if the evil act had never been committed, Claudius would not have planned Hamlet's death and Gertrude would not have had to drink from the poisoned cup that led to his dead. Overall, if the guilt and fear of Claudius' death were not present, Claudius would not have made such a hasty decision, causing his plan to fail.