What does hamlet mean by this reference to claudius in act i, scene ii, of hamlet? a little more than kin, and less than kind he and claudius are similar in every way possible. he and claudius are relatives but not similar to each other. he and claudius both want to rule denmark. he and claudius are similar in their hatred for hamlet’s father.

paine is arguying that they had tried everything before coming to the conclusion that they needed to fight for their freedom.

argument: "every quiet method for peace hath been ineffectual."

claim 1: "our prayers have been rejected with disdain; and only tended to convince us, that nothing flatters vanity, or confirms obstinacy in kings more than repeated petitioning and nothing hath contributed more than that very measure to make the kings of europe absolute."

claim 2: "wherefore, since nothing but blows will do, for god’s sake, let us come to a final separation, and not leave the next generation to be cutting throats, under the violated unmeaning names of parent and child."