Hamlet voices these lines comparing his uncle to his father during his soliloquy at the end of act one, scene two. Hamlet begins his soliloquy by contemplating suicide and expressing his disdain for his mother's decision to marry his unscrupulous uncle. He is completely beside himself and cannot see how his mother could marry Claudius within a month after his father's death. Hamlet praises his father by comparing him to the sun god Hyperion and commenting on his caring, benevolent nature. In contrast, Hamlet compares Claudius to a grotesque satyr, which is a mythical creature symbolically associated with sexual promiscuity. Hamlet goes on to comment,

O God, a beast that wants discourse of reason
Would have mourned longer!—married with my uncle,
My father’s brother, but no more like my father
Than I to Hercules. (1.2.150–154)

Hamlet's comparison reveals his contempt for Claudius and depicts his low self-image. He views Claudius as the complete antithesis of his father, whom he respects and admires. In Hamlet's opinion, Claudius does not resemble King Hamlet in any way, shape, or form. Hamlet views Claudius as a corrupt, lascivious person and does not understand what his mother sees in him.

Hamlet also reveals his low self-image by admitting that he does possess any heroic qualities like Hercules. This establishes Hamlet as a timid, melancholy character, whose insecurities are significant obstacles standing in his way of avenging his father. Unlike Hercules, Hamlet is weak, diffident, and lacks resolve. He is an insecure, complex character, and the audience sympathizes with his tragic situation. As the play progresses, Hamlet struggles to follow through with his father's directive to revenge his death and continually makes excuses not to murder Claudius when the opportunity arises. Overall, this quote reveals Hamlet's disdain for his uncle and low self-esteem, both of which are highlighted throughout the play.