Final answer:
The speaker of the quote is Claudius from Shakespeare's play Hamlet, expressing his recognition that without sincere thought, his words are empty and cannot reach heaven.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct speaker for the quotation "My words fly up, my thoughts remain below, words without thoughts never to heaven go" is Claudius from William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. This line reflects Claudius's recognition of the disconnect between his false prayers and his lingering sinful thoughts, which he believes hamper their ascent to heaven. In essence, Claudius is aware that his insincere words are ineffective without the backing of true, penitent thought.
This excerpt is a poignant example of the depths of a character's complexity, and represents a critical moment of internal conflict within Shakespeare's tragedy, showcasing the theme of the inefficacy of performance without genuine intent.
Hamlet is often studied in high school English literature classes for its rich thematic content, complex characters, and Shakespeare's masterful use of language. It offers 500 words of valuable insight into the human condition and the consequences of moral corruption.