Fortinbras in Hamlet by William Shakespeare - 691 Words

William Shakespeare was an excellent writer. His plays always have deeper meanings and complex plots, but most importantly, they have wonderful characters. Every character Shakespeare creates has some kind of purpose to fulfill, important even when they are background characters with few lines or appearances. Sometimes, even though the characters have no major role in Shakespeare’s plays, they have some type of significance. In Hamlet, one of these characters is Fortinbras. The character of Fortinbras is someone with an extremely similar background to the protagonist of the play, Hamlet. One might say that Fortinbras and Hamlet are parallel versions of each other, being in the same situation even though they have a different lineage. Though he is only mentioned a few times throughout Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Fortinbras has a very important role to play. Despite being in the same situation, Fortinbras and Hamlet are almost polar opposites of each other. Hamlet tends to be philosophic; he contemplates everything that happens around him and often winds up with off the wall conclusions and conspiracy theories that borderline the realm of realistic possibilities. Fortinbras is more aggressive; he prefers to actively pursue his desires in order to receive what he wants. Their fathers are dead and both of their kingdoms are being ruled by their uncles, but each prince reacts differently to the situation that they are in. Early on in the play, Hamlet is confronted by his father’sShow MoreRelatedFortinbras in Hamlet by William Shakespeare577 Words   |  2 PagesEvery character in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is important in their own way, even if they have very few appearances. One character in particular, King Hamlet’s Ghost, influences several characters in Hamlet, as well as the actual theme of the story as a whole. Perhaps one of the most important things about King Hamlet’s Ghost is how a character that holds no physical fo rm, can influence and shape the outcome in such a way that makes Shakespeare’s Hamlet what it is; a tragedy. When King Hamlet’sRead MoreCommon Themes In The Tragedy Of Hamlet By William Shakespeare1071 Words   |  5 PagesWilliam Shakespeare tends to focus on a common theme throughout his many works. He uses characters to show the flaws in humans and as society .   In   Shakespeares classic play The Tragedy of Hamlet, the main character, Hamlet is shown with wanting revenge on his mother and uncle after his father’s death.  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this play Hamlet feels the need avenge his father, as well as dealing with being â€Å"mad†. In his mantle break he murders the father of his love, Ophelia, and her brother. The theme of revengeRead More Revenge and Vengeance in Shakespeares Hamlet - Why Revenge?1054 Words   |  5 PagesRevenge in Hamlet        Ã‚  Ã‚   In Elizabethan times, a type of play known as a revenge tragedy became popular. These plays revolved around, ... the revenge of a father for a son or vice versa, the revenge being directed by the ghost of the murdered man... (Harmon and Holman #6). Other characteristics include real or pretend insanity, philosophic soliloquies, hesitation on the part of the protagonist, conspiracy, and the use of horror. William Shakespeares Hamlet fully satisfies each of theseRead MoreFriendship And Relationships In Hamlet919 Words   |  4 Pagesreason to read a novel in school is not so much for the fun of reading, but for the lessons learned. William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, is not considered a classic without good reason. The play touches upon a wide variety of topics, teaching the reader a great deal about life. Shakespeare provides wonderful insight into everything from friendships to death. Of all the stories taught in British Literature, Hamlet is certainly the most importa nt piece to keep due to the lessons in presents. It is definitelyRead MoreA Comparison of the Revenge of Fortinbras and Hamlet Essay893 Words   |  4 Pages In Hamlet, Shakespeare introduces us to Fortinbras and Hamlet. Both characters are bent on avenging the death of their fathers who were murdered. In Act I, two different revenge plots by these two men are revealed, and while Fortinbras is very open and bold about killing Claudius, Hamlet is sly and quiet about his plan. Fortinbras is also dead set on attacking Denmark no matter what but Hamlet is indecisive about killing Claudius. Fortinbras plans to lead an army to attack Denmark while Hamlet’sRead MoreEssay on The Character of Hamlet in William Shakespeares Play1618 Words   |  7 PagesThe Character of Hamlet in William Shakespeares Play Some critics have stated that the appeal of Hamlet to the audience is his many human weaknesses, the most notable being his indecision. His deliberations and procrastinations are particularly high-lighted when he is faced with the task of revenge. The law and Christianity, around the early seventeenth century, were clear in condemning personal revenge as an attempt by man to arrogate the prerogatives of God. Hamlet’sRead MoreCause and Effect Hamlet Essay902 Words   |  4 PagesCause and Effect Hamlet Essay William Shakespeare, arguably the greatest language in the English language and England’s national poet, has written numerous histories, tragedies, comedies and poems. Throughout his plays, his use of dramatic irony, immaculate word choice and wording, and his vast imagination has made him a successful playwright even in his time. Shakespeare’s scripts for his theatrical company, needed to pertain to the needs and fascinations of the Elizabethan audience. It is safeRead More Revenge and Vengeance in Shakespeares Hamlet - Beyond Vengeance1547 Words   |  7 PagesRevenge in Hamlet      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There is an old saying, The sins of the fathers are visited upon the sons. When the sons in question are Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras - pivotal characters in Shakespeares Hamlet - one might wonder how each mans father affects their particular natures - their particular sins. While Hamlet could be considered a story in the vein of Cain and Abel; a jealous man who slays his brother, an allusion which Claudius himself makes during his prayer at the climax of theRead More The Foils of Laertes and Fortinbras in Hamlet Essay1031 Words   |  5 PagesThe Foils of Laertes and Fortinbras in Hamlet  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   William Shakespeare wrote the classic play, Hamlet in the sixteenth century.   Hamlet would be a very difficult play to understand without the masterful use of foils.   A foil is a minor character in a literary work that compliments the main character through similarities and differences in personality.   The audience can identify similarities and differences between any of the characters and Hamlet, however, there are two characters thatRead MoreCharacters Of William Shakespeare s Hamlet886 Words   |  4 PagesIn William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, some specific characteristics of Hamlet’s peers help to show the character of Hamlet to the audience. Horatio supports every bold decision Hamlet makes, and is an authentic loyal friend. Fortinbras is a foil perceived in the play, and he wants to avenge his father s death. Laertes, Polonius’s son and Ophelia’s brother, is passionate and impulsive, who is also identified as Hamlet’s foil. A s Shakespeare reveal Horatio’s, Laertes’, and Fortinbras’ traits he also shows