Archetypal Parallels Between Hamlet And Fortinbras

Through distinct archetypal parallels between Hamlet and Fortinbras and their aspirations for revenge, Shakespeare composes an alternative conclusion of his tragedy Hamlet through Prince Fortinbras, indicating Hamlet’s corruptible nature and hierarchy for revenge ultimately led to his ruin and instructing against the condensation of desire through depravity and disregard for consequences. In Act 1 of Hamlet, Shakespeare introduces the conflict between Denmark and Norway through the former king of Denmark’s ghost. From the perspective of Prince Hamlet’s acquaintance Horatio, Shakespeare establishes the background of his story. Horatio informs the audience that “Our last king . . . Was, as you know, by Fortinbras of Norway, . . . Dared to the

Courtier Voltemand reveals that following the discovery of his nephew’s deception, the King of Norway “sends out arrests / On Fortinbras, which he, in brief obeys” (Ham. 2.2.71-72). Voltemand explains to King Cladius Prince Fortinbras’ acceptance of his uncle’s will: “[Fortinbras] Receives rebuke from Norway, and, in fine, / Makes vow before his uncle never more / To give th’ assay of arms against your Majesty.” (Ham. 2.2.73-75). Unlike Hamlet, Fortinbras heeds his uncle’s advice and stops his assault on Denmark. While Hamlet falls deeper into madness and obsession with revenge, Fortinbras controls his obsession with reclaiming the land his father yielded to Denmark. Through the distinct archetypal parallels between Hamlet and Fortinbras, Shakespeare compares the two characters in their revengeful dispositions and composes an alternative conclusion of Hamlet’s tragedy through Prince Fortinbras: one where Hamlet listens to his uncle and arrests his corrupted motivations. In diverging from the original story followed by Prince Hamlet through Fortinbras, Shakespeare indicates Hamlet’s corruptible nature and hierarchy for revenge led to his death and instructs the audience against depravity and disregard for