How Is Fortinbras A Foil To Hamlet

Although he may not have a significant amount of time on stage, the character of Fortinbras, the Prince of Norway, plays a crucial role in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Fortinbras highlights and contrasts Hamlet's actions and motivations as a foil to the main character, ultimately illuminating the play's central themes of revenge and appearance vs. reality. Through his interactions and decisions, Fortinbras contrasts Hamlet's indecision and inaction, ultimately demonstrating the consequences of taking decisive action and the importance of leadership. Fortinbras's presence throughout the play serves not only to add depth to the narrative but also to provide a commentary on the choices and actions of the other characters,

Fortinbras plays a significant role in the action of the play as continuously adds tension and conflict to the plot. We see Fortinbras as a potential rival to Hamlet as they are both heirs to the throne after their fathers are murdered. By presenting Fortinbras as a foil to Hamlet, Shakespeare creates a sense of competition and tension between the two princes as they seek to establish their claim to the throne. One example of this tension is in Act 2, Scene 2 when Claudius says, "The head is not more native to the heart, The hand more instrumental to the mouth, Than is the throne of Denmark to thy father. What would thou have, Laertes?" This quote emphasizes Claudius’s awareness of Fortinbras's potential threat to his claim to the throne and is prepared to take action to protect his interests. In addition to adding tension to the plot, Fortinbras' decision to lead an army against Denmark to reclaim the land lost to the country in a previous conflict catalyzes the final confrontation

As a foil to Hamlet, Fortinbras' decisive and purposeful actions serve as a contrast to Hamlet's indecision and lack of direction. For example, when Fortinbras is discussing his plans to reclaim his rightful lands from Denmark, he says, "And for an old-standing feud, have in this action lost a voice of Norway, whose death I greatly do repent" (4.4.22-24). This contrast highlights Hamlet's inaction and indecisiveness, as he has spent most of the play procrastinating and contemplating revenge rather than taking decisive action. The contrast between the two characters also helps deepen our understanding of Hamlet and his motivations. For example, when Fortinbras says, "Rightly to be great is not to stir without great argument, but greatly to find quarrel in a straw when honour is at stake" (4.4.53-55), it serves as a commentary on Hamlet's actions and motivations. Hamlet, too, has been seeking a great argument or justification for his actions, and this contrast helps to illustrate further the internal struggles and motivations of Hamlet's character. Overall, Fortinbras's presence throughout the play adds depth and complexity, as his contrast with Hamlet helps further develop and deepen our understanding of the main