When faced with a life changing event there are two primary reactions, it is either loosing hope and becoming self destructive or finding a way to overcome the challenge and succeed. Success and failure immensely rely on the decisions a character makes along with the way they react when a situation cannot be controlled. Shakespeare’s Hamlet displays this ideology strongly through Hamlet, Laertes and Fortinbras as they parallel each other as each embarks on a journey to avenge the death of his father. The characters Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras attempt to obtain revenge, however, their reaction and approach towards revenge varies greatly as while Fortinbras is planning, Hamlet and Laertes are acting on impulse leading to either their downfall or success. …show more content…
Its is clear that he is strategic as he asks for permission beforehand to go through Denmark to get to the land that he wants to win back. He is aware of the disorder in Denmark so he plans for it to be that time when he will cross Denmark as everyone will be too distracted to pay much attention to him and his plans. Fortinbras has an achievable, and meaningful goal which is one of his largest strengths that will lead to his success in this play. Fortinbras’ goal is not just to avenge his father’s death but to reclaim his father’s honor by winning back the land he had lost. Unlike Laertes he does not jump right into the first way to get revenge, instead he is strategic and makes sure his plan is fool proof. His success in the play is evident as he has a goal, he has a plan to reach it and he follows through it. Fortinbras is a proactive character in the play and this is shown from the very beginning of the play as he does not waste any time nor let his emotions distract him. The following quote shows Horatio, a friend of Hamlet, narrating Fortinbras’ attempts and achievements of claiming back the land his father had