Similarities Between The Lion King And Hamlet

Jolliette Resente

Eric Lockaby

ENGL 1102

1 February 2023 The Lion King and Hamlet

What do a 17th century novel and a 90s animated film have in common? More than one might think. The timeless tale of a prince seeking revenge for the death of his father and the struggle for power has been retold and reinterpreted throughout the years, captivating audiences with its universal themes. William Shakespeare's Hamlet and Disney's The Lion King are two of the most well-known interpretations of this classic story. Hamlet is a complex and sophisticated play, while The Lion King is a lighthearted and relatable film set in the African savanna and featuring anthropomorphic animals.The Lion King and Hamlet show two different sides of the classic story of

It's got a classic coming-of-age story and all sorts of positive vibes about acceptance and taking responsibility. Rafiki the monkey says it best, "Remember who you are. You are my son, and the one true king." This line emphasizes Simba's natural qualities like bravery, leadership, and determination, and gives him the push he needs to take back his throne. On the other hand, Hamlet paints Prince Hamlet as a sad and brooding dude who's plagued by doubt and indecision. The play is all about morality, mortality, and the human condition, and it explores themes like revenge, justice, and what life is all about. As Shakespeare wrote, "To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles And by opposing end them." These lines make him feel like a real person that people can relate to. These different portrayals of the main characters show the different styles and approaches you can take when adapting a classic story. Whether it's through the complex and introspective Prince Hamlet, or the optimistic and confident Simba, the story of a prince seeking revenge and fighting for power still strikes a chord with audiences and shows the timelessness of this

In The Lion King, Simba ultimately overcomes his doubts and reclaims his place as king, leading the Pride Lands to a new era of prosperity and peace. The film ends with Simba being crowned as king and surrounded by his friends and subjects, who look to him with hope and admiration. In contrast, Hamlet ends in tragedy, with most of the main characters dead. Hamlet himself is killed in a duel with Laertes, who in turn is killed by the poison on his own sword. As Hamlet utters his final words, "the rest is silence," it is clear that there will be no resolution to the conflicts that have plagued the kingdom. However, in The Lion King Simba said, "It's the circle of life, and it moves us all." These quotes highlight the difference between the two endings, with one emphasizing a sense of renewal and the other emphasizing an end to all things. Although the ending of Hamlet is not as uplifting as that of The Lion King, it is a powerful reflection on the experience and the consequences of