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Why Is Fortinbras Important In Hamlet

1293 Words6 Pages

Zach Barden
April 4, 2023
Intro to Literature
Professor Nadeau
The Fortinbras’s Effect Despite being a supporting character in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, Fortinbras is crucial to the play's conclusion. The young Prince of Norway named Fortinbras is introduced to the audience as someone who plans to take vengeance on Denmark for the death of his dad. He acts as a parallel to Hamlet in that both of them are young princes who have lost their dads, but they deal with their loss in quite different ways. Fortinbras is a man of action who is out to avenge the death of his father and recover the territory that he feels is rightfully Norway's. He is ambitious and decisive, as seen by his readiness to command his army into war and his capacity …show more content…

Which means he is almost the polar opposite of how Hamlet’s character is depicted. Fortinbras is a symbol of honor and nobility after Hamlet has shown none of this throughout the whole play. He was brought to contrast Hamlet as he acted quickly when things would happen throughout the ending of the play. His character is shown as a man who is honorable and has much integrity when handling situations. His character is driven by the same thing that fuels Hamlet over the whole play. That is revenge for the death of their fathers that they hold so much loyalty to. Hamlet and Fortinbras though react differently to avenging the deaths of their fathers. Hamlet of course struggles to make decisions and is uncertain of the actions that he takes throughout the play. Well just meeting Fortinbras for the end of the play you learn he gets the job done and is certain of his …show more content…

He makes sure to pay respect to Hamlet and makes sure that he is properly buried after his death. He wants the people to talk highly of Hamlet and let him rest in peace. This allows Fortinbras to be seen as a respectful leader and carrying himself in a strong way. Fortinbras acting in this way shows the people of the kingdom that he is a dedicated leader. Fortinbras is now seen almost as a form of stability by coming and securing the kingdom. Fortinbras is a new beginning in the kingdom after dealing with such tragedy that occurred throughout the

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