Essay On Fortinbras In Hamlet

The new king of Denmark The kings and princes are significant noble characters in William Shakespeare’s plays. The Danish throne has induced complex conspiracies and revenges in one of Shakespeare’s classic tragedies, Hamlet. This eminent play ends with the deaths of all those affected in Hamlet’s revenge. Prince Fortinbras of Norway, being honorable and obedient, has been rewarded with the Danish throne. The ending of this tragedy is considerably open, which provokes concerns of Denmark’s future and implicitly proposes the question “will Fortinbras make a good king?”. Fortinbras is in juxtaposition with Hamlet, the prince of Denmark. The deliberate contrasts between the two princes not only provide additional insights into Hamlet’s flaws,
Fortinbras has exemplified imperative qualities of a good king; he is powerful, honorable, and decisive. His name means “strong in arm” and Horatio indicates that Fortinbras works “by strong hands/And terms compulsatory”. Fortinbras governs “a list of lawless resolutes” and has been training his own troop. Hamlet describes Fortinbras as “delicate and tender” after witnessing his army of “mass and charge”. The two princes have distinct view towards values; Hamlet focuses on the value of the land when Fortinbras emphasizes the land’s symbolic value of honour. Fortinbras is a brave soldier who is prepared to defend his country’s honour; his leadership and military heroism are the qualities that a king should possess. An heir's popularity among the commons is also extremely significant. Indeed, Fortinbras knows how to establish his reputation in a kingdom. When he realizes the absence of kingship in Denmark, he hastily indicates his logical inherit of the crown and then authorizes Hamlet a military funeral to honour his death. He gives an eulogy on people’s favorite prince, which will increase people’s respects for this new Danish king. As a foil to Hamlet’s