Fortinbras Hamlet Analysis

Text constructs meaning, conveys ideas and values, and is open to a range of interpretations for the readers based on the time period they are written in. In Shakespeare’s era, “revenge tragedies” were an extremely popular form of entertainment that was based on the pagan tradition of blood for blood. The discourse of revenge in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet portrays the clash between rational and irrational responses to pursuing vengeance suggesting a response based on the baser nature leads to tragedy. During the renaissance time period, it demonstrated a clash between Roman values of martial bravery and blood- right and the developing Christian Gospel values of humility and acceptance. These representations are clearly established throughout
He is shown to seek revenge quickly and in a decisive manner, unlike young Hamlet. Fortinbras’ situation of avenging his father’s death is parallel to that of Hamlet’s situation with Claudius. The difference between the two is that Fortinbras is willing to sacrifice his entire country for revenge. During the opening scene of Act 1 Scene 1, Horatio says, “…Now, sir, young Fortinbras/ of unimproved mettle hot and full…” (I.I. 95-98). It is in this quote the audience identifies that Fortinbras is a passionate man who is eager to regain the land that once belonged to his father and will do whatever it takes to achieve that. When Horatio describes him as a “mettle hot and full”, it constructs this picture that Fortinbras is immature and a tempered boy who is not ready to take control of a country. It shows that he is a person who does not have any respectable virtues since he is seeking revenge to reclaim the land of Denmark. He does this calmly by deliberately forming a practical plan where he assembles an army that is arranged to march to Denmark. When Claudius is informed of young Fortinbras’ real intentions, he notifies his uncle, King of Norway, of the matter where he then demands that the Prince withdrawals his military attempts at Denmark. Voltemand says to Claudius “… he in brief obeys receives rebuke from Norway, and in fine makes vow before his uncle never more to give th’assay of arms against your majesty.” (2. 2. 68-71). Young Fortinbras obeys the order showing that he can be dealt with sensibly and that he doesn’t look to murder as the way to avenge his father. He does not act out of fits of temporary madness like Hamlet, but develops a plan where he realises the consequences of a victory or loss. His plan turns out to be the most effective as it was carried out under the law without the risk of his soul being damned to hell. Fortinbras’ seek of