Question

Compare and contrast Hamlet and Fortinbras in William Shakespeare's Hamlet. How are the two figures

Answer 1

Answer:

Hamlet is the Prince of Denmark, he is in his mid-30s. He is thoughtful to the point of becoming obsessive. He is hesitant but at times he acts in a rush and in an impulsive manner such as when he kills Polonius without checking who is behind the curtain.

Because of his indecisive nature, he is difficult to figure out, there always is something more than meets the eye.

Fortinbras is the young Prince of Denmark, he is bold and decisive.

Compared to Hamlet, Prince Fortinbras is more decisive, he immediately shows how he plans to avenge his father: by raising an army against Denmark.

Hamlet is alone while Fortinbras has a strong bond with his family.

Hamlet feels that he hasn't done enough to avenge his father whereas Fortinbras commits himself in the fight.

One more aspect that differentiates them is how long they are present in the play, Fortinbras appears in a few scenes, speaking close to nothing, showing he is a man of action. Hamlet is in almost every scene and showing himself as a thoughtful and introspective character.

In the end, when Hamlet completes his revenge and everyone is dead all Fortinbras has to do is walk in, giving Denmark hope.

Explanation:

Answer 2

Answer:

In Shakespeare's "Hamlet," Fortinbras is the prince of Norway and Hamlet is the prince of Denmark, whose fathers have been killed. Besides, both are heirs to the throne, which is now occupied by their respective uncles.

Actually, in character, Fortinbras is the exact opposite of Hamlet: he is determined to avenge his father's death after he is killed by the late King Hamlet and is taken his lands away. As a result, he decides to attack Denmark, even though his uncle the king of Norway then forbids him to do so. However, Hamlet is unable to take action and kill Claudius, with whom he does not get along, while Fortinbras is in good terms with his uncle.