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Hamlet Laertes And Fortinbras In Hamlet

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In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the theme of revenge appears repeatedly allowing us to explore its connection with human nature in its entirety. Revenge is the key in provoking the savage capabilities of a mind as reason is often disregarded, through the anger and hate that leads one’s conscience to act blindly. More precise to Hamlet is the theme of revenge and its connection with one’s loyalty towards his father. This is seen clearly in the play through the characters of Hamlet, Laertes and Fortinbras. These three characters follow a similar journey, but have contrasting qualities, which in turn show many ways how the conflict can be acted upon. Laertes and Fortinbras are both foils to Hamlet having the loss of a father and the strong desire for …show more content…

Through learning about Fortinbras’ army going to Poland to fight for worthless territory, Hamlet is impressed by this determination for honour, in contrast to his own procrastination of seeking revenge for his father, saying “Witness this army of such mass and charge / Led by a delicate and tender prince, / Whose spirit with divine ambition puffed / Makes mouths at the invisible event, / Exposing what is mortal and unsure / To all that fortune, death, and danger dare, / Even for an eggshell” (4.4.47-53). Consequentially, this is also the reason he easily named Fortinbras to the throne upon his imminent death, as Hamlet knows the kingdom can use a person with as much ambition as him to lead them into greatness. Hamlet’s envy towards Laertes is found through their competing love for Ophelia. “I loved Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers / Could not with all their quantity of love / Make up my sum” (5.1.247-249). Hamlet is seen here comparing his love for her forty thousand times stronger than that of Laertes. Though an exaggeration, it shows the profound love Hamlet truly had for her, however the tragic chain of events has caused them to grow apart. Hamlet’s envy stems from the lack of time he had with Ophelia as he does not know her as well as Laertes, growing up together since birth. It is also worth noting that Hamlet will never know the love between siblings as he is an only

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