Why Do Fortinbras And Laertes Get Revenge In Hamlet

When a loved one is killed unjustly those who are closest to them may feel threatened and therefore feel a need to take matters into their own hands to get revenge. In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, revenge is seen several times throughout the play with different characters. Hamlet, Fortinbras, and Laertes are all deeply affected by the death of their fathers. While Fortinbras and Laertes react quickly and violently, Hamlet carefully thinks his plan through. Through the several deaths caused by the revenge plots the audience can infer that Shakespeare sees revenge negatively. Revenge can lead to a character's downfall, not necessarily the one planning to get revenge, by poisoning emotions their and clouding their judgement.

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In losing the battle he lost all the land he possessed. Fortinbras wants to get revenge on Denmark for killing his father and taking land that now belongs rightfully to him. “To Norway, uncle of young Fortinbras… Giving to you no further personal power To business with the King more than the scope Of these dilated articles allow” (1.2. 28-38). King Claudius writes to Fortinbras’ uncle to stop him from attacking Denmark. His uncle successfully gets him to call off the attack. Fortinbras gives up the idea of revenge and moves on, which ultimately spares his life but not the lives of other. On his way back from Poland, Fortinbras passess through Denmark and sees the dead bodies. “This quarry cries on havoc. O proud Death, What feast is toward in thine eternal cell… So bloodily hast struck” (5.2. 373-376). If Fortinbras would have went on with plan of revenge the bodies on the floor would have been on his conscience. In giving up the idea he would have saved himself because Denmark would have fought back. He does get revenge for his father, but it did not involve him killing anyone. “But I do prophesy th’ election lights on Fortinbras; he has my dying voice” (5.2. 362-363). Fortinbras does not kill Hamlet, but Hamlet does die in order for him to get the throne. This helps show that revenge is deleterious because only one out of the three got what they were looking for without losing who they were or harming someone