Compare And Contrast Lion King And Hamlet

Some stories that are considered ‘classics’ often get reiterated to offer a similar message to a younger generation. As Shakespeare was such a strong author and playwright, many of his pieces are retold. The story of Hamlet is often retold with different characters, however, perhaps the most popular adaptation is the Walt Disney film, The Lion King. As The Lion King and Hamlet were developed for different demographics, there are similarities and differences between the main characters, and the supporting characters, which also affect the overall theme and plot tone.

The main characters in both The Lion King and Hamlet are perceived in the same way by the audience as they share many of the same character traits and personalities. The original

story is clearly reflected in the newer rendition of Shakespeare’s original masterpiece. In The Lion King characters of Simba, Mufasa, and Scar resemble Prince Hamlet, King Hamlet, and Claudius almost perfectly. Scar being the power-hungry and evil uncle of Simba, much like Claudius was to Prince Hamlet, plans out the perfect way to kill his own brother, Mufasa. This was almost identical to Hamlet as Claudius also carried out a plan to become the new king, although the murder plot was different. Scar and Claudius both desired the greatest power in their kingdoms and they both showed that they would do anything in order to gain that power. This is clearly shown when Scar, in The Lion King, states “[his] little secret: [He] killed Mufasa.” (Disney, The Lion King). At this moment, Simba understands that because Scar is so desperate for power, he would result to killing his own brother. Scar’s egotistical trait also surfaces as Scar feels the need to announce his defeat over his brother. A similar moment is seen in Hamlet, when the ghost of Hamlet Senior informs the prince that “But know, thou noble youth, The serpent that did sting thy father’s life Now wears his crown.” (1.2.38-40). Although Prince Hamlet initially found out about his uncle’s betrayal from the ghost of his father, the same desire of power is seen. The ghost of old Hamlet is also very similar to the ghost that Simba sees of Mufasa. In both stories, the ghost is able to advise and guide their son to avenge them by retaking their rightful land. As Simba and Prince Hamlet both oblige, a strong relationship between the previous king and the prince is seen (although in Hamlet it is not physically seen). Along with evil uncles and dead fathers, the heroic son was also prominent in the plot of both stories. In The Lion King and Hamlet, Simba and Hamlet are both exiled under the new command of their murderous uncles. However, they both return to attempt to take back their kingdom and avenge their father. Although they are both able to succeed in capturing their rightful throne, Shakespeare’s Hamlet ends the story with Prince (now king) Hamlet passing away during the battle. As The Lion King is a children's film in which a ‘happy ending’ is guaranteed, the lead character does not die. Rather, he is able to continue to rule the land.
Supporting characters in The Lion King have similar personality traits to characters from Hamlet, but many of the darker traits that were found in the Shakespearean play were toned down to accommodate the family-friendly film.

The one common love interest of Nala in The Lion King by Simba, and Ophelia in Hamlet by Prince Hamlet. Nala also seemed to have some characteristics that were modeled around the character of Horatio; as Nala was both a love interest but also a close, trusted, friend of Simba. Both of these women served as a support system for the prince and were deeply cared for by him. These similarities only last until Ophelia from Hamlet is driven to madness and eventually death, after the death of her father. As The Lion King is a children's film, this dark tone is suppressed and only Nala’s support and strength is shown. This type of character adaptation for a children’s movie is also shown with Sarabi. Although both Sarabi and Queen Gertrude loved their sons very much, they are portrayed as very different people in their respected stories. Gertrude’s love for her son is shown when she stops him from drinking the poisoned goblet by saying “No, no, the drink, the drink! O, my dear Hamlet! / The drink, the drink! I am poisoned” (5.2.340-341). The Queen’s love for the prince is shown as she willingly sacrifices herself to save her son. However, she does not seem to possess the same loyalty or love for old Hamlet; as she chooses to marry Claudius shortly after the

King’s death. In The Lion King, Sarabi does not mate with Scar and shows loyalty towards Mufasa when she confronts Scar by saying “If you were half the king Mufasa was you would nev -” (Disney, The Lion King). Unlike Gertrude, Sarabi does not marry the man of power, but rather stays loyal to her husband, even under terrible living conditions due to Scar’s leadership (or lack of leadership).
The character traits of the main and supporting characters in any story defines the theme and overall tone of the plot.

Hamlet and The Lion King shared majority of the themes that were found in each story. A theme of revenge was prominent in both the film and the original play as Simba and Prince Hamlet worked towards avenging their fathers throughout the story. Politics can also be seen in both as the stories explain to the viewer/reader that a bad king can mean a corrupt and equally bad kingdom (murders committed by the new kings). Although some harsh themes, family also seems to be mutual in both tales, more so seen in The Lion King. Shakespeare was able to show the reader the importance of family throughout Hamlet, when there is a power-hungry family member, and the rest of the family must stick together to overcome the struggle. The producers of The Lion King do a similar job as they explain the same thing, however also digging into the loyalty of Sarabi for Mufasa. The reason for a greater theme of positivity in the newer film is due to the demographics. The Lion King was primarily a children’s film, thus it required a simpler and happier tone. This also changes the overall plot by reducing the number of deaths and ruling out madness. This tone also affects the number of comic relief moments in the story. In Hamlet, there were only a few moments in which Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were able to lighten the mood of the play by offering comedic anecdotes. In The Lion

King however, Timon and Pumbaa took over the role by adding in comic relief for most of the latter part of the film. This was done to induce a larger funny/happy mood rather than a tragedy. However, the message remains the same as in both stories, no matter what has happened, the kingdom must move on and learn from their mistakes. The circle of life will continue.
The messages that are found in Hamlet were easily carried over to The Lion King, with major adaptations to main and supporting characters. Although some changes were made, Shakespeare’s original story is able to live on; now with greater relevance to children rather than adults (for whom the play was originally written for). As The Lion King was developed for a different age set in mind, the characters that were redeveloped were able to offer a good mix of the original story, as well as a family-friendly aspect. This allowing majority of the original themes to be kept and even allowed further enhancing of the plot. Thus preserving one of the greatest literature pieces in history.