Similarities And Differences Between Hamlet And Fortinbras

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A leader is usually an individual who sets direction, builds an inspiring vision and takes action. Due to the fact both Hamlet and Fortinbras are Princes, the job requires ongoing leadership. William Shakespeare’s Hamlet uses characters such as Prince Hamlet and Fortinbras to highlight their similarities and differences between these characters, which ultimately, outlines their strengths and weaknesses. It is clear that Shakespeare draws many comparisons between the two characters and indicates the way in which Fortinbras acts as a foil for Hamlet. Their thrones, dealing with sorrow, loss of their fathers and their different approaches of revenge, leads to one character being a more effective leader. The reason Hamlet and Fortinbras act …show more content…

Due to the fact Fortinbras also had to mourn his father, unlike Hamlet, Fortinbras acted upon the challenging situation, easily adjusted and focused his energy on his revenge. This mentality is seen to be characteristics of a successful leader. His style of leadership is known to be courageous due to his quick seeking revenge. “Now, sir, young Fortinbras, of unimproved mettle hot and full, hath in the skirts of Norway here and there, shark up a list of lawless resolutions” (1,1, 95-98). Fortinbras did not waste any time to complete his plan and went straight for what he wanted. On the other hand, however, Hamlet thought about his revenge for a longer period of time. It is evident that Fortinbras actively pursues his revenge and constantly conducts himself as a prince. Overall, Hamlet and Fortinbras lost their fathers, however, conducted themselves in different manners as …show more content…

However, throughout the Shakespearian tragedy, he is actively doing everything to avenge his father and ultimately succeeds. Fortinbras ' swift and forceful actions caught Hamlet’s attention; which shows amazing leadership, due to the fact it inspired someone to achieve something on their own. These characteristics of Fortinbras ultimate made him King of Denmark on Hamlet’s death bed: ‘On Fortinbras; he has my dying voice: So tell him, with occurrents, more or less, which have solicited.” (5,2, 349-351). Fortinbras wanted to get back the land that his father had lost to the old King Hamlet.Unlike Hamlet who was also seeking revenge, Fortinbras gain the most power than he had in the beginning of the play. He is only in character Hamlet who benefits from seeking vengeance as he has done it in a noble manner of a Prince and leader. Overall, Hamlet and Fortinbras leadership, actions and sorrows foreshadowed their fates. Due to Fortinbras heroic manner and Hamlets mentally unstable thoughts as well, his procrastination distinguished the fact that Fortinbras is the most effective leader. Seeking his goal of vengeance and wanting the land taken from his family is what he achieved. Being cognitive, social/cultural and psychological is where Fortinbras characteristics exceed. The similarities and differences between these characters, ultimately, outlines their strengths and

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