The concluding scene in Shakespeare's Hamlet is filled with death and despair as it reaches its gruesome climax. The feelings of revenge, betrayal, and madness finally come together, resulting in the death of what feels like the entire cast at a dizzying speed. First drops Gertrude, then Laertes, followed by Claudius, and lastly Hamlet. All of them die through treachery, save for Claudius, who gets run through by Hamlet - a fittingly ignominious end for the sole person whose death (like his life) is not honorable. When the proverbial smoke clears, a new era is set to begin with Fortinbras and his apparently strong-willed character. The only question that remains is: Can he erase the grief and weakness that surrounds him in the halls of Elsinor Castle? My prediction is yes.
Fortinbras, it seems to me, is the only constant that remains throughout the play. He is always a threat on the horizon, looming to Hamlet and the rest of Denmark. However, when he makes his entrance in the final scene, it appears that he is neither menacing nor evil, and certainly not corrupt like the bodies that surround him. Based on what we the audience see, he is in firm command of his army and his country, unlike his counterpart Hamlet, who cannot even control his emotions. Indeed, the parallels between these two run deeper than just the fact that they are both young royalty. Even their fathers have a history together: old Hamlet killed old Fortinbras, which sparked the Norwegian invasion. In this sense, then, Fortinbras is like Hamlet in that they are both in the process of avenging the death of their fathers. Fortinbras is completely successful due to his strong personality, whereas Hamlet, weak and insecure, is destroyed in his quest.
There is, of course, no way of knowing whether Fortinbras is successful in his new role as King of Denmark and Norway. However, I believe that Hamlet's last request (to make Fortinbras the new king) proves to us that Hamlet himself recognizes the greatness that exists in Fortinbras, and the vast personality difference that exists between the two. Hamlet approves of this invading foreigner, so why shouldn't we? Hamlet was always concerned about the welfare of the country and making sure it had the right ruler, and so his choice to make Fortinbras the new ruler clearly indicates his confidence in Fortinbras to restore royal righteousness to Elsinor Castle. If Fortinbras is good enough for the choosy Hamlet, then he is good enough for me. Hamlet has been analyzed in so many different ways, but I wonder if there was ever a sequel made describing the plight of Fortinbras to restore honor to Denmark - and I'm not counting that movie Hamlet 2. (458)
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8 comments:
Harold,
The character Fortinbras truly never really crossed my mind in any form until this blog and therefore I really enjoyed your analysis of this seemingly-insignificant character. Your comparison of Hamlet and Fortinbras was very unique and truly convinced me of your argument. Great job buddy boy! Always a pleasure!
I am not totally convinced of Fortinbras's future success as a king. While he does have a strong personality and what appears to be good leadership skills, he may only seem to be a savior because the country is in a time of crisis. In a time without conflict, such as a time not during this play, Fortinbras may rule ineffectively with an iron fist. We don't know, however, as the play does not continue. Overall, I think he may simply appear a savior in comparison to the madness that surrounds him. Good blog though, first one that really dealt with Fortinbras.
Harry, I too am appreciative that you chose to talk about the little-mentioned Fortinbras. First of all, where did somebody find 4 bras made of tin? Okay that was lame. Sorry. But I do think it's interesting that Hamlet's dying wish is not a selfish one, but rather a universal one, concerning the future of the kingdom. I'm not sure that Fortinbras's rule will be a "golden age" or anything, but I think it's safe to say that he would be a better ruler than Hamlet or Claudius.
Dearest Harry Hobbler:
Seeing as Fortinbras was barely present in Hamlet, I didn't pay much attention to him... until I read your blog. Now I think the title should be "Fortinbras" by William Shakespeare, since it seems that he is truly the pillar of strength and honor that are present in none of the "main" characters. (Disclaimer: I don't think the play should be re-named: that was just an example of verbal irony, I have no probably with Shakespeare's original title of Hamlet).
Anyway, your blog enlightened me on the brilliance of Fortinbras.
Yay for Harry.
Hey hey Harry,
Firstly, I am not sure if I approve of your title's reference, but I'm going to go ahead and let it slide this time.
The content of your blog is especially interesting after today's discussion in class about the importance of Fortinbras, even though the class perhaps decided the opposite of what you did.
Either way, appreciated it.
ETF
My dearest Harrison,
I did quite enjoy reading your blog. Although the whole thing was great, I have picked a favorite sentence: "Based on what we the audience see, he is in firm command of his army and his country, unlike his counterpart Hamlet, who cannot even control his emotions." Both funny and true. I had not considered Fortinbras much before I read your blog, and your blog was quite convincing concerning the future success of Fortinbras. I hereby bestow upon you, Harrison Kent, should you accept, the honor of writing the sequel to Hamlet (Fortinbras addition). Good luck and may the force be with you!
We like 'proverbial smoke.'
We like your use of the rhetorical question.
We are inclined to believe that Hamlet fails because of a lot more reasons then his weak and insecure personality, but point well taken.
We agree with you Harry, and not Michael Silverman, who is wrong, about Fortinbras being a good king of Denmark, but We think there is more about him that makes me think he would be a good king than what you mentioned, but good work.
Goodbye
Sir Harry--several years ago there was an AP exam prompt to write about a character who makes only a small appearance or is not physically present at all in the play or novel but who is important nevertheless. Heart of Darkness was one of the suggested choices (for Kurtz, presumably), and I think your post on Fortinbras' role in Hamlet would also have been a completely appropriate response to that prompt. Well done.
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