GR: Yes, it's scary

Quick Index Board Index Home FAQ Site Map

View thread | Previous message | Next message

GR: Yes, it's scary Written by Ana L (5/27/2003 10:56 p.m.) in consequence of the missive, GR: So what about the fact that Fortinbras "wins"?, penned by Laraine

Although Fortinbras does not conquer Denmark in the play, he was trying to recapture the territories taken by Old King Hamlet.

] So what is the meaning behind the fact that it is Fortinbras that apparently will be king of Denmark? Is Shakespeare saying that it is the King Hamlets and the King Fortinbrases who ultimately make the best rulers: those who search out and fight battles for territory?

I don't know what to think. It would appear that this is what Shakespeare is saying and, if so, it is, indeed, very scary.

In Act IV, Scene 4, Hamlet compares himself unfavorably to Fortinbras, calling him a sensitive and youthful prince whose courage scoffs at danger. I believe Hamlet annoints Fortinbras -- rightly or wrongly -- because of his courage and his willingness to fight (even small) battles when honor is at stake. Still, Fortinbras' courage does not obviate his "conquering" mindset.

Perhaps Fortinbras' quick ascension to the throne at the end is part plot device required to tie up loose ends -- and not necessarily Shakespeare's endorsement of "Territorial Conquerors."

Previous message | Next message | Board index

GR: Claudius' character (long) Jezkalyn (5/27/2003 10:54 a.m.)

GR: Claudius: All that and more Ana L (5/27/2003 12:16 p.m.)
- GR: Agreement and disagreement Jezkalyn (5/27/2003 3:57 p.m.)
  - GR: Villains Ana L (5/27/2003 8:33 p.m.)
GR: Claudius' military prowess Cheryl (5/27/2003 1:19 p.m.)
- GR: Claudius military decisions Jezkalyn (5/27/2003 3:46 p.m.)
  - GR: More on Claudius Cheryl (5/27/2003 4:05 p.m.)
    - GR: Hamlet would have been a better king... Ana L (5/27/2003 8:16 p.m.)
      - GR: So what about the fact that Fortinbras "wins"?   Laraine (5/27/2003 9:08 p.m.)
        
        GR: Yes, it's scary   Ana L (5/27/2003 10:56 p.m.)
        
        Empire-builders   Line (5/28/2003 7:33 p.m.)
  - Claudius and the younger generation Elysha (5/31/2003 2:42 a.m.)
    - Claudius' attitude Line (5/31/2003 9:36 a.m.)
GR: Claudius and "performative utterance" Laraine (5/27/2003 8:40 p.m.)
- GR: Claudius in the 21st c. Jezkalyn (5/28/2003 10:10 a.m.)

Hamlet Group Read is maintained by Laraine with WebBBS 3.21.

View thread | Previous message | Next message Board index

- Jane Austen | Republic of Pemberley -

Quick Index

Home

Site Map

JAInfo