Fortinbras's acts portray his arrogance as Horatio uses diction that reveals tones of superiority which function to initiate this theme of revenge. He says that King Hamlet was greatly "esteem'd" (1.1.85) by people of Denmark, and that King Hamlet became a "conqueror" (1.1.89). ... Claudius's true purpose for scorning Hamlet is to have Hamlet forget about his father so that he may be superior to King Hamlet. ... Hamlet's pride increases when he becomes devoted to his father's honor. ... Hamlet's pride corresponds to his father's, who asks ...

• Word Count: 834
• Approx Pages: 3

What Hamlet thinks is just a simple swordfight turns out to be a climactic murder plot. ... Hamlet: Do you see nothing there? ... He verbally demolishes her until all she can do is plead, "No more, sweet Hamlet."" ... By claiming that she sees everything, for a moment she takes on a very confident, positive tone and in the process steals power in the conversation away from Hamlet. ... If she sees everything, and Hamlet asks if she sees something he does, then Hamlet is the one who has to defend himself and try to prove his sanity. ...

• Word Count: 768
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

Interpreted by four directors, (in chronological order), Laurence Olivier, Franco Zeffirelli, Kenneth Branaugh, and Michael Almereyda, the play takes on four very different tones, personalities and qualities. ... However, to a certain extent, these differences are superficial and contribute only slightly to the overall ambience that begins to shape the tone and feeling of the movies. ... The Franco Zeffirelli film, while similar to the Olivier in setting, is otherwise completely different in tone, theme, and manner. ... The film opens with a funeral for old king Hamlet. ... His manner sugges...

• Word Count: 1694
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

Hamlet In the opening scene of Hamlet Shakespeare introduces us to vital background information that evokes the action of the main plot. ... Horatio then answers "Was, as you know, by Fortinbras of Norway,/ Thereto prick"d on by a most emulate pride,/ Did forfeit, with his life, all those lands/ Which he stood seized of, to the conqueror" and now young Fortinbras plans to reclaim the Norwegian lands his late father lost to king Hamlet. ... By adding these elements of background information it creates a plot that should be very cerebral and creates a tone for a big scale tragedy. ...

• Word Count: 466
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

As the conversation progresses Barnardo tells a story of the previous nights watch and what he has seen as he is in the middle of his story of the previous night when the ghost of King Hamlet appears. ... The atmosphere is toned down again after Marcellus says "It is offended" and the ghost then exits. ...

• Word Count: 756
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School