It almost is like Hamlet committed suicide, because he and Laertes were in such remarkably similar frames of mind. ... Now, Fortinbras' rise to power in the kingdom of Denmark, immediately following the close of the curtain in this play, is purely speculation. ... Fortinbras now has control over the kingdom, as Hamlet's dying wish was to let Fortinbras be king. ... Why let Fortinbras, a man who, again, mirrors Hamlet so brilliantly, take a throne he was on his way to usurp? ... It seems there is no doubt that Hamlet's actions were for nothing, and that his revenge was wasted. ...

• Word Count: 653
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

Hamlet feels that his mother impulsively marries Claudius. ... During Hamlet's soliloquy in Act IV, Hamlet hears of the actions of Fortinbras. ... (IV.iv.57-67) Hamlet sees how Fortinbras is willing to sacrifice twenty thousand men for his own fantasy and fame. ... Through Hamlet's soliloquies in Act II, III, and IV, one is able to see the internal struggle which Hamlet faces regarding the revenge of his father's death, and the epiphany he has when he learns of the plans of Fortinbras to invade Denmark. ... These feelings are more than overwhelming to Hamlet. ...

• Word Count: 1231
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

A lesser man (Fortinbras) would not have been so torn apart, yet Hamlet's nobility and reason leave him open to tragedy. ... He is Hamlet's one and only friend... Hamlet, Fortinbras, and Laertes each must avenge a father's violent murder. ... Laertes resorts to treachery to achieve his ends and Fortinbras is without guilt when he sends twenty thousand men to their deaths over a plot of land. ... His evil deed avenged, Denmark is able to recover with Fortinbras at the lead. ...

• Word Count: 1544
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

Hamlet is informed by the ghost of his father that he has been murdered by the man who is now King of Denmark and new husband of Hamlet's mother. ... At that moment, Hamlet accepts without hesitation but the rest of the play is concerned with Hamlet's process of revenge-taking. ... Laertes informs Hamlet that the responsible is Claudius. ... Before dying, Hamlet asks Horatio, his confidant and better friend, one who provides information necessary to move the play along, to tell his story to everybody and also tells Fortinbras that he approves him as a successor to the Danish throne. ...

• Word Count: 1643
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School