Fortinbras is the character chosen for our group and he is not in the play very often. He has about twelve lines through the whole play. I chose the scenes in the book that he was in. He is also towards the end of the play. The scenes I am going to discuss have Fortinbras in it.
Act four, scene four
Because of the plan, Fortinbras’ army goes through Denmark in a casual way. His army is on their way to fight Poland. At this time, Hamlet is upset at himself for his inactions in his life so far. Shakespeare compares the two characters, Hamlet and Fortinbras in how they take action in situations. Hamlet feels and looks like a coward, because he has not put his revenge upon king Claudius, for his father. In addition, Fortinbras is taking action against Poland, which makes him look like a Hero not a coward. As Hamlet is feeling sorry for himself, he quotes, “O, from this time forth my thoughts be bloody or be noting worth!”
Act five, scene two
In this scene, everything falls apart quickly; Hamlet finds out the king has ordered him to be placed to death in a letter. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are the ones to capture Hamlet and follow the king’s orders. Hamlet thinks up a witty plan and forges the king’s letter, stating that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are to be decapitated, they are killed immediately. Hamlet hears that king Claudius has arranged a fencing competition between the Prince and Laertes. Hamlet, jealous of Laertes skills, Hamlet asks to play, he does it to prove himself. Then the king prepares a poisoned chalice and offers it to him. Hamlet refuses, Queen Gertrude gets a hold of it and consumes it, she dies. Laertes then wounds Hamlet with a poisoned sword, then they fight and Hamlet cuts Laertes with a venomous weapon. In an instant Hamlet slashes and kills the king. Laertes and Hamlet make peace between each other and Laertes dies. Hamlet wants Horatio to tell his story because he is going to die. Since Hamlet’s royal line is dead; he supports Fortinbras as Denmark’s next elected monarch. Hamlet finally dies and was given an honorable soldier’s procession and Horatio tells the story to the kingdom and the world.