In Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet,” Fortinbras, the Prince of Norway, seeks revenge against Denmark for his father’s death. Fortinbras’s father, the King of Norway, was killed in battle by Hamlet’s father, the previous King of Denmark. Fortinbras believes that his father’s death was unjust and seeks to reclaim the lands that were lost in the conflict. His desire for revenge drives him to amass an army and prepare to invade Denmark, setting up a parallel conflict that mirrors Hamlet’s own quest for vengeance against his uncle, Claudius, for the murder of Hamlet’s father.
As the play progresses, Fortinbras’s motivation for revenge becomes clearer. As Horatio explains, “Our last King, Whose image even but now appear’d to us, Was, as you know, by Fortinbras of Norway, Thereto prick’d on by a most emulate pride, Dar’d to the combat; in which our valiant Hamlet, Did slay this Fortinbras.” This loss of his father’s life and lands has left Fortinbras determined to “recover of us by strong hand And terms compulsatory, those foresaid lands So by his father lost.” Fortinbras sees the opportunity to reclaim what is rightfully his, driven by a sense of pride and the need to avenge his father’s death at the hands of Hamlet’s father. This sets up a complex web of revenge that ultimately leads to the tragic conclusion of the play.
Relevant Passages:
Act i, Scene ii
The passage describes how the previous King of Denmark was killed by Fortinbras of Norway in a battle, and how Fortinbras now seeks to reclaim the lands lost in the battle through force. This is the reason for the heightened watch and preparations in the land.
Act i, Scene iii
The passage introduces Claudius, the new king of Denmark, who is mourning the death of his brother Hamlet. He announces his marriage to his brother’s wife Gertrude and discusses the threat posed by Fortinbras, the nephew of the late king. He sends messengers to address the issue with Norway, the uncle of Fortinbras.
Act v, Scene ii
Hamlet, Laertes, and the King all die from poisoned swords, and Hamlet also makes the King drink poisoned wine. Horatio is left alive to tell their story, and Fortinbras arrives from Poland with a warlike announcement.
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