Falstaff And Hamlet Comparison Essay

Falstaff’s and Hamlet’s method of thought simultaneously forms the bulk of their similarities, and a major difference. Falstaff consistently explains his plans within his Act 5 speeches in such a way that clearly demonstrates his logic, as does Hamlet. However, Falstaff develops a definitive conclusion for his course of action and executes it. For example, his infamous “honor” soliloquy in 5.1, shows his thorough verbalization of a concept—honor, and specifically dying to achieve honor is essentially useless to him. He later successfully follows through on his ingenious plot to avoid death in the final moments of Act 5. The two have similar levels of intellect and power of thought, Hamlet is just better suited to flounder in despondency. Falstaff is a much more action-oriented character than Hamlet, even in spite of his reputation of laziness.
Ultimately, Falstaff is the person who triumphs over loss of life. He not only avoids death …show more content…
In actuality, they have uncanny similarities—for example, strong ties to royal clans; a lack of innocence (lies, questionable ethics, violence), sharp wit. The concepts of revenge, honor, and death abound in both characters not only in Act 5 but the entirety of their separate plays.
In addition, they also both have an exceptional command of language. Falstaff is easily able to manipulate the idea of “staying away from battles to save yourself because what’s the point of honor, anyway?” into something entirely different than what one would assume before hearing this speech. Even if one doesn’t agree with him, his logic is clearly fathomable.
Hamlet can manipulate concepts as well—andin a marvelous manner—just to a more theatrical and less self-preserving way. His restless indecision plunges into despair, and the audience’s immediate reaction is to despair and sympathize along with