Inheritance And Revenge In Shakespeare's Hamlet

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Inheritance and Revenge Over the course of time, grudge, revenge, and inheritance have been key elements leading to conflict, and ultimately death. In William Shakespeare’s theatrical play, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Prince Hamlet, Prince Fortinbras, and Laertes have all lost their fathers due to tragic circumstances. Death, sexual promiscuity, and treachery permeate the entire play. Despite the dark plot of this play, it has become known as one of Shakespeare’s most famous literary work. Throughout the play, revenge and inheritance come together to create the foundation for the play. Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras allow their anger to provoke them in their quest for justice. Many authors agree, “William Shakespeare is the best known author in the English-speaking world” (Kastan). His works are world renown and found in over one hundred languages. Shakespeare did not have aspirations to become famous through his works. He created them for his own pleasure and to express his feelings. Instead he focused on acting, being a playwright, and part owner in an acting company. Although nineteen of Shakespeare’s works were …show more content…
Laertes and Fortinbras serve as foils for Hamlet. All three of these men are portrayed as angry and seeking revenge towards their fathers’ killers. Their main focus is to end the lives of the men who killed their fathers. Strangely, they are all connected through death. King Hamlet who was Prince Hamlet’s father, killed Fortinbras’ father, the King of Norway. Prince Hamlet killed Laertes’ father, Polonius. Prince Hamlet situation is similar to King Claudius, in that Prince Hamlet killed Polonius like Claudius killed King Hamlet. Each loved and highly respected his father and seeks revenge to protect his family’s honor. In this quote we see the Ghost of King Hamlet telling Prince Hamlet of the tragic act of murder, provoking him to take

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