What Does Young Fortinbras Want to Do? Exploring His Ambitions and Motivations in Hamlet

Introduction to Young Fortinbras

In Shakespeare's "Hamlet," young Fortinbras often operates in the background, yet his ambitions and motivations serve as a powerful counterpoint to Hamlet’s own indecision and existential turmoil. While Hamlet is trapped in contemplation and moral quandaries following his father’s death, Fortinbras emerges as a man of action, determined to reclaim his family’s honor and territory. This essay explores what young Fortinbras wants to do, delving into his aspirations, motivations, and how he contrasts with the play's more prominent characters.

The Quest for Honor

One of Fortinbras's primary ambitions revolves around restoring his family's honor. After the death of King Fortinbras, young Fortinbras is left with a significant legacy burdened by lost land and prestige. His father had once been a formidable warrior who lost Norway’s lands to King Hamlet. For young Fortinbras, regaining those territories is not just about land; it symbolizes rectifying past wrongs and asserting his identity as a noble leader. Unlike Hamlet, who grapples with ethical dilemmas surrounding revenge and justice, Fortinbras embodies straightforward ambition. He understands that actions speak louder than words—something Hamlet struggles to grasp amidst his philosophical introspection.

A Man of Action

Young Fortinbras serves as an excellent foil to Hamlet throughout the play. Where Hamlet hesitates and philosophizes over life’s meaning and morality following the ghost's revelation about King Claudius's treachery, Fortinbras takes immediate action. His military campaign against Poland—a seemingly trivial matter over a patch of land—reveals that he is willing to act decisively even when it involves minor stakes compared to the monumental issues facing Denmark.

This desire for action makes him appear as a figure driven by ambition rather than existential doubt or revengeful motives. While Hamlet contemplates life after death, morality concerning murder, and familial loyalty—essentially paralyzing himself with thought—Fortinbras represents the human drive for achievement despite life's uncertainties. This stark contrast highlights how varying responses to grief can shape one’s destiny; where one chooses reflection over action (Hamlet), another can choose resolve (Fortinbras).

The Role of Leadership

An essential aspect of young Fortinbras's character is his understanding of leadership responsibilities. He isn’t merely seeking personal glory; he aims for the greater good of Norway by rallying troops around him in pursuit of reclaiming lost lands. In doing so, he demonstrates qualities such as determination, strategic thinking, and loyalty—not just to himself but also towards his countrymen.

When we look at how leadership manifests in different characters within "Hamlet," it's evident that while Claudius leads through manipulation and deceitfulness, Ophelia becomes tragic due to her lack of agency influenced by her father Polonius's control over her choices. In contrast, young Fortinbras possesses clarity about what effective leadership entails: taking decisive actions that inspire others rather than relying on underhanded tactics or emotional turmoil.

The Significance of Ambition

You might wonder if all ambition is inherently noble or if it can lead one astray like other themes explored throughout Shakespearean works—such as unchecked ambition leading ultimately toward tragedy seen in Macbeth or Julius Caesar? However, unlike those characters who struggle with moral corruption due directly from their aspirations for power at any cost—the essence behind young Fortinbras reflects admirable resilience aimed at restoring rightful order without descending into chaos.

This exploration raises intriguing questions: Is youthful ambition inherently virtuous? What does it take for someone like Fortinbras not only regain honor but ensure stability within their realm? By positioning himself effectively between competing factions (his small army battling Poland) while holding true moral values rooted deep within familial loyalty—it seems there exists potential lessons left unexamined regarding navigating complex political landscapes without sacrificing integrity along one’s journey toward greatness!

A Fitting Conclusion

By the end of "Hamlet," we see that young Fortinbras embodies hope for restoration after tragedy strikes Denmark following its royal families’ demise through betrayal & vengeance-driven actions undertaken predominantly by other main players involved such as Claudius & Laertes—all fueled largely by grief resulting from loss experienced directly affecting them personally! Henceforth culminating triumphantly when he arrives victoriously only days later upon claiming both throne(s). Thus underscoring implications regarding fortitude stemming from proactive choices contrasted dramatically against weighty deliberations found elsewhere across various narratives woven intricately throughout this timeless tale depicting life lived fully instead limited solely contemplatively—as evidenced beautifully reflected within ambitious spirit found exemplified prominently here via none other than our dear protagonist…young indeed yet steadfastly resolute…Young Prince…Fortibras!

References

• Shakespeare W., “Hamlet” - The Complete Works of William Shakespeare.
• Kahn C., “The Absent Mother in King Lear” - New Historicism/Political Perspectives on Shakespearean Drama.
• Mack J., “Fortitude & Fortune: An Analysis” - Shakespearian Studies Journal Volume 10.
• Patterson S., “The Duality Of Action In Hamlet” - Literary Critiques on Elizabethan Theatre Publications.
• Taylor G., “Shakespeare's Military Characters: A Study” - Journal Of Historical Dramatic Literature Review.