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Foils in Hamlet

The document provides details about three foils used in William Shakespeare's Hamlet: Fortinbras, Laertes, and Pyrrhus. Fortinbras sought to avenge his father's death and take over Denmark, showing Hamlet's hesitation. Laertes swiftly sought revenge against Hamlet for killing Polonius and his sister's suicide. Pyrrhus' merciless killing of Priam was contrasted with Hamlet's failure to kill Claudius. These foils highlight Hamlet's tendency to overthink and hesitate in avenging his father's murder.

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41 views

Foils in Hamlet

The document provides details about three foils used in William Shakespeare's Hamlet: Fortinbras, Laertes, and Pyrrhus. Fortinbras sought to avenge his father's death and take over Denmark, showing Hamlet's hesitation. Laertes swiftly sought revenge against Hamlet for killing Polonius and his sister's suicide. Pyrrhus' merciless killing of Priam was contrasted with Hamlet's failure to kill Claudius. These foils highlight Hamlet's tendency to overthink and hesitate in avenging his father's murder.

Uploaded by

ameera s
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Hamlet Essay Template ENG4U1 Exam

Foils

- Fortinbras, Laertes, Pyrrhus


‣ FORTINBRAS
• His father was killed by Hamlet’s father, King Hamlet
• Was the only character to recieve a reward
• He was determined to take over Denmark to avenge his father
• Fortinbras uncle prevented him from invading Denmark but allowed him to take
over Polish land

• "Led by this army of such mass and charge, / Led by a delicate and tender Prince . . .
to all that fortune, death and danger dare, / Even for an eggshell.” Act 4, Scene 4

• Seeing Fortinbras and an army risk life for land and honour made Hamlet
question his lack of action when it came to revenge for his father, as well as earn
Hamlet’s respect for Fortinbras which is why he is named King of Denmark

‣ LAERTES

• Son of Polonius, who Hamlet killed in Act 3, Scene 4

• Sister also committed suicide and returned from Paris ready to seek revenge

• Claudius used Laertes as a scapegoat, convinving him that Hamlet was at fault
for everything and planned a duel to kill Hamlet

• “A sword unbated and, in a pass of practice, Requite him for your father. I will
do't, And for that purpose I'll anoint my sword.” Act 4, Scene 7

• Plan back red - ending in tragedy


fi
‣ PYRRHUS
• Pyrrhus and Priam was an allusion to compare Hamlet’s plan for revenge with
Pyrrhus’

• Hamlet brought this story to The Players and told them to recite about how
Pyrrhus mercilessly killed old Priam

• Hamlet mentally compared himself to Pyrrhus because of the way he avenged


his father the way Hamlet was planning to with Claudius

• Using Pyrrhus as a foil shows Hamlet’s hesitation and slow quest for revenge
• “His antic sword, Rebellious to his arm, lies where it falls, Repugnant to command.
Unequal match. Pyrrhus at Priam drives, in rage strikes wide, But with the whiff and
wind of his fell sword Th' unnerved father falls.” Act 2, Scene 2

The Three Foils are used to show Hamlet’s bad qualities of being an overthinker and
constantly hesitating. Pyrrhus is to demonstrate lack of mercilessness Hamlet has for
Claudius, Fortinbras obedient/honourable actions show Hamlet’s lack of them and
Laertes swiftness and drive to avenge his father and sister emphasize how long Hamlet
took to avenge his own father’s murder.

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