Why is Fortinbras’ life affected by the pursuit of revenge? Does he use emotion or reason and logic?

Fortinbras was known for being a strong, courageous leader in Norway. He acts as a foil character to Hamlet within this play, and his ability to seek revenge. Fortinbras’ father, the King of Norway, was killed and in order to seek revenge on his death he wanted to get back the land that his father had lost to the old King Hamlet.

Unlike Hamlet, Fortinbras is known for quickly seeking revenge. “Now, sir, young Fortinbras/ Of unimproved mettle hot and full,/Hath in the skirts of Norway here and there/Shark'd up a list of lawless resolutes” (1,1, 95-98). Fortinbras had not wasted anytime he went straight for what he wanted. Hamlet on the other hand thought about his revenge for a longer period of time. Fortinbras' swift and forceful actions had caught Hamlet’s attention. By having these characteristics he was given Denmark on Hamlet’s death bed: ‘On Fortinbras; he has my dying voice:/ So tell him, with occurrents, more or less,/ Which have solicited.” (5,2, 349-351).In the end, unlike Hamlet and the other characters seeking revenge, it helped Fortinbras gain more power than he had in the beginning of the play. He is the only character who benefits from seeking vengance as he does it in a noble manner.

Explanation:

fears about being blown up