Hamlet, Laertes and Fortinbras are similar in the fact that each had love, or at least respect for their fathers, enough to make an attempt to seek revenge upon their father's murderers at the risk of their own reputation, freedom, and souls. Each character's father had a substantially high social class in their respective countries, which in turn gives them high social class as well. With Hamlet and Fortinbras as sons of kings and Laertes as the son of a noble of high regard in the Danish court, all had a lot to lose if unsuccessful in their ploy. Each of the sons believed that the killers had dishonored their fathers as well as themselves. Individually they act in a way that they consider to be an attempt at restoring

Fortinbras' plan also turned out to be the most effective. He carried out his plan within the bounds of the law, without the risk of his soul being damned to hell. Even Hamlet saw him as a man of reason and a good leader as he bestowed the crown of Denmark upon him in his dying words. In turn, Fortinbras displays valiance by showing no hostility toward young Hamlet, as Fortinbras demands Hamlet's honorable burial. Fortinbras passive approach does make him a tragic hero such as Hamlet or Laertes, whom both go to the grave in an effort to avenge their father's deaths. It is their pride that is their tragic flaw; they take justice into their own hands, which would be the correct action as loving sons. It is Fortinbras' lack of a tragic flaw that makes his plan of action successful.

May sweep to my revenge (I.v. 29-31).

Forward, not permanent, sweet, not lasting,

Hamlet's situation has the most emotional effect on the audience. One cannot help but take pity on the young prince who has not only lost his father, but has had to endure the re-marriage of his mother to his murderous uncle. This is why Hamlet portrays the "hero" of the play, who has to endure many hardships of a tragic nature in such a short period of time while Claudius is basking in his power as king. His state of depression and madness throughout most of the play may not be understood, but it is accepted.

Hold it a fashion and a toy in blood,

After the death of his father, Hamlet has no reason to point blame at anyone, as there is nothing to make him believe that his father was killed unjustly. It is not until his father's ghost appears to him that he is aware of a killer. He then says:

it to the family, as honor was a significant thing to uphold in this day.

Judging from the differences of the three men, it is obvious that they will each take different paths in dealing with the dea

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1273
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)