When Hamlet questions the captain about the Norwegian soldiers, he learns that they are marching to fight for a small piece of land in Poland, which highlights their determination and willingness to engage in conflict over seemingly trivial matters. This encounter prompts Hamlet to reflect on his own inaction regarding avenging his father's murder, contrasting the soldiers' resolve with his own hesitation. The conversation emphasizes themes of honor, action, and the absurdity of war.
They are off to fight and possibly die in a totally pointless war against Poland.
The cast of Hamlet - 1973 includes: James Bearden as Fortinbras Stephen Bush as Polonius Linda Certain as Ophelia Bembo Davis as Norwegian captain Dan Hennessey as Claudius, King of Denmark Becke Keller as Gertrude, Queen of Denmark Rick McKenna as Hamlet Michael Rudder as Rosencrantz
The Norwegian army rides to fight the Poles
yes he has an effection
In Shakespeare's "Hamlet," the Norwegian army passes through Denmark to invade Poland, highlighting the political tensions in the region. This movement serves as a backdrop to the play, illustrating the broader conflicts and power struggles that parallel Hamlet’s personal turmoil. The presence of Fortinbras and his army also foreshadows themes of action and ambition, contrasting with Hamlet’s indecision. Ultimately, it emphasizes the idea of external conflicts mirroring the internal struggles of the characters.
Some unanswered questions in Hamlet are: Does Hamlet truly go "mad" or is it all an act? Does it matter? Why doesn't anybody dislike Claudius even though he's a murderer? Did Gertrude play a part in Hamlet's father's death? Does the ghost of Hamlet's father tell him not to blame Gertrude, Hamlet's mother? Does Hamlet love Ophelia? Is Hamlet in love with his mother? If he is in love with his mother is he also still in love with Ophelia?
There are tons of questions that are asked about how conflicts plays out in Hamlet. The main question would be why does it take Hamlet so long to get even.
The land is essentially worthless.
This is Act IV Scene 4 I imagine you are talking about, the scene in which Hamlet makes his "How all occasions do inform against me" speech. Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are on their way to catch the next boat to England when they cross paths with Fortinbras's army on its way to Poland.
In Shakespeare's "Hamlet," Fortinbras represents a decisive and action-oriented foil to Hamlet's indecision and introspection. While Hamlet grapples with existential questions and moral dilemmas, Fortinbras is characterized by his willingness to pursue his goals with determination and clarity. The Hamlet that Fortinbras describes, one who is resolved and proactive, contrasts sharply with the Hamlet we've known, who often delays action and is consumed by his internal struggles. This juxtaposition highlights Hamlet's tragic flaws and the potential for leadership that remains unfulfilled in his character.
Hamlet and Fortinbras do not actually meet. Fortinbras has no grounds for saying that Hamlet might have been a "goodly king". Hamlet does encounter Fortinbras's army in Act 4 Scene 4 and, in some versions of the play at least, goes off on a soliloquy in which he wonders if he is a coward, and yet again vows to complete his revenge.
Not exactly. Fortinbras is transporting his army to Poland. Hamlet enters as they pass and questions one of the soldiers in the army as to what is going on. But he doesn't actually talk to Fortinbras himself. Fortinbras leaves the stage as Hamlet comes on.