Hamlet Quote Log #13

"Such a sight as this / Becomes the field but here shows much amiss / Go, bid the soldiers shoot" (5.2.447-49).

Multiple deaths have just occurred at the end of the play.  Fortinbras decides to honor the death of Hamlet by allowing the soldiers to fire guns.  Fortinbras' act of kindness demonstrates the success of these two very similar characters.  From the beginning of the play, both of these characters demonstrate the common bond of losing their father.  They both try to avenge for their father's death through in the internal and external struggles in the play.  The moment Fortinbras returns to Denmark with good news, his success reflects upon Hamlet's decision to finally kill himself.  For the whole play, Hamlet ponders on the repercussions of committing suicide.  Once he finally kills Claudius, Hamlet realizes that he has fulfilled his purpose in life, so now he can face his fears since that moment he killed Claudius has been one of the highest and happiness moments the reader has ever seen Hamlet.  The play may be a tragedy, but the fact that Hamlet and Fortinbras represent the success over the internal and external struggles, the play cannot be a true tragedy, as the ending was discreetly honorable and happy.