The Lion King Simba And Hamlet Comparison
Luke Lea
Rhetoric and Research 110-07
Dr. Jensen
November 6, 2013
Africa’s Own Shakespearean King
Considered one of the most successful animated films of all time, Disney’s The Lion King, was released in 1994 during what is now considered by John Morton, the Disney Renaissance. In The Lion King, a cub named Simba, plays the role of the young prince whose father is murdered, and from there, it shows the rapid maturation from a child to fully a grown beast, to a difference maker, to a king. By the acts in the story alone, one can see that Simba is a direct representation of Shakespeare 's Hamlet Jr. Not only that, each of them shares similar actions in the play. Interpretations of Simba 's actions are as profound as Hamlet 's. The …show more content…
Today, although intended for completely different audiences, the Protagonist characters of the late twentieth century’s The Lion King and the sixteenth century’s Hamlet can be compared for further insight into themes of revenge, maturity to righteousness, and social status.
The list of comparisons between Simba and Hamlet are nearly endless, whether it be their royal positions, relationships with both their father’s and uncles, the few companions they both share, or any aspect of their actions to move along the same general plotline or any of the others. The major thread, however, that is taken from Denmark to Prideland is of “why the prince delayed in exacting vengeance for his father 's death” (Harrison). The ghost of Hamlet’s father who informs Hamlet of his uncle’s treachery is matched by Mufasa’s image appearing to a confused and conflicted …show more content…
Simba, upon the example of Hamlet follows the form of what Gavin calls the “exiled child.” In her fourth point after it is established that the child is gone from his homeland and “exposed to the elements” they “slowly begin to recognize his own extraordinariness… The child’s strength comes from the gradual recognition of who he is” (Gavin). The new self-recognition lets the hero know that there is something he has to teach the old order. The innovative maturity lets him know that at this moment in time is his chance to change the kingdom and do what his father would have done. Now, the Danish prince, and lion did not arrive at this alone. They had the help of close allies, and spiritual cohorts. Rozencrantz and Guildenstern try to help Hamlet in the same way, Rafiki (Mandrill) and Zazu (Red-billed Hornbill). The ghost of Hamlet’s father is reflected in The Lion King as Mufusa seen in the sky in a very Father-God motif. They use all of these tools to build courage in order to return to the kingdom. The ends of each work were an almost identical presentation of how peace is restored, and a new world order is
Rhetoric and Research 110-07
Dr. Jensen
November 6, 2013
Africa’s Own Shakespearean King
Considered one of the most successful animated films of all time, Disney’s The Lion King, was released in 1994 during what is now considered by John Morton, the Disney Renaissance. In The Lion King, a cub named Simba, plays the role of the young prince whose father is murdered, and from there, it shows the rapid maturation from a child to fully a grown beast, to a difference maker, to a king. By the acts in the story alone, one can see that Simba is a direct representation of Shakespeare 's Hamlet Jr. Not only that, each of them shares similar actions in the play. Interpretations of Simba 's actions are as profound as Hamlet 's. The …show more content…
Today, although intended for completely different audiences, the Protagonist characters of the late twentieth century’s The Lion King and the sixteenth century’s Hamlet can be compared for further insight into themes of revenge, maturity to righteousness, and social status.
The list of comparisons between Simba and Hamlet are nearly endless, whether it be their royal positions, relationships with both their father’s and uncles, the few companions they both share, or any aspect of their actions to move along the same general plotline or any of the others. The major thread, however, that is taken from Denmark to Prideland is of “why the prince delayed in exacting vengeance for his father 's death” (Harrison). The ghost of Hamlet’s father who informs Hamlet of his uncle’s treachery is matched by Mufasa’s image appearing to a confused and conflicted …show more content…
Simba, upon the example of Hamlet follows the form of what Gavin calls the “exiled child.” In her fourth point after it is established that the child is gone from his homeland and “exposed to the elements” they “slowly begin to recognize his own extraordinariness… The child’s strength comes from the gradual recognition of who he is” (Gavin). The new self-recognition lets the hero know that there is something he has to teach the old order. The innovative maturity lets him know that at this moment in time is his chance to change the kingdom and do what his father would have done. Now, the Danish prince, and lion did not arrive at this alone. They had the help of close allies, and spiritual cohorts. Rozencrantz and Guildenstern try to help Hamlet in the same way, Rafiki (Mandrill) and Zazu (Red-billed Hornbill). The ghost of Hamlet’s father is reflected in The Lion King as Mufusa seen in the sky in a very Father-God motif. They use all of these tools to build courage in order to return to the kingdom. The ends of each work were an almost identical presentation of how peace is restored, and a new world order is