Hamlet Foil Essay

Hamlet’s Foils

In life, comparing an individual to their contrary often reveals telling traits and offers a great deal of insight into their character. When implemented successfully, as Shakespeare does in his infamous play Hamlet, foils greatly enrich literature, revealing more about characters and their distinctive qualities. Through contrasting Hamlet’s character to those of Fortinbras, Prince of Norway and Horatio, Hamlet’s closest friend, Hamlets distinguishing traits are emphasized. Fortinbras illuminates Hamlet’s procrastination through his determination; Horatio reveals Hamlet’s impulsivity through his level-headedness. Shakespeare uses foils in throughout the play to further develop Hamlet’s traits of procrastination and impulsivity.

Firstly, it is evident that Hamlet is driven by one sole goal- avenging his father’s unjust death. Yet, throughout the course of the play, Hamlet’s procrastination prevent him from achieving this goal. Moreover, Hamlet’s foil, Fortinbras, emphasizes Hamlets procrastination; this becomes obvious as he enviously compares himself to the Norwegian Prince. Hamlet vocalizes the foil of Fortinbras’ ambitiousness: Hamlet’s "dull revenge" is "spurred" (IV. iv. 33) by the image of "delicate and tender" (IV. iv. 48) Fortinbras who marches for honor. Fortinbras’ determination stands in stark contrast to Hamlet’s cowardice, once again proving how the use of a foil can be an effective in developing a character. Furthermore, Fortinbras’ foil allows Shakespeare to further create the character of Hamlet, eventually allowing the audience to understand Hamlet’s ultimate downfall – procrastination. Hamlet is ashamed at how he "let’s all sleep" while having "a father killed, a mother stained, excitements of his reason and blood" (IV. iv. 57-59). Reflecting upon Fortinbras’ massive armies, he adds: “I have the cause, and will, and strength, and means to [kill Claudius]... Yet I live to say/ This thing’s to do’” (4.4.45-46). It is evident that Hamlet’s procrastination is underscored through the foil of Fortinbras ambitiousness. Additionally, Hamlets idleness is the pivotal issue in which he and Fortinbras differ. In contrast to Hamlet's procrastination, Fortinbras is characterized by positivity and action. This is
Apparent in Hamlets soliloquy, as Hamlet berates himself for his inactivity:

"How all occasions do inform against me,
And spur my dull revenge! What is a man,
If his chief good and market of his time
Be but to sleep and feed? a beast, no more."
(Hamlet IV.iv. 32-35).

Although Fortinbras is not present for much of the play, he has a large influence on Hamlets decisions. Shakespeare utilizes the similarities and differences of the two young princes in the play to emphasize Hamlet’s flaws – namely, procrastination. Lastly, Prince Hamlet compares himself explicitly to Fortinbras when he passes Fortinbras's armies in the fields, and he begins to view Fortinbras as a model as to how he should behave. "To be great / is not to stir without great argument / but greatly to find quarrel in a straw / when honor's at the stake" (4.4.52-55) This quote marks a defining moment for Hamlet, as the foil of Fortinbras allows Hamlet comprehend what is holding him back, changing his attitude from apathy to passionate pursuit of his goal. Fortinbras’ foil exhibits specific traits that, through similarity and contrast, illuminate Hamlet's qualities and ultimately reveal the nature of Hamlet's character. `

Moreover, Hamlet's trusted friend, Horatio, serves as a second foil, accentuating Hamlet’s irrationality and imprudence. As Hamlet descends into his contrived madness and falls victim to his emotions, Horatio serves to emphasize Hamlet's weaknesses. Hamlet's antics begin to overtake him, and Horatio is his only anchor to reality; as a "man that is not passion's slave" (III, 2, 74). Being "e'en as just a man / As e'er [Hamlet's] conversation cop'd withal" (III, 2, 56), Hamlet relies increasingly on Horatio, depending on his rationality as his thoughts become ever more clouded by revenge and feelings of anger. Horatio serves as Hamlet's foil by offering a much needed second thought when Hamlet can no longer care for himself. Furthermore, Horatio urges Hamlet to be cautious with the Ghost at their first encounter, as Hamlet wishes to follow it blindly: “Do not, my lord... [The Ghost] might deprive your sovereignty of reason/ And draw you into madness. / Think of it (1.4.68-76). It is apparent that the foil within character of Horatio stresses his level-headedness, which starkly contrasts Hamlet’s impulsivity. Horatio also attempts to persuade Hamlet to withdraw from the deadly duel in the final scene, once again proving how Horatio is Hamlet’s foil, in respect to their divergence in sensibility. Horatio, the scholar, has a strong code of honour and ethics which contrasts greatly with Hamlet's rashness and lack of morals. Ultimately, Shakespeare uses foils throughout the play to further develop Hamlet’s procrastination and impulsivity. Through comparing Hamlet to the foil characters of Horatio, Hamlet’s friend, and Fortinbras, Hamlet’s supposed rivalry, Hamlet’s distinctive qualities are revealed. By exposing and emphasizing Hamlet's distinguishing traits, Fortinbras and Horatio act as foils to the tragic protagonist, further developing Hamlet’s character.