Hamlet

Fortinbras

How does young Fortinbras of Norway view Denmark?

Act I, scene i

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Young Fortinbras hates Denmark. His father, the King of Norway, was killed in the wars with Denmark. Young Fortinbras is a hot head of "Of unimprovèd mettle hot and full". He has assembled a small army of thugs on the outskirts of Denmark. He means to take back by "strong hand" the lands that his father lost. After Hamlet Sr. dies Fortinbras sends (scene 2) and ultimatum to Claudius. Apparently he feels that Claudius is a weasel and unable to protect Denmark from his fury. Hey, he was right on both counts!