ACT II, Scene II
The ambassadors from Norway seem to be intruding on the play. Why has Shakespeare allowed such an intrusion?
okay my answer
well for the audence to wonder what is going to happen next like to lure the audenice more into the play and to stick around to see what happens.
Shakespeare just about always had double and triple plots going on. This whole thing with Norway and Fortinbras is a third plot, with the Laertes/Ophelia/Polonius family being the second.
Usually, these sub-plots are there to serve as "foils" for the main plot -- to provide comparison or contrast with the main character(s). http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/lit_terms/terms/2terms.html#Foil
Then ... be sure to pay attention at the very end of the play. With the King, Queen, and Prince all killed off, who gets the kingdom??
=)
Thanks!
That is correct I was going to tell you that but she alreay did!
Yes, you are correct. Shakespeare often incorporated multiple plots into his plays to add depth and complexity to the story. In the case of "Hamlet", the intrusion of the ambassadors from Norway, specifically Fortinbras, serves as a subplot to contrast and highlight the main plot involving Hamlet and his quest for revenge.
The presence of the Norwegian ambassadors introduces the political aspect of the play and creates anticipation among the audience about the potential conflict between Norway and Denmark. This subplot adds tension and intrigue, keeping the audience engaged and interested in what will happen next.
Additionally, the subplot involving Fortinbras and the Norwegian army serves as a foil to Hamlet's character. Fortinbras is a decisive and ambitious leader who seeks to regain his land and avenge the death of his father, just as Hamlet seeks to avenge his father's murder. By juxtaposing these two characters, Shakespeare explores different approaches to honor, revenge, and leadership.
In conclusion, the inclusion of the Norwegian ambassadors and the subplot involving Fortinbras in "Hamlet" serves multiple purposes, such as enhancing the dramatic tension, offering a comparison to Hamlet's character, and contributing to the overall complexity and richness of the play.