Act 4 Scene 4

Fortinbras, the young man who wishes to go to war in Poland, has finally arrived in Denmark to meet with Claudius, as per their foreign affairs agreement. Hamlet comes across the Captain of the ship, and asks him a few questions about what they’re doing. The captain tells Hamlet, “Truly to speak, and with no addition, / We go to gain a little patch of ground / That hath in it no profit but the name.” Essentially, the men are going to war in Poland for little to no gain in terms of land and value. Hamlet at first mocks the fact that these men are willing to spend so much time and manpower for something that doesn’t really matter. However, he begins a soliloquy and his mind changes. Once again, he reflects on his own inaction in matters of revenge. Even though Hamlet arguably has a greater reason to take action, he still has been unable to follow through with any of his plans. On the other hand, Fortinbras and his army are clearly willing to fight “even for an eggshell.” Even though Hamlet questions Fortinbras’ morals, he admires the forceful nature with which he attacks everything. Nonetheless, he maintains that his “thoughts be bloody”. Still, his actions haven’t been as bloody as he had hoped.