Hamlet's Legacy: Did He Entrust His Story To Fortinbras?

Let's dive into one of the most debated points in Shakespeare's Hamlet: Did the tragic prince actually ask Fortinbras to tell his story? The answer is a resounding false. But, oh boy, is there a lot to unpack about why this misconception persists and what Hamlet actually says in his dying moments. Understanding this moment is crucial for grasping the play’s themes of revenge, justice, and the burden of remembrance.

The Actual Words: What Hamlet Really Says

In the final scene of Hamlet, amidst the carnage and chaos, Hamlet is dying from the poisoned sword. Horatio, his loyal friend, is also about to drink from the poisoned cup to join Hamlet in death, but Hamlet stops him. He knows that someone must survive to tell the true story, to clear his name, and to explain the events that have transpired. Hamlet doesn't want his legacy to be one of madness and unjustified violence. He needs someone to set the record straight.

Here’s where the critical lines come in. Hamlet says to Horatio:

If thou didst ever hold me in thy heart, Absent thee from felicity awhile, And in this harsh world draw thy breath in pain, To tell my story.

He is imploring Horatio, the one person he trusts implicitly, to stay alive and recount the events as they truly happened. He tasks Horatio with the immense responsibility of ensuring that the world understands Hamlet’s motives and actions. This is a testament to their deep bond and Hamlet’s desperation to control his narrative even in death. It's a heavy burden he places on Horatio, asking him to delay his own peace to serve Hamlet's memory.

Noticeably absent is any mention of Fortinbras in this direct request. Fortinbras arrives on the scene as a conqueror, claiming his rights to the Danish throne. He is a figure of action, a foil to Hamlet’s contemplative nature. Hamlet recognizes Fortinbras’ ambition and decisiveness, qualities he himself lacked. However, there is no direct communication between Hamlet and Fortinbras regarding the telling of Hamlet’s story.

Why the Confusion? Examining the Misconception

So, where does this idea that Hamlet asked Fortinbras to tell his story come from? Several factors might contribute to this misunderstanding:

1. Fortinbras's Ascendancy: Fortinbras literally walks into the scene at the end and takes control. This makes him seem like the natural choice to be the one to tell the tale, but nope, it's Horatio.
2. Ambiguity in Later Lines: Hamlet does say something about Fortinbras, though not directly to Fortinbras. He says: "But I do prophesy the election lights / On Fortinbras: he has my dying voice." This suggests Hamlet believes Fortinbras will be the next king of Denmark. It's easy to assume that because Hamlet acknowledges Fortinbras’s future role, he also tasks him with telling the story. But the key word here is “election,” implying a process beyond Hamlet’s direct control. His “dying voice” is more of a prediction or acceptance of Fortinbras's likely ascension than a direct endorsement or instruction.
3. Thematic Resonance: Fortinbras represents action and resolution, qualities that Hamlet admired but couldn't embody. Some interpretations suggest that Hamlet’s acknowledgment of Fortinbras is a symbolic passing of the torch, a recognition that Denmark needs a strong, decisive leader to restore order. This thematic resonance can lead to the assumption that Hamlet would want Fortinbras to shape his legacy.
4. Dramatic Convenience: From a purely dramatic standpoint, having Fortinbras tell the story might seem more efficient. He is the new ruler; his version would carry weight. However, Shakespeare deliberately chooses Horatio, emphasizing the importance of truth and personal loyalty over political expediency. This underlines the play's focus on moral and personal dimensions of the tragedy.

Horatio's Role: The Importance of Truth and Loyalty

The choice of Horatio as the storyteller is profoundly significant. Horatio is not a politician or a warrior; he is a scholar, a friend, and above all, a man of unwavering integrity. He is the embodiment of reason and truth in a world consumed by deceit and corruption. By entrusting Horatio with his story, Hamlet emphasizes the importance of an honest and unbiased account. He wants the world to know the truth, not just a politically convenient narrative.

Horatio’s loyalty to Hamlet is unwavering throughout the play. He is the constant, the voice of reason amidst the chaos. His presence provides a sense of stability and trustworthiness. In the final scene, his willingness to die with Hamlet underscores the depth of their bond. Hamlet’s plea for Horatio to live and tell his story is a testament to this trust and a recognition of Horatio’s unique ability to convey the truth.

The implications of Horatio being the storyteller are vast. It means that Hamlet's story will be told with empathy and understanding, focusing on his internal struggles, his moral dilemmas, and his tragic fate. It ensures that Hamlet will be remembered not just as a mad prince but as a complex human being caught in impossible circumstances. This personal and intimate perspective is crucial to the play’s enduring power.

Fortinbras's Eulogy: A Commander's Perspective

While Hamlet doesn't task Fortinbras with telling his story, Fortinbras does deliver a brief eulogy that acknowledges Hamlet’s potential. He orders that Hamlet be carried away with the respect due to a soldier, saying:

Let four captains Bear Hamlet, like a soldier, to the stage; For he was likely, had he been put on, To have proved most royally: and, for his passage, The soldiers' music and the rites of war Speak loudly for him.

This eulogy is significant because it frames Hamlet within a military context. Fortinbras recognizes Hamlet’s potential as a leader, acknowledging that had circumstances been different, Hamlet might have been a great king. This is a commander's perspective, focusing on Hamlet's untapped potential rather than his internal struggles.

Fortinbras’s words provide a sense of closure, suggesting that even in death, Hamlet commands respect. The “soldiers’ music and the rites of war” symbolize the honor and dignity that Hamlet deserves. This final tribute, while not a comprehensive account of Hamlet’s life, adds another layer to his complex legacy.

The Broader Implications: Legacy and Remembrance

The question of who tells Hamlet’s story speaks to the broader themes of legacy and remembrance in the play. Hamlet is deeply concerned with how he will be remembered. He doesn't want to be seen as a villain or a madman. He wants his actions to be understood in the context of the injustice he suffered and the moral dilemmas he faced.

By entrusting his story to Horatio, Hamlet seeks to control his narrative, to ensure that the truth is told. This reflects a universal human desire to shape one's own legacy, to leave behind a meaningful and accurate account of one's life. The play suggests that true remembrance requires honesty, empathy, and a willingness to understand the complexities of human nature.

The contrast between Horatio’s account and Fortinbras’s eulogy highlights the different ways in which a person can be remembered. Horatio offers a personal and intimate perspective, while Fortinbras provides a more public and political assessment. Both perspectives contribute to the overall understanding of Hamlet, but it is Horatio’s account that ultimately carries the most weight, as it is rooted in truth and loyalty.

Conclusion: The Truth Prevails Through Horatio

In conclusion, Hamlet does not ask Fortinbras to tell his story to the world. He explicitly tasks Horatio with this responsibility. This decision underscores the importance of truth, loyalty, and personal integrity in shaping one's legacy. While Fortinbras offers a respectful eulogy, it is Horatio’s account that ensures Hamlet’s story is told with empathy and understanding. Understanding this distinction is crucial for appreciating the play’s profound themes of revenge, justice, and the enduring power of truth.

So, next time you hear someone say Hamlet asked Fortinbras to tell his story, you can confidently correct them! Hamlet trusted Horatio, the true and loyal friend, to set the record straight. And that, my friends, makes all the difference.