Who has the last line in Hamlet: Exploring the Final Words of Shakespeare's Tragedy
William Shakespeare's Hamlet is a masterpiece of dramatic literature, filled with profound philosophical questions, intricate plotting, and unforgettable characters. One of the most lingering curiosities for many audiences and readers alike is the question of who speaks the very last line of this epic tragedy. The answer, while seemingly straightforward, carries significant weight in understanding the play's conclusion and its overarching themes.
The Final Moments of Hamlet
The play culminates in a scene of immense bloodshed and death. After a series of duels, poisonings, and betrayals, most of the principal characters lie dead or dying. Prince Hamlet himself, after finally achieving his revenge against Claudius, is mortally wounded by a poisoned rapier. Before he succumbs to the poison, he entrusts his story and the future of Denmark to his loyal friend.
Fortinbras's Ascendancy
The honor of delivering the final words falls to **Fortinbras**, the young Prince of Norway. As Hamlet lies dying, he implores Horatio to tell his story and prevent Denmark from being defamed. Hamlet then dies, and it is in the ensuing silence and devastation that Fortinbras enters the scene, surveying the carnage.
Fortinbras, who has been absent for much of the play, returning from his military campaigns in Poland, represents a new beginning for Denmark. He arrives at the palace to find it littered with corpses. He immediately recognizes the gravity of the situation and the tragic fate that has befallen the Danish royal family.
The Exact Final Line
The final spoken words in Shakespeare's Hamlet, as spoken by Fortinbras, are:
"This is so; And I, with grief and care, will undertake them. Give me theThe dead body of Hamlet, prince of Denmark, Is now brought in. The dead body of Hamlet, prince of Denmark, Is now brought in. So, to the soldiers, The dead body of Hamlet, prince of Denmark, Is now brought in. And for his passage, The soldiers' music and the rites of war Speak order for his funeral. Take up the bodies: such a sight as this Becomes the field, but here shows much amiss. Go, bid the soldiers shoot."
More specifically, and focusing on the absolute final spoken words that conclude the play's dialogue and action, Fortinbras utters:
"Go, bid the soldiers shoot."
This command signals the end of the tragic events and the beginning of a new era under Fortinbras's rule. It is a directive that brings the play to a stark and decisive conclusion, emphasizing the military and political order that Fortinbras intends to impose.
The Significance of Fortinbras's Last Line
Fortinbras's final words are highly significant. They serve several purposes:
- Restoration of Order: After the chaos and bloodshed, Fortinbras's command for military honors signifies a return to order and a formal, albeit somber, transition of power.
- Thematic Reinforcement: The play has explored themes of inaction, revenge, and the corrupting nature of power. Fortinbras, who is a man of action, takes control, suggesting a practical and less introspective approach to leadership, a stark contrast to Hamlet's prolonged indecision.
- Prophecy of the Future: His ascension to the throne implies a future for Denmark, albeit one built upon the ruins of its former rulers. His final command to the soldiers to "shoot" (referring to a salute, a final military tribute) underscores the martial nature of his reign.
Therefore, while Hamlet is undeniably the central figure of the play, it is Fortinbras who delivers the final, definitive line, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for the kingdom of Denmark.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does Fortinbras become the ruler of Denmark?
Fortinbras becomes the ruler of Denmark due to a complex web of inheritance and political circumstances. His father, King Fortinbras of Norway, was killed by King Hamlet, Hamlet's father, in a duel over disputed lands. Young Fortinbras had been seeking to reclaim these lands and avenge his father's honor. With the entire Danish royal family dead by the play's end, and Hamlet himself explicitly asking Horatio to tell his story and implying a need for a new leader, Fortinbras, as the next in line through a distant connection and having demonstrated his military prowess, is positioned to take the throne.
Why is Fortinbras's line considered important?
Fortinbras's final line, "Go, bid the soldiers shoot," is important because it signifies a complete shift in power and the restoration of order after immense tragedy. It shows a decisive leader taking charge, in contrast to Hamlet's internal struggles. This command also serves as a final military salute to the fallen Prince Hamlet, acknowledging his noble lineage and perhaps his past valor, before Fortinbras firmly establishes his own rule.
Does Hamlet have any lines after he dies?
No, Prince Hamlet does not have any spoken lines after he dies. His last significant utterance is his dying wish to Horatio to tell his story. After that, the stage is left for Horatio and then Fortinbras to address the dire situation and bring the play to its conclusion.
