To have prov'd most royal'

Fortinbras' words suggest a topic which the observer finds themself pondering throughout the play. We witness and hear of four kingships (Elder Hamlet, Claudius, Fortinbras junior and senior) and question how their personalities would carry over to the governing of a country. It is clear that Hamlet junior has many great qualities that would mark him out as a good ruler. This list could be simple reeled off- intelligent, handsome, brave, a gifted swordsman, orator, leader, ruthless and ambitious. Yet although these attribute are plentiful there are other sides of his character that are far less desirable and would have been valid ground for Hamlet not taking the throne.

Starting with Hamlet's positives, the most obvious is his inheritance and experience of the court. He is rightfully the heir to the throne, which would...