Hamlet

In an unexpected turn of events at the end of Hamlet, we learn that Fortinbras has been named by the dying Hamlet as the person to take over the throne of Denmark, as all of the existing royal family has died. Horatio, having stuck with Hamlet throughout this crisis, is understandably angered that he hasn’t been named as the successor to the throne because he has been Hamlet’s closest friend.

Horatio decides that he is going to pursue gaining the throne through legal means and hires you to argue on his behalf as to why he should gain the throne and why Fortinbras should be deposed of. You are the lawyer in charge of Horatio’s legal suit. You are preparing your best lawyerly speech as your summation to the trial to prove to one and all, especially Denmark’s High Tribunal, that your client is the one who deserves to wear the crown. In your address, you may wish to provide information about Horatio’s character and the depth of Horatio and Hamlet’s friendship.

You will also want to address the reasons why Fortinbras’s effort to gain control of Denmark is suspect and an underhanded ploy. During the trial, you tried to establish Hamlet’s insanity, thus making him appear unable to make a sound and reasonable choice to declare Fortinbras as King of Denmark. Fortinbras’s lawyers have brought testimony to suggest Hamlet was sane, stating that his occasional hallucinations were manifestations of his guilty, yet SANE, conscience.

As Horatio’s lawyer, however, it is your responsibility to focus on the qualities that might tempt the jury to empathize with Horatio, thus awarding him the throne. It is now time for you to provide your closing comments, in your final appeal to win the crown for Horatio. Study the play closely and note specific evidence that will support your purpose.

Remember: your purpose is to inform and convince your audience. Choose your words wisely. Your task for this assignment is to consider how you would use your voice to draw empathy for Horatio, and convince your audience that Fortinbras is brazen in his bid for the crown.

As Horatio’s lawyer, prepare a speech that will convince your audience to give control of Denmark over to Horatio rather than Fortinbras. Your speech will be a critical analysis of the characters and events of the play and will explore your understanding of these aspects. Make notes where you might be able to use your voice for emphasis and impacts