Question

In Hamlet Act 2 Scene 2, the ambassadors to Norway report that the King of Norway believed his nephew, Fortinbras, was preparing to invade Poland. What was the real invasion target, and how does the King of Norway react?"

a. Real invasion target: Denmark, reacts positively
b. Real invasion target: Sweden, reacts negatively
c. Real invasion target: Germany, reacts indifferently

Answer 1

In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' the true target of Fortinbras's invasion was Denmark, but after his intentions were discovered by his uncle, the King of Norway, he was directed to attack Poland instead and complied.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Hamlet Act 2 Scene 2, the ambassadors to Norway report back to King Claudius of Denmark. They reveal that King Fortinbras of Norway was under the impression that his nephew, young Fortinbras, was gathering an army to attack Poland. After further investigation, it was discovered that the real target of young Fortinbras's campaign was not Poland, but Denmark itself. When King Fortinbras learnt of his nephew's true intentions, he reacted not with endorsement, but rather with strong measures to curb his nephew's military aggression.

King Fortinbras then ordered young Fortinbras to halt his plans against Denmark and instead directed him to lead his army against Poland, but through a region of Norway, to avoid conflict with Denmark. For his compliance and redirection of his military efforts, young Fortinbras was rewarded by his uncle with a generous annual fee to fund his campaigns.