In one of William Shakespeare's most eminent tragic plays, Hamlet, honour is a central reoccurring theme that results in the development of three main revenge plots. Hamlet, Laertes and Fortinbras all face the major challenge of seeking vengeance against those individuals who are responsible for the death of their beloved fathers, out of loyalty. Hamlet plans on murdering Claudius for poisoning his father, Laertes wants revenge on Hamlet for slaying Polonius, and Fortinbras wants to avenge his father's death that is brought about by King Hamlet. In comparison to Hamlet and Laertes, Fortinbras avenges his father's death most honourably because he carries out a plan without constant contemplation based on emotion, he devises and implements a strategic revenge plot without the assistance of others, and he does not use deceitful methods to explain or hide the reasons for his actions.
             In contrast to Hamlet and Laertes, Fortinbras suppresses his emotions to prevent them from delaying his plans in seeking revenge, and thus is more honourable in his pursuit. Hamlet contemplates suicide: "To be or not to be, that is the question." (Act 3, i, 56) Hamlet's instable nature is accurately depicted as he contemplates whether he should live to murder Claudius out of respect for his father, or if he should easily free himself of his pains and responsibilities by ending his own life. Hamlet's indecision as to whether he should commit suicide proves that his father's request for justice to be served is not of dire importance to him. Near the end of the soliloquy, Hamlet avoids suicide because he is fearful of what happens after death, not because he wants to murder Claudius for his father's sake. A man of honour would not consider giving up in the midst of obtaining revenge. Similarly, Laertes allows his emotions to inhibit his physical ability to acquire retribution. Evidently, Laertes express...