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Hamlet Soliloquy Glossary: How all occasions do inform against me (4.4.35-69)

for a fantasy and trick of fame (64)

i.e., for imaginary glory.

But is not Hamlet jealous of Fortinbras and his ability to fight in defense of his honor? "Fortinbras is enticed by a dream, and thousands must die for it. Hamlet's common sense about the absurdity of Fortinbras's venture shows the pointlessness of his envy" (Edwards 193). Please see the commentary for more on this point.

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How to cite this article:
Mabillard, Amanda. Hamlet Soliloquy Glossary. Shakespeare Online. 15 Aug. 2008. < http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/hamlet/soliloquies/fantasy.html > .


Reference
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Ed. Philip Edwards. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1985.

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