Hamlet vs The Lion King

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Through the use of animated technology in The Lion King and a theatrical play in Hamlet, both forms are able to portray a mutual truth and entail impeccable level of quality that enables the audience to become invested on a personal level. A theatrical play is more effective in capturing adults’ interests due to the specific and intrinsic characteristics that a play withholds. Whereas in The Lion King, animation is utilized to represent animals as opposed to humans, to add a gentle tone and eliminate the harsh violence to appeal to children. Despite the simplicity and lack of complicated layers that would traditionally be present in Shakespeare’s play, The Lion King is still capable of including adult subject matter through childish and friendly scenes that allow children to comprehend the same universal message. Animation is appealing towards children due to the unique physical attributes of the animals that are aesthetically pleasing. For example, Simba as a child possesses a soft and gentle nature, strengthened by a “cute” factor that allows children to relate at a personal level. Additionally, the use of animals is symbolic to humans, and is used to make violent scene less freighting as opposed to two humans committing murder. The use of animation allows children to be introduced to adult topics through the use of visual effects that cause the children to overlook the negativities of adulthood. This is accomplished through musical elements that are interspersed in the film that contain a fast tempo as well as crafty lyrics coupled with colourful visuals. These song numbers are used to lighten the mood as well as keep the impatient children entertained aided through the film’s relatively fast pace and several comedic-relief sce...

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...n. Dissimilarly, Simba’s ego protects itself through denial. After accepting the fact that he murdered his own father, Simba assumes a life of no responsibility through the acquiring the motto of “Hakuna Matata”. Simba ignores his stature and responsibility through repressing and reducing his position on the social ladder. This presents the notion of fatalism in The Lion King for like Hamlet, Simba cannot escape his position in the circle of life. This is seen when Mufasa appears in the clouds and reminds Simba of his responsibility, and stresses the importance of the restoration of balance in the Pride Lands. In turn, due to this intervention, Simba realizes his true fate and returns to Pride Rock to assume the throne. In closing, as with Hamlet and The Lion King, regardless of one’s attempt at pruseing their own destiny, they are powerless with respect to fate.

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