While watching The Lion King I noticed some key similarities and differences to Hamlet. Some important similarities i noticed include, Yorik’s speech is similar to the “circle of life” song, It symbolizes that we are equal in death. A more literal comparison is how Scar kills Mufasa just like Claudius killed Hamlets father. Also, both Hamlet and Simba are in line to rule but have evil uncles who want to stop them. also, in the movie hamlet polonius has a speech about how we could eat a king, just like Mufasa’s speech about eating antelope and the circle of life. Although I noticed many other similarities these were the major ones that stuck out to me which watching the film.
Some differences include, We don’t get to see Hamlet as a child like we saw Simba in The Lion King. Hamlet and Ophelia were also very problematic unlike Simba and Nala. Another major plot difference is that Simba’s entire life is played out, Hamlets is less than a year. Other small details I noticed include, Scar formed an army unlike Claudius. Nala Finds Simba when he disappears, unlike Ophelia. Simba disappears for many years, Hamlet does not. Simba witnessed his dad die, Hamlet didn’t.
I was surprised about how similar they both are, and found it easy to pin point the details that lined up. I found this section fun to do and enjoyed every second.
Elizabeth leko 