What are the similarities in plot and character that exist between The Lion King and Hamlet, which is said to be the inspiration for the Disney movie?

Arpeggionist

Well, the main character each avenges his father's death by killing his uncle. Apr 10 08, 2:41 PM

BRY2K

In The Lion King, the role of the young prince whose father is murdered is played by a cub named Simba, whose naivete procures him more than his fair share of hardships and troubles. By the acts in the story alone, one can see that Simba is a direct representation of Shakespeare's Hamlet Jr., but not only that, each of them shares similar actions in the play. Interpretations if Simba's actions are as profound as Hamlet's, particularly of why Hamlet delayed in exacting vengeance for his father's death. Both Simba and Hamlet Jr. "delay" their action of retribution for their respective father's deaths. The loss of their paternal companion leaves Hamlet incredibly melancholy, and Simba without a royal teacher and father during his tender years. Each of them runs from their responsibility, although inside themselves they know what must be done: Hamlet attempts to validate his suspicions while Simba hides from his past. Similarly, the characters of Hamlet Sr. and Mufasa bear a striking resemblance to one another, not only in their actions, but their meanings as well. Hamlet Sr., the once king of Denmark, ruled his kingdom in peace and prosperity, evident in the conversations in Act I, Scene I between Marcellus and Horatio about the creations of implements of war in Denmark under the new king, Claudius. Mufasa, too, ruled peacefully over the Pride Lands, only worrying about his son and his responsibilities. But, after their deaths, they each become more than the kings they once were. They become the heralds for thir sons, compelling them to avenge their deaths and take responsibility for what their uncles have done. http://www.lionking.org/text/Hamlet-TM.html Apr 10 08, 3:13 PM

Majin Bill

The plots of Hamlet and the Lion King are very similar in many aspects. In each story, the main character (Simba<>Hamlet) have their fathers killed by their Uncle (Scar<>Claudius). The two stories then bridge a great deal after that but both follow the same core plot; the main character's quest to bring justice upon their usurper uncle. Aside from the two previously mentioned characters, there are some other characters that can be implied to be related to each other. Simba's best friend Nala can be likened to either Ophelia or Horatio. Horatio was Hamlet's best friend (the way Nala was Simba's best friend) and one of the few people who stayed truly loyal to Hamlet throughout the story. However, Ophelia, for part of the story at least, was Hamlet's love interest (which you could consider Nala to Simba). Hamlet's old friends named Rosencrantz and Guildenstern can be loosely compared to the pack of hyenas that follow Scar around and follow his commands. There are some key differences as well. In Hamlet, Hamlet's mother seems genuinely happy with Claudius until she learns that Claudius killed her former husband. Sarabi, on the other hand, is openly depressed and even hostile towards Scar. Also, there seems to be no Lion King equivalent to some major Hamlet characters, such as Laertes, Polonius, and Fortinbras. Apr 10 08, 6:42 PM