To truly see the contributions of Hamlet's peers to the play, this paper will briefly look at their personalities and obvious traits and proceed to relate them to the plot and major themes of the play. Also, this paper will describe how each peer impacts the major character, Hamlet.

Laertes occupies a unique role in the play. The relationship between Hamlet and Laertes develops into a very interesting one as the play progresses. Hamlet spends almost the entire play attempting to avenge his father's murder by killing the person who committed the deed, Claudius. When Hamlet kills Polonius, Laertes fathe

Hamlet beings the conversation by explaining his thoughts on destiny and how it controls one's life no matter what efforts are taken to change it. Horatio replies, "That is most certain." (V.ii.12) This shows how, in theory, Horatio is supportive towards Hamlet. Both parties know, very well, that Horatio possesses the superior knowledge of the two. Hamlet throughout the play, in fact, has made his aspirations of wanting to be at the same level of knowledge clear. Moments like these, when Horatio agrees with and supports Hamlet's ideas and theories on important subjects, contribute greatly to Hamlet's sanity, emotional stability, and self-confidence. Although Hamlet states that the reason why he does not commit suicide is because he fears what lies beyond death, it is easy to see that Horatio's supportive friendship gives him reason to continue living as well. As the conversation continues, Hamlet talks of Claudius, "He that hath kill'd my king, and whored my mother;" (V.ii.65) With this, he tells Horatio something that he has kept to himself throughout the play. This exhibits the trust that Hamlet has in Horatio, thus solidifying their friendship. Their personal conversation ends when Osric arrives. He engages in a petty battle of wits with Hamlet. After they trade a few comments Horatio adds, to Osric, "Isn't not possible to understand in another tongue?" (V.ii.124) He is clearly defending Hamlet in the conversation, something all good friends would do. When Osric leaves, they are again left alone. "You will lose this wager, my lord." (V.ii.200) This is when Horatio explains his thoughts on the situation. Although Hamlet eventually disagrees with these thoughts he still takes them into account out of respect for his friend's superior knowledge. Horatio, being the understanding, rational man that he is, realizes how stubborn Hamlet is and knows that he will not listen to his thoughts and therefore concedes. Horatio does not react like one who has just had his comments ignored by his best friend. Instead, he alters his thoughts and gives his advice based on what he derives from Hamlet's replies. He says, " If your mind dislike anything, obey it. I will forestall their repair hither, and say you are not fit." (V.ii.

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Approximate Word count = 1502
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)