Hamlet and Laertes Share Common Characteristics
Hamlet by William Shakespeare is about a Danish Prince's quest for revenge for the murder of his father. Hamlet, the Prince, is told by his father's ghost that he was killed by Claudius, the current King and the dead King's brother. This infuriates Hamlet and there begins his quest for justice. Hamlet masks his knowledge of the murder under a cloud of lunacy. In this fit of supposed madness Hamlet kills Polonius, royal counsel to the King, and father to Ophelia and Laertes. Prince Hamlet and Laertes share many characteristics. Laertes and Hamlet both display impulsive and rash behavior when angered. When Laertes discovers that his father has been killed he immediately assumes that the slayer is Claudius. "To hell, allegiance! Vows, to the blackest devil! Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit! I dare damnation. To this poin
t I stand, that both the worlds I give to negligence, let come what comes; only I'll be reveng'd most thoroughly for my father." (4,5,131) This quote provides insight into Laertes' mind displaying his desire for revenge at any cost. In contrast to Laertes' speculation of his father's killer, Hamlet presumes the person spying on his conversation with his mother is Claudius. After Hamlet kills Polonius the Queen says "Oh me, what hast thou done?" (3,4,24). Hamlet responds "Nay, I know not. Is it the King?" (3,4,25) Sudden anger prompts both Hamlet and Laertes to act spontaneously, giving little thought to the consequences of their actions. Hamlet and Laertes share a different, but deep love and concern for Ophelia. Before his departure for France Laertes gives Ophelia advice pertaining to her relationship with Hamlet. Laertes tells
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Approximate Word count = 561
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)
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