Essay, Research Paper: Hamlet And Laertes Share Common Characteristics

Hamlet by William Shakespeare is about a Danish Prince's quest for revenge forthe murder of his father. Hamlet, the Prince, is told by his father's ghost that he was killedby Claudius, the current King and the dead King's brother. This infuriates Hamlet andthere begins his quest for justice. Hamlet masks his knowledge of the murder under acloud of lunacy. In this fit of supposed madness Hamlet kills Polonius, royal counsel tothe King, and father to Ophelia and Laertes. Prince Hamlet and Laertes share manycharacteristics. Laertes and Hamlet both display impulsive and rash behavior when angered. WhenLaertes discovers that his father has been killed he immediately assumes that the slayer isClaudius. "To hell, allegiance! Vows, to the blackest devil! Conscience and grace, to theprofoundest pit! I dare damnation. To this point I stand, that both the worlds I give tonegligence, 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 revengeat any cost. In contrast to Laertes' speculation of his father's killer, Hamlet presumes theperson spying on his conversation with his mother is Claudius. After Hamlet killsPolonius 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 toact 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 relationshipwith Hamlet. Laertes tells Ophelia of Hamlet's supposedly true intentions and advises her
to be wary of Hamlet's love. Laertes explains to his sister that Hamlet is a Prince andmost likely will have an arranged marriage. Hamlet's strong love for Ophelia causes himto suffer greatly when she rejects his affections. Hamlet's normally well-groomedappearance becomes sub-standard due to Ophelia's rejections. "Pale as his shirt, his kneesknocking at each other." (2,1,81) The loss of Ophelia's love is the cause that Poloniusbelieves drove Hamlet to lunacy. When Laertes hears of his sister's death he becomesovercome with sadness. In the same way, Hamlet is shocked and enraged over Ophelia'sdemise. Although Hamlet and Laertes despise one another, they both profoundly loveOphelia. Hamlet and Laertes are similar in the way that they associate with their families. Laertes highly respects and loves his father, Polonius. Similarly, Hamlet holds greatrespect for his dead father. After the deaths of their fathers, Hamlet and Laertes seek toimpose revenge upon their killers. Both Hamlet and Laertes exhibit domineering attitudestowards females. Laertes gives advice to his sister about her relationship with Hamlet. Hamlet is able to manipulate his mother into following his instructions and is able to makeher feel guilty about the death of his father. "Thou turn st mine eyes into my very soul,and there I see such black and grained spots as will not leave their tinct." (3,4,89) Hamletand Laertes are very similar in the way that they relate to their family. Although enemies, Hamlet and Laertes share many qualities that make them seemsimilar, such as their love for Ophelia, their loyalty to their fathers, and the way in whichthey both act spontaneously upon their anger.