Hamlet And Leartes Essay, Research Paper

Hamlet and Leartes have many similarities and differences throughout the play.

An example of this is that Laertes and Hamlet both display impulsive reactions

when angered. For example, once Laertes discovers his father has been murdered

Laertes immediately assumes the slayer is Claudius. As a result of Laertes?s

speculation he instinctively moves to avenge Polonius?s death. "To hell,

allegiance! vows, to the blackest devil! Conscience and grace, to the

profoundest pit! I dare damnation: to this point I stand, that both worlds I

give to negligence, let come what comes; only I?ll be revenged most thoroughly

for my father." Act 4 Scene 5 lines 128-134 provide insight into

Laertes?s mind displaying his desire for revenge at any cost. In contrast to

Laertes speculation of his father?s killer, Hamlet presumes the individual

spying on his conversation with Gertrude is Claudius. Consequently, Hamlet

consumed with rage automatically thrusts out attempting to kill Claudius, but

instead strikes Polonius. Hamlet?s and Laertes?s imprudent actions are

incited by fury and frustration. Sudden anger prompts both Hamlet and Laertes to

act spontaneously, giving little thought to the consequences of their actions.

Another example is that Hamlet and Laertes both share a different but deep love

and concern for Ophelia. Before his departure for France Laertes provides

lengthy advice to Ophelia pertaining to her relationship with Hamlet. Laertes

voices his concern of Hamlet?s true intentions towards Ophelia and advises her

to be wary of Hamlet?s love. Hamlet?s strong love for Ophelia withers after

she rejects his affinity, which results in grave suffering for Hamlet. Once

Laertes learns of the death of his sister, he is afflicted with sadness. In the

same way, Hamlet is shocked and enraged over Ophelia?s demise. Both Hamlet and

Laertes are so profoundly distressed at the death of Ophelia that they jump into

her grave and fight each other. Hamlet was infatuated with Ophelia which was

obvious during his constant anguish over her. Laertes shared a strong brotherly

love for Ophelia which was evident in his advice to her as well as during her

funeral were he fought with Hamlet. Hamlet and Laertes exhibit domineering

attitudes towards females. Laertes gives his sister Ophelia guidance on her

relationship with Hamlet. In the same way, Hamlet is able to persuade Gertrude

he is not mad and manipulate her to follow his instructions. Hamlet directs his

mother to convince Claudius of Hamlet?s madness. Hamlet is able to make his

mother reflect upon her part in the death of his father and feel guilt.

Furthermore, Hamlet instructs his mother not to sleep with Claudius. The fathers

of Laertes and Hamlet both attempted to use spies to gain information on their

sons. Claudius employed Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to gather information on

Hamlet. In comparison, Polonius dispatches Reynaldo to check up on Laertes. All

of this implies that Hamlet and Laertes share similar aspects within their

families. Hamlet and Laertes demonstrate rash behavior when infuriated. Hamlet

becomes outraged at the notion of Claudius spying on him, which results in

Hamlet mistakenly killing Polonius. Laertes becomes drastically angered at the

death of his father and boldly seeks vengeance against Claudius. Although

adversaries, Hamlet and Laertes share several characteristics which make them

similar.