Hamlet
Laertes and Hamlet both display impulsive reactions when
angered. 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 ("Nay, I know
not: is it the King?" Act 3, Scene 4 line 28).
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.
Hamlet and Laertes 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 advices her to
be wary of Hamlet's love. Laertes impresses upon Ophelia,
Hamlet is a prince who most likely will have an arranged
marriage. Hamlet's strong love for Ophelia withers after
she rejects his affinity. Hamlet's extensive love for
Ophelia resulted in grave suffering for Hamlet once his
affection was rejected. Hamlet's appearance decays due to
the rejection of his love for Ophelia("Pale as his shirt,
his knees knocking each other" Act 2, Scene 1, line 82).
The loss of Ophelia's love for Hamlet instigates Polonius
into believing it has caused Hamlet to revert to antic
disposition. 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 they jump into her grave and fight each other.
Although Hamlet and Laertes despised one another, they both
loved Ophelia. Hamlet was infatuated with Ophelia which was
obvious during his constant anguish over her(in her
rejection of Hamlet, and in her death Hamlet suffered
greatly). Laertes shared a strong brotherly love for
Ophelia which was evident in his advice to her. Laertes
further displayed his love for Ophelia during her funeral
were he fought with Hamlet.
Hamlet and Laertes are similar in the way they associate
with their families. Laertes highly respects and loves his
father Polonius. Similarly, Hamlet holds a great respect
for his dead father (Hamlet compares his father to a sun
god "Hyperion"). After the death of their fathers, Hamlet
and Laertes strive to seek revenge on the assassins. 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 ("Thou turn'st mine eyes into my very
soul, and there I see such black and grained spots as will
not leave their tinct." Act 3, Scene 4 lines 90-93).
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 (although
not his real father Claudius was his uncle as well as
step-father). Claudius employed Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern to gather information on Hamlet. In
comparison, Polonius dispatches Reynaldo to check up on
Laertes. Hamlet and Laertes share similar aspects within
their families.
Hamlet and Laertes demonstrate rash behaviour 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. Momentary rage overcomes Laertes and Hamlet which
prompts them to act spontaneously. Hamlet and Laertes both
have a strong love for Ophelia. Hamlet's deep love for
Ophelia is evident in his reaction to her rejection of him.
In the same way, Laertes care and affection are revealed by
his advice to his sister. The families of Laertes and
Hamlet contain similar attributes. Hamlet and Laertes hold
a high admiration for their fathers and are willing to even
kill the king to enact revenge. Both characters exercise a
dominating attitude towards females. Although adversaries,
Hamlet and Laertes share several characteristics which make
them similar.
