Father's Of Laertes And Hamlet example essay topic

969 words
Hamlet vs. Laertes Hamlet and Laertes are two people with almost all the same aspects in the Shakespeare's Hamlet. They both want to avenge the death of their father's and they both love Ophelia. Hamlet's and Laerte's similarities can be described in many ways but one can talk about the main ones: being the love they have for Ophelia, the death of their father's and how they associate with their families. Hamlet and Laertes share a different but deep love and concern for Ophelia. Before his leave to 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 some what wary of his love.

Laertes tells Ophelia that Hamlet would have to marry someone of his own blood or someone of royalty "His greatness weighed, his will is not his own. For he himself is subject to his birth: He may not, as unvalued persons do, Crave for himself, as for on his choice depends the safety and health of this whole state" (Shakespeare 1997 1.3). He is saying that he has to marry someone in the royal family and if he marries a person of a non-royal background it wouldn't look appealing to the public... Hamlet's strong love for Ophelia withers after she rejects his sanity. Hamlet's appearance decays due to the rejection of his love for Ophelia "Pale as his shirt, his knees knocking each other' (Shakespeare 1997 2.1. 82).

The loss of Ophelia's love for Hamlet instigates Polonius into believing it has caused Hamlet to revert to insanity. Once Laertes learns of the death of his sister he is hit with sudden sadness. In the same way, Hamlet is shocked and enraged over Ophelia's death. Both Hamlet and Laertes are so profoundly distressed at the death of Ophelia they both jump into her grave and say that they want to be buried alive with her.

As the r in the grave they both fight each other saying that they want to be buried with her. Hamlet says his love for Ophelia could not match that of forty thousand brothers "I loved Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers could not with all their quantity of love make up my sum" (Shakespeare 1997 5.1. 180-181) Although Hamlet and Laertes despised one another, they both loved Ophelia.

Laertes shared a strong brotherly love for Ophelia which was evident in his advice to her and Hamlet showed his love when he said he wanted to be buried with her. Laertes further displayed his love for Ophelia during her funeral where he fought with Hamlet. Laertes and Hamlet both display spontaneous reactions when angered. Once Laertes discovered his father was murdered, Laertes immediately assumes that 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. ' (Shakespeare 1997 4.5. 128-134) this provide insight to Laertes's mind displaying his willingness 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?' (Shakespeare 1997 3.4. 28). Consequently, Hamlet consumed with rage automatically takes out a pocket knife attempting to kill Claudius, but instead strikes Polonius. Hamlet's and Laertes's actions are incited by fury and frustration.

Sudden anger prompts both Hamlet and Laertes to act instinctively, giving little thought to the consequences of their actions. Hamlet and Laertes are similar in the way they associate with their families. Laertes respects and loves his father Polonius and Hamlet holds a great respect for his dead father, who Hamlet compares his father to the sun god, 'Hyperion'. After the death of both their fathers, Hamlet and Laertes seek revenge on the murders. Hamlet and Laertes both show different attitudes towards females. Laertes gives Ophelia guidance on her relationship with Hamlet and Hamlet is able to persuade Gertrude that he is not mad and manipulates her to follow his instructions.

Hamlet tells his mother to convince Claudius of Hamlet's madness. He 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. ' (Shakespeare 1997 3.4. 90-93).

The father's of Laertes and Hamlet both attempted to use spies to gain information on their sons. Claudius hamlets uncle and step-father. Claudius employed Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to gather information on Hamlet and Polonius sends Reynaldo to check up on Laertes. Hamlet becomes outraged that Claudius is spying on him which then results in Hamlet mistakenly killing Polonius. Laertes becomes angered at the death of his father and boldly seeks vengeance against Claudius. Hamlet and Laertes both have a strong love for Ophelia.

Laerte's care and affection are revealed by his advice to his sister. The families of Laertes and Hamlet contain similar attributes. Hamlet and Laertes hold high respects for their fathers and are willing to kill the king to enact revenge. Both characters exercise dominating attitude towards females.

In conclusion, although adversaries, Hamlet and Laertes share several characteristics which make them similar..