Hamlet And Laertes example essay topic

Laertes Laertes habits, traits and actions portray him as a neglectful person, unconcerned about his actions and thus unconscious about his image. Laertes is also shown as a cheating and deceitful person, though it is true that his surrounding and influences from other characters also define his personality. Overall, Laertes character in the play, is more inclined towards the negative side of man. In the beginning, Laertes is shown as a liberated and idle youth who spends most of his time in luxury, resorting to such acts such as drinking, gambling, womanizing, quarreling and betting. He commits these in Paris where he is away from Denmark for his education, thus neglecting his duties and responsibilities. His father Polonius, totally resents his misdoings, which is evident in his speech to Reynaldo, Ay or drinking, fencing, swearing, quarreling and dribbling... but breathe his faults so quaintly that they may seem the taints of liberty (Act II Scene 1 Lines 25-33).

Polonius thus, condemns his sons activities, for these will get him no where in life. Thus, Laertes is shown with a very reckless and careless attitude towards life and also possessing a very loose character. Laertes seems to believe in a double standard of behavior of the sexes; how a man can act to whatever he feels like but a female should keep to herself. Thus, through this trait, he is seen as domineering towards females. This is evident in his lecture to his sister Ophelia about mens hypocritical ways.

Perhaps he loves you know, and now no soil nor cartel doth besmirch the virtue of his will; but you must fear his greatness weighed, his will is not his own... then weigh what loss your honor will sustain... or loose your heart, or your chaste treasure open (Act I Scene 3 lines 15-32). In very commanding manner, he advises her to stay away from Hamlet protect her chasity for she is a female. But, his sister Ophelia replies, Whiles, like a puffed and reckless libertine, himself the promise path of dalliance treads and rocks not his own rode. (Act 1 scene 3 lines 49-51) She apparently has some knowledge of Laertes wrong doings and so replies that he should not teach her strictness, a moral he himself does not believe in. Thus, he kept a domineering attitude towards females. So, Laertes believed in a double standard of the behavior of sexes.

On the contrary, other than being very domineering towards females, Laertes possesses deep love and concern for Ophelia. Before his departure for France, Laertes gives a long lecture to Ophelia concerning her relationship with Hamlet. Laertes voices his concern of Hamlets true intentions towards Ophelia and advises her to be careful of Hamlets love. He impresses upon Ophelia that Hamlet is a prince who most likely will have an arranged marriage. Similar to that, Hamlet also loves Ophelia. His strong love for Ophelia withers after she rejects his affinity.

Hamlets extensive love for Ophelia resulted in serious suffering for Hamlet once his affection was rejected. Hamlets 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 Ophelias 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 struck with sadness. In the same way, Hamlet is shocked and enraged over Ophelias demise. Although, Hamlet and Laertes hated one another, they both loved Ophelia.

Laertes and Hamlet are similar in another way, that they are attached closely with their families. Laertes highly respects and loves his father Polonius. Similarly, Hamlet holds great respect for his dead father. After the death of their fathers, Hamlet and Laertes strive to seek revenge on each other.

Laertes displays impulsive reaction when angered. Once he discovers his father has been murdered he immediately assumes the murderer is Claudius. As a result of Laertes conclusion, he instantly goes to avenge Polonius 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 Ill be revenged most thoroughly for my father". Act 4 Scene 5 lines 128-134 provide insight into Laertes mind displaying his desire for revenge at any cost. In comparison to Laertes speculation of his fathers killer, Hamlet also displays such a characteristic, when he presumes that the person spying on his conversation with Gertrude is Claudius "Nay, I know not: is it the King" (Act 3, Scene 4 line 28). Likewise, Hamlet filled with anger automatically sets out attempting to kill Claudius, but instead strikes Polonius.

Hamlets and Laertes imprudent actions are incited by fury and frustration. Sudden anger blinds both Hamlet and Laertes to act spontaneously, giving little thought to the consequences of their actions In the play, when Laertes character becomes critical, it is noted that one topic preoccupies him and that is, he has to avenge his fathers murder and his sisters insane condition which drives her to death, and do it on any cost. He expresses his vengeful feelings on many occasion, such as when he arrives at the castle, he remarks, To hell, allegiance! vows, to the blackest devil! (Act 4 Scene 5 lines 128-134), and then again in front of Claudius And so I have a noble father lost; a sister driven into desperate terms... but my revenge will come (Act IV Scene 2 lines 25-29) Thus, he is very determined to take revenge from his fathers murderer and this is what Claudius takes advantage of. Claudius, also wanted to remove Hamlet and he saw that Laertes could be used for this purpose.

So, he tries to raise his anger such as he tells him Now that I think you did not love your father; but that I know love is begun by time... what would you undertake to show yourself your fathers son in deed more than in words Act IV Scene 7 Line 110-124 shows that how Claudius sparks more anger into an already burning heart and challenges Laertes that he needs to do more than just utter words to express his feelings. Another part of Laertes is exposed in later part of the play which is that how he resorts to cheating and deceit to revenge his fathers death. Laertes feels that his sense of honor has been touched by his fathers murder, saying that he would rather dare damnation (Act IV scene 5 line 131) then let his fathers murder unavenged and himself left dishonored. So, working on Claudius plan, Laertes challenges Hamlet to a fencing match where he would use a pointed and poisoned sword and kill him this way.

If Laertes would not have had treachery in his mind he would rather fight a duel to death and fight in the right and fair manner. This very characteristic is not seen in Hamlet nowhere, Hamlet is an honorable and true to his word man. Though, they also share many similarities in their character. In the very end of the play, it is seen that how Laertes impulsive behavior and dishonorable character lead to his death. In the fencing match, Laertes gets hit by the pointed sword instead and thus dies.

But, before he dies he rises to the true honor of admitting that he has committed wrong behavior and thus, in shame and apology informs Hamlet of Claudius plans. All this he does in exchange for forgiveness. But if his true show of honor and truth in the end, raises his honor, his false honor destroys his whole character and appearance. Thus the character of Polonius comes to end, an end which he himself led to.