Hamlet and Laertes

Analytical Essay # 63097

English > Analysis
Shakespeare > Hamlet

Hamlet and Laertes

A comparative analysis of the characters of Hamlet and Laertes in William Shakespeare's "Hamlet".

1,431 words () | 8 sources | MLA | 2005 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how in his play "Hamlet", Shakespeare purposely gives Hamlet and Laertes parallel characteristics to clarify the central theme of revenge and its consequences. It looks at several similarities between the characters such as the murder of their fathers, love for Ophelia, the corruption of their revenge plans and the irony of their deaths.

From the Paper:

"Hamlet insists that Gertrude does not sleep with Claudius for at least one night. Hamlet uses his manipulative language to convince Gertrude to obey him. Like Laertes, Hamlet furthermore uses his control over Ophelia. During one of Hamlet's fits acts of insanity, he insists that he used to love Ophelia. Without question, Ophelia believes him. "Indeed, my lord, you made me believe so" (3.1.118). Hamlet, still acting crazy, immediately changes his mind. "You should not have believed me [...] I loved you not" (3.1.119-121). Ophelia immediately submits to what Hamlet tells her. "I was the more deceived" 3.1.122). The actions of Ophelia and Gertrude confirm Hamlet's comment that "Frailty, thy name is woman!" (1.2.146). Both the women are weak and submissive to Hamlet and Laertes' comparable controlling personalities. "