Abstract
This paper studies the character of Laertes as a foil or mirror image of the character Hamlet. Throughout the play, Laertes actions and responses seem to be a mirror of the character, Hamlet, both physically and verbally.

From the Paper
"In William Shakespeare's tragedy of 'Hamlet', the character of Laertes can be seen as a foil or a mirror of the protagonist Hamlet. This comparison extends throughout the play, as Laertes' responses to the murder of his father Polonius, the death of his sister Ophelia, and even his general philosophy of life can be interpreted not simply a mirroring of Hamlet but as a sort of running commentary on Hamlet's words and actions. In this context, this essay will argue that Shakespeare employs Laertes as a dramatic foil to Hamlet, allowing audiences more illuminating insights into the character and actions of the protagonist."

Tags:hamlet, laertes, shakespeare

Abstract
This paper looks at the characters of Hamlet and Laertes explains why they are so similar. By doing so, this paper compares and contrasts Hamlet's and Laertes' love for Ophelia, the avenging their fathers' deaths and their attitudes and actions.

From the Paper
"In Shakespeare's play Hamlet many similarities are created between Hamlet and Laertes which clearly define Laertes as Hamlets foil. These two characters are mirrors of each other which act in opposite manners when confronted with similar circumstances. They are very contrasting characters, one being outward and the other inward; where Hamlet is verbal, Laertes is physical and where Hamlet is private, Laertes is overly confronting. They are both confronted with emotions such as love and hate along with situations of betrayal which lead to the ultimate tragedies in the play. Due to the sequence of events which occur within Shakespeare's play Hamlet it is evident that Hamlet and Laertes are two very comparative characters which is demonstrated through the love they share for Ophelia and their actions to avenge the death of their fathers."

Tags:death, foil, hamlet, laertes, love, ophelia

Abstract
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. "

Tags:claudius, gertrude, murder, ophelia, revenge

Abstract
This paper discusses how the differences in the two characters can be seen in their roles as avengers in the play, how they deal with this role, their personal characteristics, their ability to react spontaneously and their relationships with Ophelia.

From the Paper
"One of the major similarities between Laertes and Hamlet is in their role as avengers in the play. Laertes takes revenge against his father Polonius' death, where he immediately assumes Claudius is responsible and returns from France immediately to revenge the death. Hamlet also has a role as an avenger, where his father's ghost speaks to him, telling him Claudius is responsible for his death and asking him to "revenge his foul and most unnatural murder" (I,iv).
The major difference between Laertes and Hamlet is how they deal with their role as avengers. Laertes on learning of his father's death reacts immediately, by speaking of revenge, "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" (IV,v). In contrast, Hamlet, on learning of his father's murder is asked by the ghost of his father to revenge the death. He hesitates and procrastinates, wishing he had not been asked to complete such a task, "the time is out of joint. O cursed spite, that ever I was born to set it right!" (I,iv). It is ultimately this indecision and hesitation of Hamlet's that leads to the tragedy of the play."

Tags:second, difference, characters, responses, avengers, will, vowing, revenge, ghost, murder, action

Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts Hamlet and Laertes' codes of honor as they pertain to the death of their fathers in Shakespeare's tragedy "Hamlet." The paper discusses the differences in how both men respond and act.

From the Paper
"In William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" virtually all of the action is centered on the concept of revenge. Both Hamlet and Laertes are burdened with the responsibility of avenging the murders of their respective fathers. What is most interesting about Shakespeare's work, however, is the fact that while the characters find themselves in similar situations, they do not respond in the same fashion."

Tags:hamlet, laertes, honor, revenge, murder, action, thought

Abstract
The paper compares and contrasts Hamlet and Laertes, both in terms of their sense of honor and their relationships with their fathers.

From the Paper
"In his play "Hamlet" William Shakespeare focuses closely on the subject of revenge, particularly the avenging of murder. Indeed, the characters of Hamlet and Laertes both face the task of exacting revenge for the wrongful death of their respective fathers. Yet despite their similar circumstances, Shakespeare makes it clear that Hamlet and Laertes are very different characters. While Laertes is decisive and reacts quickly to news of his father's death, Hamlet ruminates for much of the play over his plan for revenge against his father's murderer."

Tags:hamlet, laertes, revenge, honor, shakespeare

Abstract
This analysis provides a contrast and comparison between Hamlet and Laertes from Scene ii, Act V of Shakespeare's "Hamlet." The focus is on the different motives for Hamlet and Laertes in taking part in their deadly duel and how they are both victims of the actions of others.

From the Paper
"In Act V Scene ii of Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet Hamlet and Laertes engage in a deadly duel that has been orchestrated by King Claudius to kill Hamlet. Claudius has poisoned wine he hopes Hamlet will drink and should the drink not work ..."

Tags:noble, motive, revenge, vengeance, King Claudius, poison, victims, Shakespeare

Abstract
The paper describes how at the beginning of the scene, Laertes enters with his sister Ophelia and he is determined to advise her about Hamlet. As he states; "O perhaps he loves you now...but you must fear, His greatness weighed, his will is not his own (I.3.14-17)." Laertes is afraid that Hamlet may be similar to himself and is concerned about his motives. He tells his sister; "Do be wary then; best safety lies in fear. Youth to itself rebels, though none else near (I.3.42-43)."

From the Paper
"The famous passage from Hamlet is actually the end of several pieces of advice which Polonius offers to Laertes. Polonius offers the advice as precepts by which Laertes can live. Basically, Polonius informs Laertes how he can be wise, keep his friends, and maintain balance in his life. His most remembered advice begins with "Neither a borrower nor a lender be" (I.3.74). Then Polonius provides the most important advice of all: "to thine own self be true...Thou canst not then be false to any man" (I.3.77 & 79)."

Tags:assumptions, analysis, language

Abstract
The paper analyzes the play "Hamlet" as one driven by the question of how to revenge the death of the protagonist's father. The paper discusses Fortinbras' ruthlessness in his revenge and Laertes' revenge that is from a more sympathetic and emotional nature. The paper explains why Hamlet is of superior character, with his forestalling not a weakness but a lesson to the audience. The paper asserts that the play makes the audience question what drives people to act or to think in questionable ways.

From the Paper
"Hamlet is a play driven by the question of how to revenge the death of the protagonist's father. It begins upon the battlements, which are apparently haunted by the ghost of the recently deceased king, Old Hamlet. The ghost's reasons for remaining upon the earth, rather than residing in heaven become clear when he is given an opportunity to explain to his son the manner of his demise. Old Hamlet's brother Claudius, the current King of Denmark happened upon Old Hamlet while his brother was napping in an orchard, and poured poison in his ear. The king was murdered without the ability to make a full confession and is doomed to walk the earth until he is purged of all of his sins. Thus, Hamlet, the son of a murdered father, must avenge his father's death, and he vows to do so."

Tags:murder, ruthlessness, emotions

Abstract
This paper explores the concept of revenge and madness in Shakespeare's play, "The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark", and looks at how these concepts are central to the play's theme of death. The paper explains how each of the main characters in the play, Hamlet, Ophelia and Laertes, respond to death and points out how these reactions and responses add depth to the characters and make them appear more real to the audience.

From the Paper
"Hamlet, Ophelia, and Laertes deal with the death of their fathers in very different ways. When we look at each character and how they choose to deal with death, we often discover insight into the characters themselves. Each character's reaction is also fueled by other aspects in the play that influence their reason and logic. For example, Hamlet's response to his father's death is fueled by his anger and hurt feelings toward Gertrude and Claudius for marrying so soon. Ophelia's response to her father's death is influenced by the fact that Hamlet has been hateful to her and that Hamlet killed Polonius. Laertes' response to Polonius' death is fueled by the fact that Hamlet killed him and is indirectly responsible for Ophelia's suicide."

Tags:avenge, outrage, bitter, angry, king, mother, melancholy, gertrude, claudius, faith