... revenge hero would be one that did not contemplate his actions, but rather took instantaneous retribution. This archetype is seen in the characters of Laertes and Fortinbras. Laertes, the son of Polonius, does not adopt the role of a "hero- in the play until the final stages. He is absent ... a dastardly plan to ensure that revenge is achieved. 2 He claims he will "cut his throat I' the church- (IV.VII.127). The consequences of Laertes' rash actions are seen in the final scene, when he realises that Hamlet is not to blame, stating, "mine and my father's death come not ... to maintain h...

• Word Count: 1685
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... artistic upheaval, tentative and feisty environment and political disarray. The story introduces us to three young men whose fathers had been brutally killed (Hamlet, Laertes and Fortinbras). The men had high positions 'in the social order and a fall/death of any one would influence the entire society. But ... father's murder. "One scene comes near the circumstance of my fathers death ... ... observe my uncle ... for mine eyes I will rivet to his face". Laertes, on the other hand, is upset that his father was burried without the respect and remembrance that he deserved. "His means of de...

• Word Count: 3059
• Approx Pages: 12
• Grade Level: High School

... and major characters play equally important roles in the progression of the plot. Although the courtiers in Hamlet, such as Polonius, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and Laertes, help Hamlet find his true self, evoke the madness and spying theme, and they ironically bring his destruction and ultimately show the spectrum of courtiers ... in the court of Denmark. Polonius is "a man devoted to his family and his state"(Church 416) who looks out for his children, Ophelia and Laertes. His wife is nowhere to be found, so as a single father he has responsibility at home, and in the court of Denmark a...

• Word Count: 1310
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... of the play. Claudius has a plan to kill Hamlet but it backfires at first and comes up with another one. Hamlet is sword fighting with Laertes and while this all happening te glass of poison that was intended to kill Hamlet from Claudius is drank by Gertrude and she dies. Then when ... Hamlet sees his mom die Laertes stabs him with a poison sword which Hamlet eventually stabs Laertes with also. As Laertes is dieing, he tells Hamlet that he is right and that Claudius did murder his father. When Hamlet hears ... finally avenging his father's death and not to long after collapses himself an...

• Word Count: 951
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... however, tell Horatio to tell everyone that what he did was the right thing. Throughout the play, Hamlet constantly went after justice and honour, all while seeking his revenge. Finally, Laertes is used as a foil for Hamlet. Laertes' firm and enraged desire to avenge Polonius, stands in complete opposition to Hamlet's inactivity with respect to his own father's death ... . Laertes is the king's advisor's son, while Hamlet is next in line for the throne. They both act and feel differently towards the new king. Laertes obeys the new king, while Hamlet scorns and despises Claudius for what ...

• Word Count: 816
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... was always conducted by his father, can not support his death. Now she doesn't have his protection anymore and feels very insecure and desolated. Even her brother Laertes is not there to console her. So, because of his father's death and Hamlet's behavior, Ophelia goes mad and commits "suicide". Her death is the ... thing it loves." (Act IV, scene V, page 150, l.152-160) "One woe doth tread upon another's heel, So fast they follow - your sister's drown"d, Laertes." (Act IV, scene VII, page 185, p.164-165) Although there is no textual evidence to support that Ophelia commits suicide, sin...

• Word Count: 1643
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... by allowing the reader to truly understand the character of Hamlet. Through comparing the different characters and their character foils one is able to gain insight on Hamlet. Shakespeare uses Laertes, Fortinbras and Horartio as a means of comparison and contrast to Hamlet's character. Through examining the similarities and differences of these characters to Hamlet, the reader is able to better ... learn more about what Hamlet was thinking and what he was feeling. This provided more insight on Hamlet's character and gave a better understanding of Hamlet's downfall. Through the character...

• Word Count: 1059
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... certain individuals to speak rationally with. The final argument proving Hamlet's sanity during the course of the play is that after Hamlet's altercation with Laertes at Ophelia's funeral, Hamlet suddenly ceases to put on this antic disposition. During Hamlet's feigned madness, whenever he was speaking to someone ... the fact that he believes that Osric is a member of the court only because he possesses a great deal of fertile land. Immediately prior to Hamlet and Laertes engaging in their duel Hamlet, whilst speaking in a sane coherent fashion, requests: "Give me your pardon, sir. I ha...

• Word Count: 1678
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... 's characteristics are seen even more. Early in the play, Ophelia's tendency to be easily controlled is seen when she interacts with her brother Laertes and her father Polonius. Laertes begins by telling her that she should avoid Hamlet because he is after one thing and one thing only. Polonius then adds to this by ... she is dependent on others. She has been controlled for so long that life as she knows it is simply relying on others, mainly Polonius and Laertes. When Ophelia confides in her father that Hamlet came to her and was "mad for thy love" (89.86), Polonius devises a plan in or...

• Word Count: 739
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... process of making him more ruthless by causing him to begin lying to people and start to deceive people into thinking he is crazy. When he fights Laertes he is at last ready to take charge of the situation. First Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, they help start Hamlet on the path to revenge for his fathers ... he is finally confronting someone instead of just planning and scheming. This is a necessary step in order for him to be able to kill Claudius. Second, Laertes, at the point when he and Hamlet fight, Hamlet has finally gathered up the courage to act on what he feels. He has stopped hi...

• Word Count: 472
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... . It is based on the principle of an eye for an eye, but this principle is not always an clever theory to live by. Fortinbras, Laertes, and Hamlet were all looking to avenge the deaths of their fathers. They all acted on emotion, and this led to the downfall of two, and ... to kill Hamlet to avenge the death of his father. He and Claudius concoct a plot to kill Hamlet. Hamlet dies of wounds from the poisoned tipped sword Laertes used. " Hamlet, thou art slain The treacherous instrument is in thy, unbated and envenom'd- Hamlet was deeply sorrowed by his father's death. He spoke to ... f...

• Word Count: 610
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... because Claudius has just killed his mother, his love and his best friend. Throughout the play, Hamlet is often times very rude towards Ophelia. Telling Laertes, "He hath, my lord, of late made tenders of his affection to me"(I.iii.104-105), Ophelia believes their love and relationship is real, ... fall ten times treble on that cursed head. Whose wicked deed they most ingenious sense deprived thee of"(V.i.244-246), Laertes gets mad when Gertrude speaks of Hamlet at Ophelia's grave, because Laertes is so inflamed with Hamlet because he thinks Hamlet killed Ophelia. As Laert! es attacks H...

• Word Count: 1273
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... because Claudius has just killed his mother, his love and his best friend. Throughout the play, Hamlet is often times very rude towards Ophelia. Telling Laertes, "He hath, my lord, of late made tenders of his affection to me"(I.iii.104-105), Ophelia believes their love and relationship is real, ... fall ten times treble on that cursed head. Whose wicked deed they most ingenious sense deprived thee of"(V.i.244-246), Laertes gets mad when Gertrude speaks of Hamlet at Ophelia's grave, because Laertes is so inflamed with Hamlet because he thinks Hamlet killed Ophelia. As Laert! es attacks H...

• Word Count: 1274
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... by Hamlet and the King, for their own selfish reasons. She killed herself after knowledge of her fathers' death. Last to die was Laertes, it is easily seen how Laertes, in the heat of his anger could conspire to murder, though he kills Hamlet he is avenging his fathers' death, an act, with ... reference to the moral climate of the 1600's. Therefore it is overlooked. Laertes in his attempt to kill loses his life by the very poison that was to kill his enemy. Hamlet dies on a poison tipped sword, but ... youth. It is to my belief that he would have an easier time living during my time ra...

• Word Count: 1486
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• Grade Level: High School

... in the play, and the story ends on a tragic note because of the irrational events of the play. Hamlet's foolish pride and lack of skepticism about his arranged duel with Laertes is the cause of his own death. The whole final scene is in fact a representation of the events that spring from a lack of rational behavior. Shakespeare develops the theme in ... life are the center of mockery in Hamlet, Shakespeare nevertheless provides an alternate way of thinking. A straight-ahead example of this rational concern can be found in Polonius' speech to Laertes. Polonius' concern for practical mat...

• Word Count: 1742
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... based on one mans quest for revenge. The story features several other people who wish revenge just as much as Hamlet, if not more! Laertes and Fortinbras contrast quite significantly from Hamlet despite the fact that their situations are very similar. Both of these have experienced death on a loved ... one, but vow to take revenge, and act upon it. For example, when Laertes finds out that Hamlet has killed his father, Polonius. His response to Claudius question differs considerably to Hamlet attitude. Claudius: "What would you undertake ... to show yourself in deed your father's son mo...

• Word Count: 1016
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... . The common reader has preconceived perceptions of a graveyard. Those opinions consist of mostly unpleasant thoughts and images. Before the graveyard, Shakespeare created a dramatic scene which consisted of Queen Gertrude telling Laertes that his sister, Ophelia had drowned. Gertrude says, "One woe doth tread upon another's heel, / So fast they follow. Your sister's drown ... "d Laertes" (4.7.163-164). Shakespeare has created a somber mood already which adds to 5.1 right off by talking about a graveyard. However, it is at this point that Shakespeare twists the play's mood. Act ... Haml...

• Word Count: 1229
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... everyone can see the ghost including Hortio.. He also has many violent outbursts towards his mother. One dialogue where Hamlet admits that he is mad is when he talks to Laertes before the duel. He says, "Give me your pardon, sir. I have done you wrong; But pardon't as you are a gentleman. This presence knows, And you must needs have heard, how ... I am punished with a sore distraction. What I have done that might your nature, honor, and exception roughly awake, I here proclaim was madness. Was't Hamlet wronged Laertes? Never Hamlet. And when he's not himself does wrong Laertes, then Ham...

• Word Count: 740
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... in the way that he has done, and to the conception of which there is not even the smallest approach, except in some of the old romantic ballads.1 Her brother, Laertes, is a character we do incon-sistency HAMLET. Hamlet is splenetic and rash Hamlet: Son of the late King Hamlet of Denmark and nephew to the present King. Famous for the ... whether King Hamlet's Ghost told him the truth about his father's death. At the end of the play, Hamlet kills both Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (indirectly), Laertes and finally King Claudius before dying himself from a wound inflicted by Laertes. Horati...

• Word Count: 1060
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... when a character, who, through striking differences, similarities, and strong contrast, underscores the protagonist's distinctive characteristics. In the play Hamlet, Shakespeare uses the "foil" technique where the characters of Fortinbras and Laertes serve as ones to Hamlet. To understand how Shakespeare intends to use this technique, first it is important have an in-depth comprehension of the characters that are used in ... , and forceful person. " Ham. It will be short: the interim is mine; And a man's life is no more than to say One. But I am very sorry, good Horatio, That to Laertes...

• Word Count: 903
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• Grade Level: High School

... theme of deception, and how its use by one or more characters leads to their downfall. In Act One; Scene Two, Polonius explicitly stated this theme when he said to Laertes; "By indirections find directions out". Each major character in Hamlet, in his or her own way, provided an example of this theme. By using deceit the characters in "Hamlet" employed ... he had created began to control him. This can be seen in Act 5: Scene Two when Hamlet speaks of himself to Laertes: " I here proclaim [my] madness If Hamlet from himself be ta'en away, / And when he's not himself, does wrong Laertes, /...

• Word Count: 932
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... -in-law only two months after King Hamlet had been murdered. Because of this marriage, all the other events occur. Laertes and Fortinbras both wanted to avenge their father's deaths without truly thinking about the consequences of their actions. In the play, Laertes ends up being killed because of his need to avenge his father's death, which brought him into a death dual ... made without the backing of his own government, no less. Both of these men made decisions without really thinking about the consequences. They acted on emotions, instead of intelligence. In Laertes case, he ended up ...

• Word Count: 1494
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... is insignificant. He realizes what his role is. Hence, he does not falter in his conviction upon his return from England, and fully embraces his role. Upon his confrontation with Laertes, he says "This is I, Hamlet the Dane" (1138, line 236)--meaning the true King of Denmark. This action by Hamlet is appropriate for someone as wronged as he was. In ... of this play, Hamlet is steadfast in his role. He has but moments to relate to Horatio his tale of escape, before he is challenged by Laertes. Hamlet is left without options, in regards to Laertes' challenge-he must defend his honor. Haml...

• Word Count: 2118
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

... and is concerned for his safety. The plot certainly thickens in Act 3, scene 4. Starting off Hamlet murders Polonius, confusing him with Claudius. This action has serious consequences. Polonis's murder brings Laertes back for revenge; putting a thorn in Hamlets foot as it makes his own revenge harder to achieve. Another consequence is Hamlet is sent to England by the Claudius's orders. Making ... countries. Polonis's murder also drives away Hamlets love, Ophelia. She does not understand how or why Hamlet could do such a thing. Ophelia's confusion pushes her to commit suicide; thus provi...

• Word Count: 1332
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... is insignificant. He realizes what his role is. Hence, he does not falter in his conviction upon his return from England, and fully embraces his role. Upon his confrontation with Laertes, he says "This is I, Hamlet the Dane" (1138, line 236)--meaning the true King of Denmark. This action by Hamlet is appropriate for someone as wronged as he was. In ... of this play, Hamlet is steadfast in his role. He has but moments to relate to Horatio his tale of escape, before he is challenged by Laertes. Hamlet is left without options, in regards to Laertes' challenge-he must defend his honor. Haml...

• Word Count: 3068
• Approx Pages: 12
• Grade Level: High School