English: Shakespeare:
                     Hamlet: Characters and Plot
                                                                                            June 14, 1998

                     Hamlet by William Shakespeare Laertes and Hamlet both display impulsive
                     reactions when angered. Once Laertes discovers his father has been
                     murdered Laertes immediately assumes the slayer is Claudius. As a result of
                     LaertesÕs speculation he instinctively moves to avenge PoloniusÕs 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 IÕll be revenged most thoroughly for
                     my father." Act 4 Scene 5 lines 128-134 provide insight into LaertesÕs mind
                     displaying his desire for revenge at any cost. In contrast to Laertes
                     speculation of his fatherÕs killer, Hamlet presumes the individual spying on his
                     conversation with Gertrude is Claudius("Nay, I know not: is it the King?" Act 3,
                     Scene 4 line 28). Consequently, Hamlet consumed with rage automatically
                     thrusts out attempting to kill Claudius, but instead strikes Polonius. HamletÕs
                     and LaertesÕs imprudent actions are incited by fury and frustration. Sudden
                     anger prompts both Hamlet and Laertes to act spontaneously, giving little
                     thought to the consequences of their actions. Hamlet and Laertes share a
                     different but deep love and concern for Ophelia. Before his departure for
                     France Laertes provides lengthy advice to Ophelia pertaining to her
                     relationship with Hamlet. Laertes voices his concern of HamletÕs true intentions
                     towards Ophelia and advices her to be wary of HamletÕs love. Laertes
                     impresses upon Ophelia, Hamlet is a prince who most likely will have an
                     arranged marriage. HamletÕs strong love for Ophelia withers after she rejects
                     his affinity. HamletÕs extensive love for Ophelia resulted in grave suffering for
                     Hamlet once his affection was rejected. HamletÕs 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 OpheliaÕs 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 afflicted with sadness. In
                     the same way, Hamlet is shocked and enraged over OpheliaÕs demise. Both
                     Hamlet and Laertes are so profoundly distressed at the death of Ophelia they
                     jump into her grave and fight each other. Although Hamlet and Laertes
                     despised one another, they both loved Ophelia. Hamlet was infatuated with
                     Ophelia which was obvious during his constant anguish over her(in her
                     rejection of Hamlet, and in her death Hamlet suffered greatly). Laertes shared
                     a strong brotherly love for Ophelia which was evident in his advice to her.
                     Laertes further displayed his love for Ophelia during her funeral were he
                     fought with Hamlet. Hamlet and Laertes are similar in the way they associate
                     with their families. Laertes highly respects and loves his father Polonius.
                     Similarly, Hamlet holds a great respect for his dead father(Hamlet compares
                     his father to a sun god "Hyperion"). After the death of their fathers, Hamlet
                     and Laertes strive to seek revenge on the assassins. Hamlet and Laertes
                     exhibit domineering attitudes towards females. Laertes gives his sister Ophelia
                     guidance on her relationship with Hamlet. In the same way, Hamlet is able to
                     persuade Gertrude he is not mad and manipulate her to follow his instructions.
                     Hamlet directs his mother to convince Claudius of HamletÕs madness. Hamlet is
                     able to make his mother reflect upon her part in the death of his father and
                     feel guilt("Thou turnÕst mine eyes into my very soul, and there I see such black
                     and grained spots as will not leave their tinct." Act 3, Scene 4 lines 90-93).
                     Furthermore, Hamlet instructs his mother not to sleep with Claudius. The
                     fathers of Laertes and Hamlet both attempted to use spies to gain information
                     on their sons(although not his real father Claudius was his uncle as well as
                     step-father). Claudius employed Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to gather
                     information on Hamlet. In comparison, Polonius dispatches Reynaldo to check
                     up on Laertes. Hamlet and Laertes share similar aspects within their families.
                     Hamlet and Laertes demonstrate rash behaviour when infuriated. Hamlet
                     becomes outraged at the notion of Claudius spying on him which results in
                     Hamlet mistakenly killing Polonius. Laertes becomes drastically angered at the
                     death of his father and boldly seeks vengeance against Claudius. Momentary
                     rage overcomes Laertes and Hamlet which prompts them to act
                     spontaneously. Hamlet and Laertes both have a strong love for Ophelia.
                     HamletÕs deep love for Ophelia is evident in his reaction to her rejection of
                     him. In the same way, Laertes care and affection are revealed by his advice to
                     his sister. The families of Laertes and Hamlet contain similar attributes. Hamlet
                     and Laertes hold a high admiration for their fathers and are willing to even kill
                     the king to enact revenge. Both characters exercise a dominating attitude
                     towards females. In conclusion, although adversaries, Hamlet and Laertes
                     share several characteristics which make them similar.