Hamlet vs. Laertes

During the time of the Elizabethan theater, plays about revenge were very common and a regular convention was formed on what aspects should be put into a typical revenge tragedy. In revenge tragedies, a crime is committed and for various reason laws and justice cannot punish the crime, so the individuals go through with the revenge in spite of everything. The play Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, closely follows the dramatic guidelines in Elizabethan theater. The characters of Hamlet and Laertes both seek retribution for the unlawful killing of their fathers. Although both Hamlet and Laertes love their fathers and Ophelia, Hamlet’s revenge for his father’s murder is plagued with uncertainty, whereas Laertes revenge for his father’s murder is predictable and to the point.

Both Hamlet and Laertes are alike in the fact that both love and respect their fathers deeply. Hamlet’s respect for his father is demonstrated by the way he speaks of him:

See what grace was seated on his brow, Hyperion’s curls, in the front of Jove himself, An eye like Mars, to threaten and command, A station like the heralds Mercury New-lighted on a heaven-kissing hill, A combination and a form indeed Where every god did seem to set his seal To give t

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This inward contemplation contributes to procrastination in exacting his revenge. Both believe revenge is the only course of action that will vindicate the nefarious killing of their fathers. This theme of revenge in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet closely follows the criteria of typical Elizabethan theater. Thus, both Hamlet and Laertes demonstrate their great esteem for their fathers through their respect for them and their disgust over their ill-mourned passing. I’ll touch my point With this contagion, that, if I gall him slightly, It may be death. (III, iv, 65-72)

Hamlet idolizes his father and compares his nobility and grace to that of a god.

In all of Laertes’ actions, there is a forcible contrast to the indecisive Hamlet.

Hamlet and Laertes both share a deep but different love and concern for Ophelia. (II, ii, 627-634)

Hamlet is unsure that the ghost he has seen is his father, thus he delays his revenge further until he can uncover evidence that is more conclusive. Have you eyes? (III, iv, 70-75)

Through many soliloquies, he analyses to great lengths why she betrayed the memory of her first husband by marrying his brother only two months later. Thus, Laertes’ revenge is characterized with impetuosity shown through his certainty, hastiness, and harsh words to the churlish Priest.

Despite the fact that both Hamlet and Laertes love Ophelia and their fathers, Hamlet’s revenge is characterized by uncertainty, while Laertes’ revenge is characterized lby impetuosity. Both Hamlet and Laertes are so profoundly distressed at the death of Ophelia they jump into her grave and fight each other. He rushes madly into the king’s presence, allowing no obstacle to stop him.

Approximate Word count = 1232
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

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