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Hamlet: Impulsive Behavior
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 Laertes's speculation he
instinctively moves to avenge Polonius's 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 I'll be revenged most thoroughly for my father."
Act 4 Scene 5 lines 128-134 provide insight into Laertes's mind displaying
his desire for revenge at any cost. In contrast to Laertes speculation of
his father's 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. Hamlet's and Laertes's 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
Hamlet's true intentions towards Ophelia and advices her to be wary of
Hamlet's love. Laertes impresses upon Ophelia, Hamlet is a prince who most
likely will have an arranged marriage. Hamlet's strong love for Ophelia
withers after she rejects his affinity. Hamlet's extensive love for Ophelia
resulted in grave suffering for Hamlet once his affection was rejected.
Hamlet's 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 Ophelia's 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 Ophelia's 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 Hamlet's madness. Hamlet is able to make his mother reflect
upon her part in the death of his father and feel guilt("Thou turn'st 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
ADDITIONAL FEATURED ESSAYS
Has Hamlet Gone Mad?
Hamlet was the prince of Denmark, son of the assassi-nated King Hamlet and Queen Gertrude, and nephew to Claudius. Hamle
Hamlet - The Death Of Young Hamlet
The death of Hamlet was caused by a number of reasons, many of which were his own fault. Although this may be disputed i
The Tragedy In Hamlet
lies in the fact that Hamlet, the hero was human and was violently wronged and was justified in seeking revenge. Hamlet
Hamlet - Characters And Plot
Laertes and Hamlet both display impulsive reactions when angered. Once Laertes discovers his father has been murdered La
Hamlet: Characters And Plot
Laertes and Hamlet both display impulsive reactions when angered. Once Laertes discovers his father has been murdered La
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