Hamlet Compare And Contrast Hamlet And Laertes

First, let’s start with the character of Hamlet. In the beginning of this play, Shakespeare paints a very detailed picture of Hamlets character. At first glance, we see Hamlet as a restless young man who is drowned in sorrow. Shakespeare describes him as a man with “a pale face, tousled hair and brooding eyes”. Hamlet plays a very dark character, which at times is spontaneous in his actions. The reason for his morning is over the death of his father, whom he cannot forget. Hamlets grief is even more intensified by the lack of care of those around him (Shakespeare-online.com). Not only his father, but the act of betrayal by Gertrude also seems to destroy his emotions (Shakespeare-online.com). Throughout the story, we see much of Hamlets …show more content…
Shakespeare describes Laertes as a nice young man, who was sent to Denmark after his father’s death. Laertes is the son of Polonius and the brother of Ophelia, of whom he is very fond of. He is very passionate and takes action before thinking about what he’s doing. With both characters of Hamlet and Laertes described, there are many similarities and differences to be observed. As far as similarities, the obvious one is that both Hamlet and Laertes are without a father. Both of their fathers have been killed and each son has taken it upon himself to seek revenge. Hamlet and Laertes are both quick to act spontaneously. Another similarity is that Hamlet and Laertes both have a deep love for Ophelia. Where Hamlet has romantic love for Ophelia, Laertes has more of a brotherly love for her. Once, Laertes and Hamlet find out Ophelia is dead they are both stricken with hurt. In the time that Ophelia dies, both Hamlet and Laertes fight with each other over her …show more content…
Laertes has high respect for his father Polonius and Hamlet has the same respect for his father. After their fathers die, both Hamlet and Laertes seek revenge on those who killed their fathers. Hamlet and Laertes exhibit commanding attitudes towards females, especially Ophelia and Gertrude. Laertes gives his sister Ophelia help on her relationship with Hamlet. Also, Hamlet is able to persuade Gertrude he is not mad and manipulate her to follow what he says (novelguide.com). Hamlet directs his mother to convince Claudius of Hamlet 's madness. Hamlet is able to make his mother look upon her part in the death of his father and feel guilty (novelguide.com). In Act 3 Hamlet tells his mother, "Thou turn 'st mine eyes into my very soul, and there I see such black and grained spots as will not leave their tinct." Continuing in this direction, Hamlet tells his mother not to sleep with Claudius. Both Hamlet and Laertes also were spied on. Polonius sent out Reynaldo to keep an eye on Laertes and Claudius sent out Rosencrantz and Guildenstern