Laertes Rituals In Shakespeare's Hamlet

His steps became heavier and heavier as the group came closer to the gravesite. It has only been days since his sister’s death, but Laertes believes he has finally accepted Ophelia’s fate. After what seemed like days, they arrive at Ophelia’s final resting place. The priest then trudges towards the grave and reluctantly begins his rituals. During his unpassionate speech, Laertes couldn’t help but longingly stare down upon his late sister. His mind wondered, “How could the king allow this to happen. If only I was able to come home sooner. I could have stopped all of this from happening.” King Claudius notices Laertes’ pitiful state and delicately approached him. Claudius started, “My condolences. I cannot imagine the pain you are in.” “She was ripped away from this Earth. We must right the past.” The weight on his shoulders grew too heavy for him to bear and he found himself falling into the grave. He grabs hold of Ophelia as tears fill his eyes. After saying his final goodbyes, he hears the most putrid sound that could have run through his ears, Hamlet. He quickly crawled out of the grave to finally confront the source of his problems. Laertes growls, “How dare you show your face here?” Hamlet takes a step back, knowing well that he is trespassing into where he is unwelcome. He cautiously begins, “I’ve come to pay my respects to the …show more content…
Although he set his course long ago, Laertes was left pacing his home wondering if he would be able to commit murder. Laertes ponders, “Murder. Stone cold murder. Has it really come to this? Just like he said this will not bring my family back. What would my father even think? He sent Reynaldo to make sure I was not gambling. A deed that falters in comparison to murder. Polonius would faint if he saw me commit a crime as grotesque as this.” A restless night awaits Laertes and a grueling day is looming off the