Laertes In Hamlet

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Hamlet is one of Shakespeare’s most popular play; many critics claim it to be his most respected piece. Every character and setting is well-developed and has an important role in furthering the plot. Hamlet, specifically, is well-developed with Laertes as a foil within the play. A literary foil is a character whose traits enhance certain traits, or the lack of a trait, for another character. For instance, one character may exhibit a calm demeanor, which then enhances our knowledge of another character’s lack of composure. In Hamlet, Laertes is a foil to Hamlet because his characteristics enhance the traits that Hamlet portrays. Laertes is the son of the the King’s chief counselor and grew up in the castle alongside Hamlet. Although the …show more content…
Laertes cares passionately for his sister, Ophelia. After Ophelia’s death, he claims, “Hold off the earth awhile, / Till I have caught her once more in mine arms" (5.1.261-262), before jumping into the grave made for her. He does not hide his feelings in any way, which contrasts starkly to the way Hamlet loves his mother. While Laertes openly loves his sister, Hamlet chooses to brood inwardly. He is very concerned with his mother having sex with another man than his deceased man, saying while by himself, “With such dexterity to incestuous sheets! /It is not nor it cannot come to good. /But break, my heart; for I must hold my tongue” (1.2. 158-160). Although Hamlet does not want his mother interacting with other men, he rarely voices his concerns. When comparing the way Laertes and Hamlet love, Hamlet’s inner love is only accented by Laertes’s outward love. The concept of love is often contemplated by readers and critics alike; many apply the Oedipus Complex to the two characters. The Oedipus Complex applies to characters who have a secret sexual desire for their parents or other family members. Close analyzation of quotes and actions reveal that the two men may have more feelings than they are letting on. Often, Laertes and Hamlet seem to treat their sister and mother, respectively, like lovers rather than family members. Although Shakespeare never revealed the men’s true feelings, many critics believe in the Oedipus
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