Brenda Chavez Due: 2/8/12
English – Solowey E-Band
Hamlet
William Shakespeare introduces his readers to many foil characters in Hamlet, whom they might have minor roles in the play, but do play a big part on the main character’s development as a person. One of those characters is Laertes, the son of Polonius and brother of Ophelia. He is an energetic and carefree young man who is in pursuit of his own desire and loves his family very much. When Hamlet killed Polonius, the news that Polonius was murdered quickly traveled to France, Laertes only motivation to keep living was to avenge his father’s death. The grief over his family’s death made Laertes incapable to avenge his father’s murder maturely as he acted before thinking, he allowed himself to be manipulated into Claudius’ malicious plan, and he did not give himself a chance to listen and accept to what everyone else had to say, leading to his own death. Laertes takes immediate action when he hears the news that his father, Polonius, has been murdered. When he returns to Denmark, angry and hurt, he instantly accuses Claudius as the murderer and asks Claudius how did Polonius died. “How came he dead? I’ll not be juggled with. To hell, allegiance! … To this point I stand, that both the worlds I give to negligence. Let come what comes… I’ll be revenged most thoroughly for my father” (act 4 scene 5 ll 148-153). Laertes' grief has made him act on an impulse, and his motivation of his return to Denmark is revenge. He was ready to attack Claudius without hearing the truth behind Polonius’ death. He does not care how he will get his revenge as long as he avenges his father’s death no matter what cost and he will then be content. He especially does not care about the consequences of killing his father’s murderer and nor does he care if he goes to hell. Claudius admits to Laertes that it was Hamlet whom killed Polonius. Claudius symbolizes the serpent of Garden of Eden in the play and he knows how weak and furious Laertes has become after the death of Polonius. He takes this opportunity to manipulate Laertes and tempts him into killing Hamlet. “My lord, I will be ruled the rather if you could devise it so that I might be the organ” (act 4 scene 7 ll 77-79). Laertes has fallen to Claudius’ malicious plan and he offers himself to be the one to kill Hamlet, and Claudius knew Laertes will do so. Laertes’ anger and sorrow has greatly taken over his mind and that the only way to feed his mind happiness and feel better is to kill Hamlet himself. Showing how immaturely he is dealing with his father’s vengeance and not knowing what Claudius true intentions are. Ophelia’s death deepens Laertes sorrows and gives him more motivations
