Essay on The Foils of Hamlet (Literature Foil Character).
Laertes serves as a foil for Hamlet in that they are both faced with the murder of their respective fathers, but whereas Hamlet broods and plots, Laertes immediately begins to exact vengeance.
Hamlet the Avenger Essay Sample. The oxford dictionary describes an avenger as a person who sets out to punish or hurt somebody in return for something bad or wrong that has been done to them, their family or friends. Such a motive can be argued as the fuel for Hamlet, Laertes and Fortinbras.
In Hamlet, common opinion states that Shakespeare probably created Laertes as a foil to Hamlet. A foil is a character whose traits are opposite of those of another character and who thus points out to the reader the strengths and weaknesses of another character.
After King Hamlet's death, he, along with Prince Hamlet, return to Denmark for the funeral services. That is the first sign that Laertes will become a foil to Hamlet in the play. Both Laertes and Hamlet are very fond of Laertes' sister, Ophelia, which is the second similarity of the two.
Hamlet asks endless questions and fails to act until the dilemma resolves itself without Hamlet having to make any decisions. In spite of the two different personalities and approaches, ironically, both young men end up dead, killed by each other’s hands. However, apart from the use of Laertes as a foil, his presence in the play provides.
Compare and contrast Hamlet vs. Laertes Essay No two individuals are alike, regardless of similar upbringing. It is reasonable to assume that even twins brought up in exactly the same environment, sharing the same daily activities, and living practically the same life, will act differently when faced with the same situation.
However, Hamlet waits till the end of the play to ensure that honour is regained and that justice is served.. Secondly, Claudius is used by Shakespeare as a foil for Hamlet. Claudius and Hamlet are similar is some regards but have more evident differences. They both kill a king in the play; however, they had both done so for different reasons.