Comparing Hamlet and Laertes: character analysis and thematic contrasts

William Shakespeare's play Hamlet puts across a series of concepts related to treachery, honor, and impulsiveness. In spite of the fact that they initially appear to be very different in nature, Hamlet (the central character), and Laertes are more similar than one might be inclined to think. The two are principally concerned about avenging their fathers and believe that nothing can stop them from reaching their goal. In spite of their determination they are both imprudent and this reflects in a series of mistakes that they make in their attempt to accomplish their goals. Anger is one of the principal concepts that influence them in losing control and it is the eventual reason for their death.

Although anger is enough to influence both characters in losing their minds, Hamlet is somewhat different from Laertes because of his tendency to over think each step that he makes. Laertes is prepared to abandon the plan he and Claudius devised at the moment when he finds himself facing Hamlet in Ophelia's grave. This makes it possible for audiences to understand that he is not a meticulous person and that he is likely to yield at the first chance that he gets. In contrast, Hamlet spends a lot of time contemplating about his motives, about the ghost's actual intentions, and about whether or not he would murder Claudius. Until the very last act Hamlet is focused on the possibilities that he has and on the best solution that he can come up with. Similarly, Laertes demonstrates that he is less capable to deal in stressing conditions and decides to reveal Claudius' plan.

Hamlet suspects that Claudius is responsible for his father's death but is hesitant about acting in a hurry. He first attempts to evaluate his options and puts across his thinking when he comes across his father's murderer. Laertes is also inclined to believe that Claudius played a role in his father's death and immediately declares his determination to avenge Polonius. The fact that both characters are acquainted with Claudius' treacherous nature influences them in considering him as one of the main suspects in the deaths of elderly Hamlet and Polonius. However, the two react differently and while Hamlet keeps the information he has a secret Laertes publicly declares his intention of killing Hamlet. Laertes can be generally regarded as "the man of honour who finds no dishonour in treachery" (Joseph 91). It is very probable that religion is essential in this situation, as Hamlet seems reluctant to murder Claudius when he has the chance to because the murderer is praying while Laertes sees nothing wrong with killing someone in the presence of God and actually emphasizes this. One can even consider that intelligence plays an important role in their relationship, given that while "Laertes is no match for Claudius, Hamlet outwits his uncle at every turn" (Joseph 92).

When considering their position as sons, both Hamlet and Laertes are similar when seeing things from the perspective of their fathers. The elderly Hamlet and Polonius are both concerned about the future that their sons will have and they concentrate on making sure that they will continue to honor their families' names. It is very probable that King Hamlet and Polonius acknowledge Claudius' ability to do everything in his power with the purpose of ruling the country and thus fear that their sons will fall victim to the man's perfidious plans. This family love is shared by their sons, considering that Hamlet and Laertes are both respectful and loving with regard to their fathers.

Hamlet and Laertes are both in love with Ophelia, with the only exception being that the former loves her as a mistress and the latter as a sister. Both characters are surprised and angered as a result of the woman's death and they even go as far as to jump into her grave and attempt to direct their anger at hurting each-other. In spite of the fact that they care for their families, Hamlet and Laertes are inclined to employ an authoritarian attitude when dealing with women in their families. Laertes expects his sister to listen to his advices without any protests and Hamlet wants his mother to understand that he is not mad and eventually comes to influence her in acting exactly as he wants her to.