amlet vs. Laertes in the Play

                           Laertes and Hamlet both display impulsive reactions when 
                     angered. Once Laertes discovers his father has been murdered Laertes 
                     immediately assumes the slayer is Claudius. As a result of Laertes's 
                     speculation he instinctively moves to avenge Polonius's death. "To 
                     hell, allegiance! vows, to the blackest devil! Conscience and grace, 
                     to the profoundest pit! I dare damnation: to this point I stand, that 
                     both worlds I give to negligence, let come what comes; only I'll be 
                     revenged most thoroughly for my father." Act 4 Scene 5 lines 128-134 
                     provide insight into Laertes's mind displaying his desire for revenge 
                     at any cost. In contrast to Laertes speculation of his father's 
                     killer, Hamlet presumes the individual spying on his conversation with
                     Gertrude is Claudius("Nay, I know not: is it the King?" Act 3, Scene 4 
                     line 28). Consequently, Hamlet consumed with rage automatically 
                     thrusts out attempting to kill Claudius, but instead strikes Polonius. 
                     Hamlet's and Laertes's imprudent actions are incited by fury and 
                     frustration. Sudden anger prompts both Hamlet and Laertes to act 
                     spontaneously, giving little thought to the consequences of their 
                     actions.

                           Hamlet and Laertes share a different but deep love and concern 
                     for Ophelia. Before his departure for France Laertes provides
                     lengthy advice to Ophelia pertaining to her relationship with Hamlet. 
                     Laertes voices his concern of Hamlet's true intentions towards Ophelia 
                     and advices her to be wary of Hamlet's love. Laertes impresses upon 
                     Ophelia, Hamlet is a prince who most likely will have an arranged 
                     marriage. Hamlet's strong love for Ophelia withers after she rejects 
                     his affinity. Hamlet's extensive love for Ophelia resulted in grave 
                     suffering for Hamlet once his affection was rejected. Hamlet's 
                     appearance decays due to the rejection of his love for Ophelia("Pale 
                     as his shirt, his knees knocking each other" Act 2, Scene 1, line 82). 
                     The loss of Ophelia's love for Hamlet instigates Polonius into 
                     believing it has caused Hamlet to revert to antic disposition. Once 
                     Laertes learns of the death of his sister he is afflicted with 
                     sadness. In the same way, Hamlet is shocked and enraged over Ophelia's
                     demise. Both Hamlet and Laertes are so profoundly distressed at the 
                     death of Ophelia they jump into her grave and fight each other. 
                     Although Hamlet and Laertes despised one another, they both loved 
                     Ophelia. Hamlet was infatuated with Ophelia which was obvious during 
                     his constant anguish over her(in her rejection of Hamlet, and in her 
                     death Hamlet suffered greatly). Laertes shared a strong brotherly love 
                     for Ophelia which was evident in his advice to her. Laertes further 
                     displayed his love for Ophelia during her funeral were he fought with 
                     Hamlet.

                           Hamlet and Laertes are similar in the way they associate with 
                     their families. Laertes highly respects and loves his father Polonius. 
                     Similarly, Hamlet holds a great respect for his dead father(Hamlet 
                     compares his father to a sun god "Hyperion"). After the death of their 
                     fathers, Hamlet and Laertes strive to seek revenge on the assassins. 
                     Hamlet and Laertes exhibit domineering attitudes towards females. 
                     Laertes gives his sister Ophelia guidance on her relationship with 
                     Hamlet. In the same way, Hamlet is able to persuade Gertrude he is not 
                     mad and manipulate her to follow his instructions. Hamlet directs his 
                     mother to convince Claudius of Hamlet's madness. Hamlet is able to 
                     make his mother reflect upon her part in the death of his father and 
                     feel guilt("Thou turn'st mine eyes into my very soul, and there I see 
                     such black and grained spots as will not leave their tinct." Act 3, 
                     Scene 4 lines 90-93). Furthermore, Hamlet instructs his mother not to 
                     sleep with Claudius. The fathers of Laertes and Hamlet both attempted 
                     to use spies to gain information on their sons(although not his real 
                     father Claudius was his uncle as well as step-father). Claudius 
                     employed Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to gather information on Hamlet. 
                     In comparison, Polonius dispatches Reynaldo to check up on Laertes. 
                     Hamlet and Laertes share similar aspects within their families.

                           Hamlet and Laertes demonstrate rash behaviour when infuriated. 
                     Hamlet becomes outraged at the notion of Claudius spying on him which 
                     results in Hamlet mistakenly killing Polonius. Laertes becomes 
                     drastically angered at the death of his father and boldly seeks 
                     vengeance against Claudius. Momentary rage overcomes Laertes and 
                     Hamlet which prompts them to act spontaneously. Hamlet and Laertes 
                     both have a strong love for Ophelia. Hamlet's deep love for Ophelia is 
                     evident in his reaction to her rejection of him. In the same way, 
                     Laertes care and affection are revealed by his advice to his sister. 
                     The families of Laertes and Hamlet contain similar attributes. Hamlet 
                     and Laertes hold a high admiration for their fathers and are willing 
                     to even kill the king to enact revenge. Both characters exercise a 
                     dominating attitude towards females. In conclusion, although 
                     adversaries, Hamlet and Laertes share several characteristics which 
                     make them similar.


