Laertes is one of many characters in the popular play called Hamlet. Seth Tomko (author) from Macon, GA on March 15, 2015: Thank you, Teodora Gheorghe. Email. Approved by eNotes Editorial Team We’ll help your grades soar. Still, Hamlet refers to Laertes as "a very noble youth." 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. However, while Hamlet is full of self-doubt and conflicting emotions, Laertes is quick to attempt to revenge his father. There are two sets of fathers (Hamlet Sr./Claudius and Polonius), and two sets of children (Hamlet and Laertes/Ophelia). (4.7.125). Hamlet and Laertes presumably grew up together, fencing with one another and confiding in one another. He spends too much time thinking about his actions and takes no immediate action without premeditative thought. However, the way they go about this is different. Laertes and Hamlet make me wonder how old Shakespeare intended to be, in comparison to each other. How to increase brand awareness through consistency; Dec. 11, 2020 Laertes is the child of Polonius and the sibling of Ophelia. Laertes asks Hamlet for forgiveness, absolving him of his and his father's deaths if Hamlet absolves him of his own. Your answer should be at least one hundred words. Asked by taylor b #331628 on 10/1/2015 10:35 PM Last updated by Aslan on 10/1/2015 11:32 PM Answers 1 Add Yours. Blog. She’s also quite aware that her marriage to Claudius happened too soon – or "o’erhasty" as they said back in the day. Both Laertes and Hamlet are very fond of Laertes' sister, Ophelia, which is the second This key difference is most obvious from their responses to the deaths of their fathers. But Laertes wants revenge on Hamlet. ), but he does so with a foil - a Fencing sword - pun intended or not. Unlike Hamlet, he is ablaze with motivation and action, and says that he will throw “conscience and grace to the profoundest pit”. Laertes is a foil character of Hamlet I have some ideas on this one: Hamlet and Laertes are obviously foils to each other; A foil is a character who contrasts strongly with another Laertes, like Hamlet, has a father murdered, and feels duty bound to avenge his death. Laertes certainly seems to act younger than Hamlet in his rash rush for revenge and the way he pushes tradition to the side by declaring that he would be willing to kill Hamlet in a church, compared to Hamlet who philosophizes about every angle. Comments. Hamlet has mistakenly killed Polonius, Laertes’ father, while mistaking him for someone else, and this turn of events places Hamlet in the same role as Claudius. Laertes refers to a character in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. She really isn't a foil for Hamlet but is one for Ophelia. Laertes is Hamlet’s best foil throughout the play, and in this scene the contrast between the two, each of whom has a dead father to avenge, reaches its peak. Add your answer and earn points. He has Ophelia's best interests in mind when he speaks to her. Name Period Hamlet Act Part Directions: the following questions using complete sentences. In the case of Hamlet and Laertes, the latter applies. I have some ideas on this one: Hamlet and Laertes are obviously foils to each other; A foil is a character who contrasts strongly with another . Part Two: Vocabulary Directions: Choose answer of the word that is used correctly in the sentence. She is diplomatic in dealing with members of the court, anxious about her son, and brave in confronting Laertes. Question: In what way is Laertes a foil to Hamlet? Hamlet S Foil Laertes With Quotes. In Hamlet, common opinion states that Shakespeare probably created Laertes as a foil to Hamlet. Hamlet's plot revolves around two families: Hamlet-Hamlet Sr./Claudius-Gertrude, and Ophelia-Polonius-Laertes. Laertes on the other hand, jumps to conclusion and reacts without consequence. Whatever he did outside the castle has whipped the crowd of Danes into a frenzy. A foil character can be the complete opposite of the protagonist, or incredibly similar but for one key difference. Hamlet and Laertes have several differences, but the central one is that Laertes is more a man of action, while Hamlet is more of a thinker. Hamlet approaches a situation with more thought and strategy. Meanwhile, Laertes is absent for much of the play and spends the majority of his time in France. Hamlet recognizes what Shakespeare has made abundantly clear throughout the play, that Laertes is Hamlet's foil. Although Hamlet seeks vengeance and is an implacable character, internally he has a deep and strong love for Ophelia, who rejects Hamlet owing to some ‘wisdom’ given to her by her brother, Laertes about princes like Hamlet. He is happier outside of Denmark. However, these characters are set apart untimely labeling Laertes as a foil for Hamlet as each of them handled their feelings of anger very differently. Both Hamlet and Laertes want revenge for their fathers’ deaths. Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras bring the theme of revenge to life, revealing the complexity and richness of human feelings. His hasty action in contrast to Hamlet's indecisiveness is one example of how he is a foil to Hamlet. In the last scene, he executes Hamlet with a harmed sword to vindicate the passings of his dad and sister, for which he pointed the finger at Hamlet. Hamlet is the protagonist of the play, and the play centers around his every move. Hamlet’s method of revenge is perhaps the poorest method of all. (A4, S5 150) But, Laertes is very shallow and Hamlet is a genius in comparison. Whereas Hamlet is reflective and has difficulty acting, Laertes is active and has no use for thought. 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. B. He tells him that there is going to be a time for that. Laertes was in the play so Hamlet would have someone to fight at the end of the play.

The chariest maid is prodigal enough, Hamlet vows to avenge his father’s death, as sons in the world-view in which the play is rooted are expected to do. Hamlet’s reaction to the ghost changed after thought and this was his main problem. As a foil, he calls out attention to Hamlet's main character traits as well. Hamlet and Laertes loved Laertes sister Ophelia.

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