Hamlet, Laertes and Fortinbras

[Peter 1966]

Hamlet is very different from Laertes and Fortinbras. But which would you consider is the greatest contrast to Hamlet?

[chasestalling]

laertes

[beavadam]

Laertes is the character in greatest contrast to Hamlet. Fortinbras, though presented as the ambitious, hot-headed and decisive prince of Norway, is not developed enough as a character to elict a strong comparison. ;)
Laertes goes to France to study at the start of the play but as soon as he is wronged (his father is murdered) he returns, immediately organises a coup of the monarchy. He is wrong in that he believes Claudius is to blame but he springs to action to gain his revenge. This is in direct contrast to Hamlet who needs a wealth of concrete evidence before he even considers devising his plan.:p
Another direct comparison can be garnered from the scene in which Claudius and Laertes plot the murder of Hamlet. Claudius asks Laertes how far he will go to take revenge and he replies that he will go as far as cutting his throat in the church. This contrasts with Hamlet as he would not kill Claudius while he was praying, despite having a perfect opportunity and a strong motive.:flare:
Good shout pete :D

[Peter 1966]

Good shout pete :D

I'll ignore this for now!

But Laertes doesn't try to take revenge upon Hamlet in an 'honest' way. He tips his sword with poison. Is this such a direct way to avenge his father. Maybe this is a further contrast as Laertes is dishonest. (But how honest is Hamlet????)

[beavadam]

Despite not intending to take revenge in an honest way, Laertes is still prepared to do it quickly. He only becomes dishonest when under the influence of Claudius. Hamlet is not in a fit state of mind to be honest with anyone and can barely be honest to himself. He is forced to be dishonest because everyone else is lying to him. His two best friends are spying on him, his mother and uncle want him dead/sent away and his girlfriend is involved in plans to reveal the source of his "madness". The only person he can be honest with is Horatio (see thread "Horatio?" for further details)
Laertes is not dishonest but is maddened by the grief for his father and is cleverly manipulated by Claudius.:crash: