Revenge is defined as “...a desire to do harm in return for a wrong; returning evil for evil; vengeance” (Webster Dictionary). Revenge is an extremely powerful tool, which, if not used properly, can cause more detriment than benevolence. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, several of the characters are compelled to restore family honor by means of revenge. Young Fortinbras reclaims his father's honor by gaining territory; Hamlet avenged his father's murder by killing Claudius, and Laertes must get avenge both his sister and his father’s deaths. Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras are similar in the fact that each had respect for their fathers. This, in turn, made them think of revenge upon their father's murderers at the risk of their own reputation, freedom, and souls. Each character is driven and controlled throughout the play by this desire and need for revenge. Young Fortinbras’s motive is to regain the land that his …show more content…
He was out to avenge mainly his father’s death, and with the death of Ophelia, it drove Laertes’ plan further. Laertes' need for revenge is driven by illogical anger and grief. Laertes is quick to want to seek revenge on Hamlet for killing Polonius. After finding out that Hamlet killed Polonius he was out to kill Hamlet. He said, “To cut his throat i’ th’ church.”(Act IV.VII.124). His thoughts on the demise of Hamlet came immediately. He wanted to seek out retribution for his father’s death. Laertes was determined to honor his father’s murder: "I am satisfied in nature, whose motive, in this case, should stir me most, to my revenge" (V.ii.246-248). Laertes' need for revenge is also caused by his need for closure of his father's death. Laertes desires reconciliation of his father's death and inner peace. Laertes' reaction to his father's death exposes revenge as a means to bring closure to Polonius' death. Shakespeare uses Laertes' reactions in Hamlet to explore the theme of