Hamlet And Laertes Foil

In fiction, a foil is a character that contrasts with another, usually the protagonist, in order to highlight particular qualities or attributes and provide contrasting characters. William Shakespeare’s Hamlet executes this literary technique to enhance the reader’s appreciation of the various characters. Specifically, Hamlet and Laertes, who both share the misfortune of a murdered father, and want to avenge their father’s murder. Additionally, both share a love for Ophelia, and even though one is romantic and the other is brotherly, their affection for her creates a conflicting relationship between both men. In relation to their character and behaviour, there are significant differences as well. Where Hamlet is indecisive, Laertes is quick

In general, Hamlet is slightly more sensitive with his intentions, while Laertes is inconsiderate. As soon as Hamlet validates the identity of his father’s murderer, he waits patiently for the perfect time to extract his revenge. While observing Claudius at a confession booth in the church, Hamlet says “And so he goes to heaven, and so am I revenged. That would be scanned; A villain kills my father and for that, I, his sole son, do this same villain to heaven”(3.3.71-83). Here Hamlet hesitates to kill Claudius because doing so might send him to heaven, which is not what Claudius deserves in Hamlets view. He lets the opportunity pass to wait for one to murder him, and banish Claudius to hell. On the contrary when Claudius questions how faithful Laertes is to his father, he admits that he would face any kind of censure to be satisfied by killing Hamlet, “To cut his throat i' the church” (4.7.98). When Laertes claims he would kill Hamlet in a church, by doing so he is willing to defy the sanctity of the church to consider such an act. Laertes' response also speaks to the diabolically effective job Claudius has done to stir Laertes' need for vengeance, that he would kill Hamlet in a holy place. Additionally, both Hamlet and Laertes hold a great deal of passion within one another. This can be seen through their mutual affection for Ophelia while they both argue

Laertes and his actions provide the reader an appreciation for Hamlet’s lengthy process of dealing with revenge. Hamlet is more introspective and thoughtful throughout his process, maybe to a fault because he struggles to execute the task. However, he is constantly thinking about the details of the revenge, and is willing to take his time to make sure it is done at the right place and the right time. Laertes, on the other hand, is different because he is not as introspective nor willing to reflect, he wants to get the deed done. It seems as though Laertes has no guilty conscience, hence his impulsive and rash behaviors. Due to the similarities and significant differences that Hamlet and Laertes share, Laertes provides a perfect foil to Hamlet by lending insight to his character. This can be seen through their desire for revenge, intention of following through, and the repercussions of their actions in respect to their father’s