In the ultimate scene of Hamlet, Shakespeare exemplifies Laertes’ honorable characteristics through his use of informal pronouns, repetition of names, and the use of personification when describing his underhanded deed, distinguishing him as a foil to the Hamlet by exhibiting clarity and mercy toward his enemy upon their imminent deaths. Although Laertes is studying abroad and thus remains absent for much of the play, he returns violently at the end of Act IV, storming the castle with an army of supporters ready to overthrow Claudius and avenge his father. Shakespeare characterizes Laertes as headstrong and impulsive, readily willing to spill blood to avenge his wronged family. Unlike the conniving, yet cautious Hamlet, who plans his revenge for months but is still reluctant to reveal Claudius’ regicide; the …show more content…
Shakespeare utilizes this moment to emphasize the importance of Laertes’ dialogue, using clear diction as opposed to the abstract verse he generally uses throughout the play, revealing to the audience the full-scope of the mutually damning situation just as Hamlet himself finds out. Tellingly, Laertes uses the informal “thou” instead of the more formal “you” when addressing Hamlet as the friendly demeanor he uses toward his mortal enemy Hamlet reflects a shift in the culpability he holds for his father’s death. He repeats the name of the one he now considers responsible, telling Hamlet that “The King, The King’s to blame” who he considers the true villain for manipulating them against each other (Shakespeare V.ii.18). His blame shifts from Hamlet to Claudius, because as the two lay dying from the same “treacherous instrument” he realizes that the only who stands to gain from both their deaths is the