Laertes (Hamlet)

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Laertes is a character from William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. He is named after Laertes, Odysseus's father in Greek mythology. Laertes is the son of Polonius as well as brother to Ophelia. In the final scene, he kills Hamlet with a poisoned rapier to avenge his family's death. During the course of the play, Laertes proves to be an unloyal courtier (for he does not desire to remain in the kingdom, furthermore threatens to kill King Claudius at one point) and a devoted son to Polonius and brother to Ophelia.

Role in the play

In the first Act, Laertes is seen warning Ophelia against Hamlet's romantic pursuit of her, saying he will soon lose his desire for her, and that it is not his choice, but the people's as to whom he will marry. Before leaving for France (he had traveled from thence to see King Claudius become king, as well as to attend King Hamlet's funeral), his father, Polonius, gives him several warnings to watch his behaviour.

During his absence, Hamlet murders Polonius in his mother's bedchamber, thinking it could be the King eavesdropping. Hamlet hides the body, thus preventing Polonius from being buried honourably. Laertes, having heard of his father's death, returns to Denmark with a rebel force. They break down the castle's doors and Laertes confronts the King, thinking he was responsible for Polonius' death. The King explains to him who the real killer was, and encourages Laertes to kill Hamlet, and avenge Polonius' death. The two of them devise a way to kill him while making it appear an accident.

Ophelia, his sister, then comes in, singing songs and handing people flowers. She has gone insane because of her father's murder. Laertes shouts a loud and long lament, saying that if she had her wits she could not persuade him more to revenge. Later, Laertes is informed of his sister's death. She had climbed into a willow tree that hung over a brook, and fell into the water. Too insane to save herself, she drowned. This again strengthens Laertes' resolve to kill Hamlet. At her funeral, Laertes asks why the normal Christian burial cermony is not being carried out for his sister, and rebukes the priest for questioning her innocence. He leaps into her grave and begs the attendants to bury him with her, only to have Hamlet suddenly leap in with him. The two have to be held back in order to avoid a fight.

"I dare damnation. To this point I stand, That both the world, I give to negligence, Let come what comes; only I'll be reveng'd Most throughly for my father."

— Laertes

In the next scene, King Claudius arranges a duel between Hamlet and Laertes. Laertes uses his sharp, poisoned sword instead of a bated (dull) sword. The King provides a poisoned drink as a backup measure. Hamlet agrees to the fight. Just before it begins, Hamlet apologises publicly to Laertes for the wrongs he has dealt him. Laertes accepts it, but stands by his challenge in order to maintain his honour. Hamlet is eventually wounded with the poisoned sword. Then, in a scuffle, the swords are switched. Hamlet is winning by two hits when the Queen drinks from the poisoned chalice. Just then the Queen dies, saying, "The drink, the drink! I am poisoned." Hamlet strikes Laertes with his own poisoned blade, and Laertes then falls as well. As he lies dying, Laertes to Hamlet confesses his and Claudius' treachery. They exchange forgiveness, and Hamlet slays the king before dying from the poisoned blade.

Other characters' views of Laertes vary widely. His father, Polonius, feels a need to send a servant to France to spy on his son's behaviour. Ophelia tells him not to play the part of the hypocrite, telling her to behave herself with Hamlet and then being reckless himself in France. Hamlet is at first puzzled by Laertes hatred for him, but later admits that he sees his own cause displayed in Laertes actions.

Interpretations

"I'll be your foil, Laertes. In mine ignorance Your skill shall, like a star i' th' darkest night, Stick fiery off indeed."

— Hamlet

Laertes has often been called the foil for Hamlet because it is through the rash actions of Laertes that the intellectual battles and delay which Hamlet deals with are given true light. For example: Whereas Hamlet takes the entire play to avenge the death of his father upon Claudius, Laertes storms in ready for regicide in Act IV after hearing of his father's death.

Portrayal

Laertes is often portrayed by seemingly humble actors of the screen, to give a loyal, wholesome appeal to the character. He has been played by Terence Morgan (1948), Nathaniel Parker (1990), Michael Maloney (1996), and Liev Schreiber (2000).

References

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Last updated on Wednesday March 05, 2008 at 11:48:02 PST (GMT -0800)
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