Similarities Between Hamlet and Laertes

William Shakespeare's tragedy, "Hamlet," is full of complex characters dealing with revenge, loyalty, and what it means to be human. Among these folks, Hamlet and Laertes really stand out because they're a lot alike in some ways. Even though they come from different backgrounds and have their own reasons for what they do, they've got some big things in common. This essay's gonna dive into those similarities and what they mean. We'll see how both guys are driven by passion, they're determined as heck, and they've got a real hunger for justice.

'Similarities Between Hamlet and Laertes'

A Sense of Passion

You know what's interesting about Hamlet and Laertes? They've both got this crazy intense passion that fuels everything they do in the play. They're super focused on getting justice for their dads' deaths. It's like their passion is the engine behind their quest for revenge.

Remember Act I? Laertes bursts in on King Claudius demanding answers about his dad Polonius's murder: "How came he dead? I'll not be juggled with. / To hell, allegiance! Vows, to the blackest devil! / Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit!" (4.5.134-136). You can just feel his fire there. He's all about finding out the truth and making sure his dad gets avenged.

And then there's Hamlet. His passion shows up big time during that famous soliloquy in Act III where he's pondering life and death: "To be, or not to be: that is the question" (3.1.64). This moment gives us a peek into how deeply he's feeling things as he wrestles with whether or not to go through with revenge.

Both guys are just relentless when it comes to their missions for justice, which really shows how dedicated they are to their causes.

A Determined Nature

Another thing these two share is being super determined and ready to act on their goals. They face tons of obstacles but never back down from what they're set on doing.

Take Laertes again — once he finds out about his dad's murder, he immediately starts planning revenge. He says stuff like, "Let come what comes, only I'll be revenged / Most thoroughly for my father" (4.5.132-133). He's ready to do whatever it takes, no matter the fallout.

Hamlet's right there with him in terms of determination too — he spends most of the play trying to figure out how to get back at Claudius for his dad’s death. Remember the whole play within a play idea? That was part of Hamlet’s elaborate plan to confirm Claudius' guilt before making a move against him.

Their unwavering focus showcases just how resilient they are when things get tough.

A Desire for Justice

Beyond their passion and determination, both Hamlet and Laertes want justice more than anything else; it’s almost like a moral calling for them.

When Laertes learns about his father's fate from Claudius, he cries out for justice: "How came the dead? / I'll not be juggled with,/ To hell allegiance! Vows to blackest devil!" (4.5 134-136). He loves his dad dearly; seeking justice isn’t just duty but devotion.

For Hamlet too—it's hard grappling with feelings towards avenging King Hamlet’s death; spurred by ghostly visitation urging "Revenge foul unnatural murder” (1 25). His pursuit isn't merely personal vengeance; rather restoring balance-order hinges largely upon fulfilling rightful duties morally required.

This shared hunger underscores each character having strong guiding principles anchoring actions throughout narrative journey unfolding ahead...

Conclusion

You see now why people always talk about Hamlet being similar if not downright mirror image compared alongside Laertes—both dudes definitely share core qualities like passionate pursuits anchored firmly around undying determination along relentless desire ensuring true justice served across board!

Their paths show lengths individuals willing traverse achieving personal objectives despite differing origins/motivations steering respective courses beyond even immediate settings contextualized within broader scope considering universal attributes humanity itself transcends locale/time barriers invariably resonating worldwide recognition regarding substantial thematic insights afforded unto audience evaluating journey undertaken amidst unfolding drama revealing collective experiences shared among us all today tomorrow further still moving forth...

Bibliography

• Shakespeare, William. "Hamlet." New York: Penguin Books.
• Bloom, Harold. "Hamlet: Poem Unlimited." Riverhead Books.
• Mack, Maynard. "Everybody's Shakespeare." Lincoln Center Theater Review.
• Kliman Bernice W., "Hamlet: Film Television Bibliography.” Fairleigh Dickinson Univ Press.
• Taylor Gary., “Reinventing Shakespeare.” Oxford Univ Press 1989 .