Examples Of Foils In Hamlet

There are many foils used for the antagonist Hamlet in the play Hamlet, written by Shakespeare. We get a list of characters that amplify all Hamlet’s distinct qualities by the contrast of their own. Laertes bears one of the strongest contrast with Hamlet. Laertes and Ophelia being the children of Polonius- the chief counselor for the late Hamlet Sr, grew up in the castle with Hamlet. They all developed a close relationships with one another and a sense of loyalty. However, a mutiny within the kingdom lead to the death of King Hamlet Sr, and his son takes on the duty of bringing the murderer to justice. By a senseless and uncontrolled act of anger. Hamlet slays Polonius. His friend Laertes returns from college as his foe in order to avenge his own father.
He almost refuses to listen to reason upon his return to the castle. He storms the castle reaping for blood automatically assuming Claudius is to blame. He’s not much of a thinker because he almost kills the wrong person. Meanwhile, Hamlet postpones his actions throughout the play to try to keep from doing just that. Later on Laertes even says he wants to “cut his throat i’th’ church”(Pg 118), another rash threat on Laertes part. Hamlet had refused to kill Claudius when he had the best chance to because Claudius was praying so he didn’t think it was right. Laertes also ends up getting manipulated by King Claudius by the end of the play in order for him to be used for his own personal gain. Hamlet however, is completely in control of himself and often others throughout the