Foils of Hamlet Essay

Foils of Hamlet

In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare there are many characters that foil Hamlet. Three in particular characters are Laertes, Fortinbras and Horatio. These three individuals help define Hamlets character and influence his decisions. These characters can be referred to as mirrors of Hamlet.

Hamlet is a character in the play that seems to be complicated and intricate. People are constantly discovering more about Hamlets character and feel that they will never know everything about him. It is said that Hamlet is philosophical and contemplative. He, as a person, seems always to be faced with questions that he cannot answer and be involved in difficult situations. Murder most foul, as in the best it is. But this most foul, strange, and unnatural. Hamlet first finds out the truth about his fathers death through the actual ghost who is his father. The death of his father is highly important in the play, because Claudius, Hamlets uncle killed his father, Hamlet feels as if it is his duty to make sure Claudius is held responsible for his terrible actions. Moreover, Hamlet knows that his father was murdered and it bothers him.

After his father died, Hamlets character becomes much more intense. He seems to become angrier and acts more wreckless. Another reason for him acting these ways is because of his disappointment in people. A little more than kin, and less than kind. (785) Hamlet says this to show that he and his uncle do not have a normal relationship. He becomes angrier and angrier as he remembers who killed his father. He does not like the fact that his mom married his uncle at all. Hamlet even wanted to kill himself a few times because of all of his disappointment. How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable/ Seem to me all the uses of this world. (Act I scene ii 129-158) By saying this Hamlet means that killing oneself is an ok alternative rather than living in this painful world.Throughout the play many people notice Hamlets strange behavior and try to figure out what is causing it.

The three people are foils to Hamlet all have a certain connection with Hamlet, whether it be all of them being similar and experiencing some of the same scenarios, or just the three characters influencing Hamlet.

Laertes and Hamlet grew up together, became friends, fenced together and disclosed much information with each other. Later in life Hamlet and Laertes both moved to different places and their friendship broke apart. All throughout the play it is obvious that Laertes is a foil to Hamlet. Although he mirrors Hamlet, they have a few differences. They both behave differently, but Laertes helps define Hamlet as a character. After Hamlet accidentally kills Laertess father Polonius, they both have to deal with the same situation. Even though they have to deal with the same problem of their father being murdered they both react differently to it. Hamlet seems to be much more verbal, and Laertes more physical. Hamlet asks questions repeatedly and wants to make sure he knows exactly what happened; Laertes takes immediate action. Laertes differs from Hamlet because he asks the questions later and actually acts first. It is ironic how in the beginning Hamlet and Laertes got along, and now they absolutely hate each other. They go through similar situations, but by them acting differently it is easier to get to know each character and learn more about each.

Fortinbras is another character in the play that helps define Hamlet as a character. Fortinbras and Hamlet also go through many of the same situations. Fortinbras father was killed just like Hamlets, and his uncle also took over. Unlike Hamlet, Fortinbras does a lot for Norway. He leads an army into Poland, showing that he cares and is determined. By showing this about Fortinbras, the reader learns more about Hamlet. It becomes obvious that Hamlet does not do much and complains often. Hamlet keeps his plot for revenge to himself and does not tell many people. This can show a lot about his character.

Along with Laertes and Fortinbras, Horatio is another character that helps define Hamlet. Horatio is the most loyal and faithful friend of Hamlets. The two characters studied together at the University of Wittenburg. It is obvious in the play that Hamlet looks up to Horatio and admires many traits that he has. Horatio is a unique character and not like many of the other characters. He is willing to trust people and accept the world. He is also willing to look for truth and do whatever it takes for his loved ones. Due to the fact that Hamlet lacks many of these qualities, he wishes he could be more like his friend. Horatio cares very much for Hamlet but does not want to change his decisions or persuade him in any way. Even though Hamlet and Horatio do have some differences they do not interfere with their strong friendship. The difference between Horatio and other characters in the play is that Horatio can understand what Hamlet is always trying to say. Horatio trusts Hamlet and never doubts him, which helps readers understand the real Hamlet. The main reason why Hamlet can trust Horatio is because in the beginning, Horatio remained calm, and smart. When Horatio first saw the ghost he remained even tempered and even ordered for it to say what they wanted to know. If thou art privy to thy countrys fate .O, speak! Or if thou hast uphoarded in they life extorted treasure in the womb of earth.Speak of it, stay and speak! The only decision that Horatio did not agree with Hamlet on, was the decision that cost Hamlet his life. Although Hamlet died, he asked Horatio to complete an important act. .If thou didst ever hold me in thy heartAbsent thee from felicity a whileand in this harsh world draw thy breath is painto tell my story. Hamlet asks his friend to tell his story after he actually dies. He wishes for this to happen so that people know the real story and remember. All and all, Horatio is very important throughout the play and is a great friend to Hamlet, helping him through the way.

Overall, throughout the play there are three individuals that are foils to Hamlet. Shakespeare adds these foils into the play so that the main character is understood clearly by the audience. By comparing Hamlet to Laertes, Fortinbras and Horatio, the reader gets a better idea of who Hamlet really is.