Hamlet And Laertes In Hamlet

Prince Hamlet struggles with the inexplicable death of his father, the betrayal by his uncle, and the inadvertent murder of a seemingly innocent man. Laertes likewise suffers through the accidental death of his father, the betrayal by a man close to the family, and the snide and sneaky murder of that same man. The difference between Hamlet and Laertes, however, clearly lies in how these men handle the difficult situations they face. Hamlet, the intelligent thinker, calmly overanalyzes each detail and consequently hesitates in ultimately avenging his father's death. Laertes, the rash actor, starkly contrasts the dilatory Hamlet, as he is immediately enraged and seeks instantaneous vengeance. Laertes resolves that nothing will distract him
Hamlet attempts to resolve the conflict he has with Laertes, and Laertes falsely accepts Hamlet's apology. Hamlet says, "Give me your pardon, sir. I have done you wrong, / But pardon ‘t, as you are a gentleman … Free me so far in your most generous thoughts / That I have shot my arrow o'er the house / And hurt my brother" (Act V, scene ii, lines 227-228, 243-244). Hamlet truly feels remorse for the murder of Polonius; it was accidental and not committed with malice or contempt. Although his apology may not fully remedy the situation, it is a beginning point. Laertes responds by saying, "I do receive your offered love like love, / And will not wrong it" (Act V, scene ii, lines 252-253). Laertes is overly concerned with style rather than substance that he dishonors himself by accepting Hamlet's apology; had Laertes acted upon the moral and honorable promptings of his conscience, his own death would have been avoided. Because Laertes' wrath is all consuming and Hamlet did not prostrate himself and beg for forgiveness, Laertes is unable to act honorably. Laertes' false sense of honor and pride irreparably override his ability to truly forgive, leading to both men's tragic deaths. Only too late does Laertes recognize his mistake, asking Hamlet to "Exchange forgiveness with me … / Mind and my father's death come not upon thee, / Nor thine on me!" (Act V, scene ii, lines 330-332). Even though his feeble attempt at reconciliation may redeem him in some form, his previous actions have already convicted him and destroyed his life. The blatant contrasts in attitude and sincerity merely set Hamlet and Laertes further apart, allowing the reader to identify more fully with Hamlet and to sympathize with