Laertes In Hamlet

Laertes is a minor character in the story and yet the revenge theme is much more prominent in him. He is represented by a porcupine because of his “prickly personality” – that is, he is bad-tempered, rash, and easily irritated. He becomes impulsive and irrational in his desire to avenge his father.

For example, Hamlet was unable to act unless he was absolutely sure of Claudius' guilt. However, upon learning of his father’s death in Act 4, Scene 5, Laertes roars at Claudius:

“O thou vile king, Give me my father!”

This line reveals a strong desire for vengeance and a sense of rashness in Laertes. He immediately accuses the king of killing his father and insults him by calling him “vile”.

“To hell, allegiance! Vows, to the blackest devil!
Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit!
I dare damnation. To this point I stand
That both the worlds I give to negligence.
Let come what comes, only I’ll be revenged
Most thoroughly for my father.”

Again, Laertes insults Claudius and declares that he will have his vengeance regardless of the consequences.

Even when Hamlet asks for forgiveness and Laertes replies that he is "satisfied in nature", it doesn’t stop him from fighting and murdering Hamlet with a poison-tipped and sharpened sword, suggesting Laertes' desire for revenge run deep.