Essay about Horatio and Laertes as Foils in Hamlet

nbsp; Horatio and Laertes as Foils in Hamletnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; nbsp; Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare is a play about a mans revenge for his fathers murder and all the tragedy that comes along with it. The play takes us through the emotions and doubts Prince Hamlet finds within himself after speaking with the presumed ghost of his father, the former King of Denmark.nbsp; Through Hamlet we meet Horatio, a friend of Hamlets and a fellow student.nbsp; When reading [ref] the conversations between Hamlet and Horatio, it becomes clear how Hamlet feels about his fathers murder and his plans to avenge this murder.nbsp; We also meet Laertes, son of Polonius and sister to Ophelia.nbsp; Through†¦show more content†¦nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; To be a foil there must also be some differences between the two characters, and there are some minor differences in Hamlet and Horatio. These differences help to show Hamlets character.nbsp; Horatio seems to be more realistic and more sincere.nbsp; This is shown when he does not take advantage of his frie ndship with the Prince and always treated and addressed Hamlet in the proper manner.nbsp; This ceremonial language is countered by Hamlets request that Horatio treat him like an ordinary man and call him by no other name except Hamlet.nbsp; Act I, Scene 3, is the first meeting between Hamlet and Horatio since arriving at the castle. Horatio addresses Hamlet as his lord and calls himself Hamlets poor servant.nbsp; Hamlet counters this by saying Sir, my good friend; Ill change that name with you.nbsp; Hamlet is saying that he will call Horatio by his proper name and Horatio should do the same. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; To be a foil, the character also has to be a sounding board for the main character, someone that, for instance, Hamlet can talk toShow MoreRelated Laertes and Horatio as Foils for Shakespeares Hamlet Essay1164 Words   |  5 Pagesnbsp; Laertes and Horatio as Foils for Hamletnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; In the play, Hamlet , Shakespeare uses a cast of characters that have many roles. Of this cast, Shakespeare uses two characters, Laertes and Horatio, as foils for Hamlet’s character. Through similarities and differences these characters, accentuate Hamlet’s pretense of being crazy, emphasize how Hamlet is an improper son by standards of the time and cause him to be a tragic hero. nbsp;Read MoreA Compare/Contrast of Hamlet through his foils - Laertes, Fortinbras and Horatio.1702 Words   |  7 PagesIt is without doubt that William Shakespeare has created many unique, thought - provoking characters. Hamlet is by far Shakespeares most compelling character. In Shakespeares play Hamlet, various character traits, exhibited by Hamlet, can be seen through his foils. Similarities with Hamlet and Horatios education, as well as their levels, can be drawn. However, Hamlets character is in constant change and even philosophical. Fortinbras, without question encompasses many of Hamlets qualities. 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