Foils in Hamlet

Hamlet and Laertes desire to avenge father’s death. they love Ophelia and mourn her death. Hamlet hesitates; Laertes seeks immediate action. Hamlet knows that Claudius is evil; Laertes is fooled. hamlet mocks Polonius; Laertes endures his father’s taunts
Hamlet and Fortinbras Desire to avenge father’s death; Fortinbras is held back by current King of Norway. Hamlet needs to be prompted by the ghost to avenge his father’s death. Fortinbras is endorsed as the new is endorsed as the new King Denmark, which shows an approval of character.
Gertrude and Ophelia obedient to their men. They knowingly participate in plots against Hamlet (Gertrude knows about Claudius’ plans involving Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with the exception of the execution in England. She is unaware of the murder plot involving Laertes). they are not completely aware of the evil that is manipulating them. They humour Hamlet while he feigns madness (melancholy), hoping to bring him back to normal. Hamlet’s treatment of women leads Gertrude to seek repentance and turns Ophelia to madness. Gertrude’s character is based on her overt sexuality; Ophelia’s characterization is based on chastity
Claudius and Polonius arrogant, manipulative men. Claudius pays attention to his public image and seeks to improve upon it; Polonius is seems as a foolish old man but he is liked. hamlet kills polonius when he thought that he was Claudius.
Hamlet and Polonius hamlet waits too long to act; Polonius acts too quickly. Hamlet is viewed as insane for a period, and yet he is respected; polonius acts like an intelligent man, yet his known to be a fool.
August 9, 2019