Question

In literature, a foil is a character who serves as a contrast to the protagonist or another important character. This contrast often helps to emphasize certain traits in the central character. How does Laertes serve as a foil for Hamlet in act IV, scene V, of Hamlet?

Answer 1

The fathers of both Laertes and Hamlet have been murdered. Yet the young men’s reactions to these events stand in sharp contrast. Laertes reacts immediately to the news of his father’s death. In act IV, scene V, he breaks into Claudius’s castle and confronts him. However, Claudius eventually convinces Laertes that he did not kill Laertes’s father. Laertes gets manipulated rather easily and complies with Claudius.

Hamlet, on the other hand, chooses to procrastinate and dwell on the murder, even testing his uncle’s guilt through a play. While Laertes is easily swayed into believing Claudius is innocent, Hamlet is harder to convince. Laertes seems rather rash in his decision-making. This character trait allows Claudius to control him, eventually leading to his downfall. In contrast, Hamlet is slow to act and delays the revenge he seeks; his indecision also leads to his downfall.

Answer 2

To highlight a character's (usually the protagonist's) personality, the introduction of a foil is used. In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', Laertes is Hamlet's foil. They were childhood friends but have completely opposite traits and behaviors: Hamlet is verbal, he ponders, and is driven by passionate inaction, Laertes is physical, blusters, and is driven by passionate action.

In Act IV, scene V, we can see Laerts personality; he bursts and needs people to calm him down, whereas Hamlet would have stayed calm and think before acting.