tes vows to kill Hamlet by saying, “Let come what comes, only I’ll be revenged most thoroughly for my father,” (IV.v.135-136). When King Claudius inquires how Laertes plans to kill Hamlet, Laertes replies, “to cut his throat I’ the’ church!” (IV.vii.127). The king advises Laertes to wait until Hamlet returns home to kill him. Claudius wants to invite Frenchmen to bet on the duel between Hamlet and Claudius. King Claudius claims Hamlet will not want to fight and assures Laertes victory. The king’s plan was to kill Hamlet was supposedly foolproof. Laertes would fight with a poison-tipped sword and Hamlet would be served poisoned wine to ensure his death. When Laertes confronts Hamlet he is so blinded by rage he refuses to consider Hamlet’s apology. Laertes proceeds to fight Hamlet with his poisoned sword. During the swordfight both men are wounded. Laertes’ plan to seek revenge on Hamlet was successful, but it cost him his own life. Laertes was firm in his desire for revenge. It is definite that he would have sought revenge regardless of advice from anyone. However, he may not have died if it had not been for King Claudius’ advice. In Hamlet’s dying moment he attacks Claudius and forces him to drink the poison, which Claudius had intended to kill Hamlet. Thus, Hamlet avenged his father’s death. Unfortunately, he was dying of the wound inflicted by Laertes. As Hamlet is dying he wills his father’s land and crown to Fortinbras. Due to the guidance of King Claudius, young Fortinbras regained his father’s land without the use of violence, or death to himself.The chain of events leading to the success of Fortinbras and the failure of Hamlet and Laertes was initiated by a command from someone close to them. King Claudius had an ulterior motive of saving his land, yet by telling Fortinbras’ uncle of Fortinbras’ plan to attack Denmark his uncle w...
