ed by Claudius and Gertrude to be wearing “ . . . Suits of solemn black" (Act 1, 2 : 78). Claudius and Gertrude noticed and commented on his unhappiness, however, Hamlet hides his feelings so well, it was not until his first soliloquy that we as audiences learned the depth of his suffering.We see the same contrast between Laertes and Hamlet again when they avenge their fathers' deaths. Laertes again is fast to action, he wants immediate revenge for Polonius. His immediate actions are based in anger and emotions, and therefore, rash. Also because of his immediate want for revenge, Laertes is easily drawn into the manipulation of Claudius. Claudius manipulates him into becoming an ally to kill Hamlet. Laertes is confident with his abilities, he says “ . . . my revenge will come; only I'll be revenged / Most throughly for my father" (Act 4 5:135). Contrasting to Laertes' quick response, Hamlet procrastinates. Although, Hamlet wants to gain honor by avenging his father's death, he is doubting and undecided of his abilities to do what he promised to the Old King's Ghost. For two months Hamlet procrastinates, he agonizes over what he has to do, and how he's going to avenge the murder of his father. While Laertes acts on impulse. However, despite the impulsive actions of Laertes in challenging of a duel with Hamlet, Laertes is without the cruelty and spitefulness of Hamlet. Hamlet not only wants to avenge his father's death, he wants Claudius to be eternally punished, just like the Old King Hamlet is tortured in hell. Therefore, Hamlet does not kill Claudius in the scene where Claudius is praying, when there is a chance Claudius might had a chance to confess all his sins. Laertes wants revenge, but he's not concerned with Punishment, he is concerned with physical and the present. Hamlet however, cares about Claudius' afterlife.Hamlet and Laertes the two extremes of the act of revenge: Hamlet thinks reason before acti...
