Similarities and Differences between Characters PDF

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This essay is about similarities and differences between characters in Hamlet...

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Running head: SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHARACTERS

Similarities and Differences between Characters Student’s Name: Institutional Affiliation:

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SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHARACTERS

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Introduction Hamlet is the main character in the Hamlet play which is in the book The Norton Shakespeare by Stephen Greenblatt. His role in the play seems to foil with the other characters in that they appear in the story due to change in his behaviour. Other characters who are in the play are Claudius, Horatio, Laertes, and Fortinbras. One of the aspects of the play which strike me is the similarities and differences between Hamlet and the other characters in the play. Similarities between Hamlet and other characters are based on their personality and response to issues when they are faced with them. Firstly, Hamlet, Fortinbras, and Laertes lost their fathers through murder. Secondly, the three are in a position where they are seeking revenge for the death of their fathers who were murdered, and all their situations are deeply intertwined. Hamlet play indicates some major relationship of the deaths of their fathers which is a significant aspect. This is seen where, Hamlet father killed Laertes father, and Hamlet, killed Laertes father and therefore, Hamlet occupies a similar role for Laertes, just as Claudius has done for Hamlet. The idea presented in the play can be seen to be a major tragic flaw and is problematic to Hamlet who is the main character compared to the others. The sad fate which is bringing the other characters in the plot is based on Hamlet shaping of behavior. However, it might not be possible to indicate whether the tragic which is creating significant differences and similarities in the play are inevitable is difficult because it is not possible to prove whether Hamlet possesses these characteristics. There are many differences between Hamlet and the other characters. Firstly, there are differences between Claudius and Hamlet personality. This is seen where Claudius willingly

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disregards all the moral laws and instead acts decisively with the aim of only fulfilling his desire and lust for power. On the other hand, Hamlet is highly concerned with the morality, and he has indecisive inability to act. Secondly, there are differences between Hamlet and Fortinbras regarding their response to issues which face the. In the play, Fortinbras indicated the willingness to whatever length to revenge the death of his father, even to a point where he is willing to start a war. This shows a major difference with Hamlets even though they are all focused on revenging for the death of their fathers. Hamlet has decided to play insanity to be able to deal with challenges facing him. Lastly, Laertes is a character in the Hamlet play whose indicate vast differences from Hamlet where, he is single-minded, filled with furious desires to avenge Polonius stands which are in stark opposition from Hamlet inactivity regarding the death of their father. Their characters indicate difference in behaviour where the Laertes cannot hide his hunger It is evidence of the play that Hamlet has a different way of responding to issues compared to Claudius, Horatio, Laertes, and Fortinbras. Even though he is playing madman in the Hamlet play, by showing high degrees of mania and instability, he also shows a unique way of dealing with issues. In conclusion, there are significant similarities and differences between Hamlet who is the primary character and the other character Claudius, Horatio, Laertes, and Fortinbras. The difference and similarities are highly linked with the way they response to issues which face them and personality.

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