Laertes meaning

Laertes is a character in Shakespeare's Hamlet who is consumed by revenge after the death of his father.


Laertes definitions

Word backwards setreaL
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division La-er-tes
Plural The plural form of Laertes is Laerteses.
Total letters 7
Vogais (2) a,e
Consonants (4) l,r,t,s

Laertes is a character in William Shakespeare's play, Hamlet. He is the son of Polonius and the brother of Ophelia. Laertes plays a significant role in the play, especially in the final act where he seeks revenge for the death of his father.

Background of Laertes

Laertes is portrayed as a passionate and impulsive character who is fiercely loyal to his family. He is a skilled swordsman and is willing to go to great lengths to protect his loved ones. Laertes is also known for his quick temper and willingness to act on his emotions without always thinking things through.

Relationship with Hamlet

Laertes and Hamlet have a complicated relationship throughout the play. While they are not necessarily enemies, they are rivals, especially when it comes to their feelings for Ophelia. Laertes is suspicious of Hamlet's intentions towards his sister and is quick to confront him about it.

Role in the Play

Laertes serves as a foil to Hamlet, highlighting the differences in their characters. While Hamlet is known for his introspection and indecision, Laertes is more action-oriented and driven by his emotions. This contrast ultimately leads to a tragic conclusion for both characters.

Revenge Plot

After the death of his father, Laertes is consumed with a desire for revenge. He joins forces with King Claudius to plot against Hamlet, leading to a series of events that culminate in a deadly duel between the two characters. In the end, Laertes' quest for vengeance ultimately leads to his own downfall.

In conclusion, Laertes is a complex character in Hamlet who grapples with issues of loyalty, revenge, and family. His role in the play serves to highlight the themes of madness and mortality that run throughout the story. By understanding Laertes' motivations and actions, we can gain a deeper insight into the tragic events that unfold in Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece.


Laertes Examples

  1. Laertes is a character in William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet."
  2. The name Laertes is of Greek origin, meaning "man of Laertes."
  3. In Greek mythology, Laertes was the father of Odysseus.
  4. Laertes seeks revenge for his father's death in "Hamlet."
  5. Laertes is portrayed as a foil to Prince Hamlet in the play.
  6. Some adaptations of "Hamlet" give Laertes a more prominent role.
  7. Laertes is skilled in fencing and dueling.
  8. The character of Laertes serves as a contrast to Hamlet's indecisiveness.
  9. Laertes is a tragic character whose actions lead to his own downfall.
  10. The name Laertes is not as commonly used today as other names from "Hamlet."


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  • Updated 27/03/2024 - 04:45:31