Comparison of Laertes and Hamlet Laertes and Hamlet both show impulsive reactions when angry. Once Laertes discovers that his father has been murdered, Laertes immediately assumes that the murderer is Claudius. As a result of Laertes' speculation, he instinctively moves to avenge Polonius' death. "To hell, faithfulness! Vows, to the blackest devil! Conscience and grace, to the deepest abyss! I dare damnation: at this point I stand, that I consign both worlds to negligence, come what may; only I will be I took complete revenge on my father." Act 4, scene 5, lines 128-134 provide insight into Laertes' mind which shows his desire for revenge at any cost. In contrast to Laertes' speculation about his father's murderer, Hamlet assumes that the individual spying on his conversation with Gertrude is Claudius ("No, I know not: is he the king?" Act 3, scene 4 line 28) . As a result, Hamlet, consumed by anger, automatically rejects the attempt to kill Claudius, but instead strikes Polonius. Hamlet and Laertes' careless actions are spurred by fury and frustration. Sudden anger drives both Hamlet and Laertes to act spontaneously, paying little attention to the consequences of their actions. Hamlet and Laertes share a different but profound love and concern for Ophelia. Before his departure for France Laertes provides lengthy advice to Ophelia regarding her relationship with Hamlet. Laertes expresses his concern about Hamlet's true intentions towards Ophelia and advises her to be wary of Hamlet's love. Laertes impresses Ophelia, Hamlet is a prince who will most likely have an arranged marriage. Hamlet's strong love for Ophelia fades after she rejects his affinity. Hamlet's vast love for Ophelia resulted in great suffering for Hamlet once her affection was rejected. Hamlet's appearance decays due to the rejection of his love for Ophelia ("Pale as his shirt, his knees clashing" Act 2, scene 1, line 82). The loss of Ophelia's love for Hamlet instigates Polonius to believe that this has caused Hamlet to revert to an old-fashioned nature. Once Laertes learns of his sister's death he is afflicted with sadness. Similarly, Hamlet is shocked and enraged by Ophelia's death. Both Hamlet and Laertes are so deeply distressed by Ophelia's death that they jump into her tomb and fight each other. Although Hamlet and Laertes despised each other, they both loved Ophelia. Hamlet was infatuated with Ophelia, which was evident during his constant anguish over her (in her rejection of Hamlet and her death, Hamlet suffered greatly). Laertes shared a strong brotherly love for Ophelia which was evident in his advice. Laertes further demonstrated his love for Ophelia during her funeral where he fought with Hamlet. Hamlet and Laertes are similar in how they relate to their families. Laertes greatly respects and loves his father Polonius. Likewise, Hamlet has great respect for his dead father (Hamlet compares his father to the sun god "Hyperion"). After the death of their fathers, Hamlet and Laertes seek revenge on the murderers. Hamlet and Laertes display domineering attitudes towards women. Laertes gives guidance to his sister Ophelia about her relationship with Hamlet. Similarly, Hamlet manages to persuade Gertrude that she is not mad and manipulates her into following his instructions. Hamlet orders his mother to convince Claudius of Hamlet's madness. Hamlet is able to make his mother reflect on her part in his father's death and feel guilty ("You turn my eyes into my very soul, and there I see spots so black and grainy that they leave not their tint." Act 3, scene 4.