I'll Be Your Foil - an Analysis of Literary Foils in Hamlet

"I'll Be Your Foil": An Analysis of Literary Foils in Hamlet

William Shakespeare was skilled at creating realistic and believable characters in his plays. His masterpiece, Hamlet, uses other characters or foils to show Hamlet's flaws. For this reason, Laertes and Fortinbras have many similarities with Hamlet but that means all of their differences stand out. For example, all three men lose their father's to murder. Similarly, revenge is a common motive in the text, and Hamlet is slower to begin his plot for revenge than as his other two foils. Hamlet's tragic flaw, hesitation, is emphasized by sharing similar circumstances and goals with Laertes and Fortinbras creating effective literary foils.

Hamlet and Fortinbras are great enemies, but their many similarities significantly emphasize their differences. For instance, both men have lost their fathers to murder. Separately the men seek revenge for the murders, but take different approaches. Together with his hastiness of revenge, Fortinbras assembled an army, while Hamlet merely pondered. Fortinbras achieved his plot of revenge when he took over the Kingdom of Denmark. When he claims the kingdom he says, "I have some rights of memory in this kingdom, / Which now to claim my vantage doth invite me." (5.2.390-391). On the other hand, Hamlet achieved his plot of revenge when he killed the king, but was killed himself shortly afterwards. Though, if Hamlet had not hesitated he would not have died after killing the king. Due to their similarities, the differences in speed and magnitude of their plots of revenge are greatly emphasized. Another similarity is that both men have been robbed of the throne. Their uncles have taken over the kingdoms. This is against the correct succession of the throne, both men have should have been king. Fortinbras plans to make an attack on Denmark to become King. On the contrary, Hamlet is passive and does not try to become king. Although Hamlet and Fortinbras had intentions to avenge their father's deaths, Fortinbras willingness to act greatly over powered and contrasted Hamlet's inclination to act.

Laertes is also a foil to Hamlet in this play. Hamlet spends most of his time sulking or complaining, as if he does not want to face the world. He keeps his plot for revenge a secret from the rest of the castle. Laertes, similarly, seeks revenge for his father's death but does so openly.

To hell, allegiance! Vows to the blackest devil!

Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit!

I dare damnation. To this point I stand,

That both the worlds I give to negligence,

Let come what comes, only I'll be reveng'd,

Most thoroughly for my father.