In some ways, Polonius, Ophelia and Laertes serve as foils to Claudius, Gertrude and Hamlet, but it isn't quite as clear cut as that. Both Claudius and Polonius are trying to scheme their way into power and to maintain their influence, but Claudius is generally far more effective and less bumbling. Polonius in some ways serves to show the ineffective side of their planning, etc.
Epecially if you get into the incestuousness of Hamlet's relationship with Gertrude, Ophelia serves as his other love interest, the acceptable one, but also one driven mad by the incredible circumstances around her. In some ways too she acts as a foil even to Hamlet because she is willing to take action and kill herself while Hamlet debates constantly whether to do or not to.
Laertes is impetuous and rash and very much a man of action, again acting in some ways as a foil to Hamlet who cannot do more than think and talk about it instead of acting.
No comments:
Post a Comment