Horatio's Use Of Foils In Hamlet

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Authors use foils to provide contrasting views from a certain character, in order to display the positives, and the faults in their way of life. Characters do not exist in vacuums, in which only their actions are examined. In all works there are multiple characters to be inspected, and each of them provide insight into characters other than themselves. In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet there is an abundance of characters going through relatively similar trials and tribulations as the main character, Hamlet. The characters of Laertes, Claudius, Fortinbras, and Horatio are all vital foils to Hamlet, as each of them are vastly different from him, and display different definitions of being a man. The use of foils in Hamlet is essential in analysing the character of Hamlet, and…show more content…
The character traits that have been mentioned are all part of what those characters deem important for a man to be. Loyalty is presented through Fortinbras, Horatio, Laertes, and Hamlet, which makes it out to be an essential trait in…show more content…
Loyalty is one of the most important traits a man can possess. It is also important for a man to be quick in action, but not so quick as to act irrationally. The desire for power seems to be a trait that most men possess, whether that is a positive trait or not is left for determination. It is clear that inactivity is frowned upon when it comes to being a man, as this is the reason for Hamlet’s downfall. A man should be morally disciplined, as evidenced by Claudius’ lack of such trait leading to his downfall. The “perfect man” as described by this work would be a mix of Horatio and Fortinbras, as they are loyal, level-headed, and active, without acting immorally or
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