Laertes and Hamlet both display impulsive reactions when
angered. Once Laertes discovers his father has been murdered Laertes
immediately assumes the slayer is Claudius. As a result of Laertes's
speculation he instinctively moves to avenge Polonius's death. "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 worlds I give to negligence, let come what comes; only I'll be
revenged most thoroughly for my father." Act 4 Scene 5 lines 128-134
provide insight into Laertes's mind displaying his desire for revenge
at any cost. In contrast to Laertes speculation of his father's
killer, Hamlet presumes the individual spying on his conversation with
Gertrude is Claudius("Nay, I know not: is it the King?" Act 3, Scene 4
line 28). Consequently, Hamlet consumed with rage automatically
thrusts out attempting to kill Claudius, but instead strikes Polonius.
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