Hamlet, Part II
The primary body character in Hamlet is Laertes, as will be illustrated below. Many people mis-identify the antagonist of the story as the body character, and this would be an easy mistake in Hamlet, since Claudius has many body characteristics. The body, mind, and spirit characters are all on the side of the protagonist. But as with any rule, there can be exceptions. For the references and citations in these posts, I am using 'Hamlet,' Bantam Books, 1988, ed. David Bevington, fwd. by Joseph Papp The Body Character: Laertes Laertes returns to Denmark for the king's coronation, but is eager to return to France. In Shakespeare's time (and at many times throughout history), France was known for cuisine, arts, and leisurely pursuits. This contrasts well with Hamlet's desire to return to Wittenberg, known for intellectual pursuits and as the birthplace of the Reformation. Claudius's coronation seems like more of a nuisance to Laertes than an hono...