In Shakespeare's Hamlet, Laertes and Hamlet both lose a father by unnatural and sudden death , it appears from the text that Laertes was in France when he heard about Polonius's death, presumably from a friend of court.

The author doesn't show this scene; it's part of the action that happens offstage. Infact our first confirmation that Laertes knows about his father's death comes in Act IV, Scene 5, when Claudius is speaking to Gertrude about Ophelia's psychologically disturbed behavior.

During Laertes's absence, Hamlet kills Polonius in Gertrude's living room. As soon he was informed of his father's death, he suddenly returns to Denmark and leads a mob to storm and take the castle.

Laertes confronts the King, thinking he was responsible for Polonius' death. The King explains to him who the real killer was, and incites Laertes to kill Hamlet and avenge Polonius' death.

When Laertes discovers that his father is dead, he is furious. His feeling of anger contributes to the play main theme, revenge. Laertes is a little unclear on who is responsible for his father death, but he takes immediate action to avenge him.

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