Act 1 Scene 3

Laertes is ready to depart for France at the beginning of this scene. As he is saying goodbye to his sister, Ophelia, he warns her not to fall in love with Hamlet, who could never truly love her due to their differences in status. As aforementioned, societal status was a very prominent feature in Elizabethan relationships, and Hamlet was born too high up the hierarchy to love Ophelia. There is a significant amount of sexual imagery in Laertes’ dialogue, as he refers to her “chaste treasure open” to Hamlet’s “unmaster’d importunity.” This reflects the incestuous undertones of Claudius and Gertrude’s marriage. Ophelia wishes that Laertes would be careful with his own heart whilst away in France. In this sense, Laertes acts as a foil for Hamlet, as he is affectionate and takes action without much thought.