What are some ideas about the relationship between Hamlet and Claudius and between Hamlet and Laertes in Hamlet?I'm having...

You might consider writing an essay in which you compare
Hamlet's relationships with Claudius and with Laertes. There are some definite
similarities. For instance, Hamlet's relationships both of them were troubled from the
beginning of the drama and then deteriorated further, ending in death for all
three.

In the beginning of the play, Hamlet and Laertes are
known to each other, but they are not friends. Laertes has no respect for Hamlet; he
warns Ophelia about Hamlet, believing that Hamlet is dishonest and predatory in his
feelings for Ophelia. His distrust and distaste for Hamlet become outright hatred after
Polonius is killed. Hamlet's feelings about Laertes become very hostile, also, after the
death of Ophelia. Eventually, of course, Laertes is drawn into Claudius' plot to kill
Hamlet.

Hamlet's relationship with Claudius is certainly
troubled from the beginning as Hamlet and Claudius regard each other with such deep
suspicion. Hamlet detests Claudius for marrying Gertrude, and suspects that Claudius had
killed Old Hamlet for the throne. Claudius initially attempts to befriend Hamlet, but
only because he fears him. As events develop in the play, they become deadly enemies,
each secretly plotting against the other.

Hamlet's
relationships with Claudius and with Laertes are similar in those respects. From the
beginning, both relationships are characterized by deceit. Mutual suspicions then evolve
into hatred and lead to destruction.