Laertes

/leɪˈɜːrtiːz/ noun

Definition

A character from Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' the son of Polonius who seeks revenge for his family's downfall.

Etymology

From Greek mythology, where Laertes was the father of Odysseus. Shakespeare adapted the name for his character, drawing on the classical association with cunning and persistence.

Kelly Says

Shakespeare borrowed the name Laertes from Odysseus's father in the Odyssey—it's like he was hinting that this character would become a legendary figure of revenge, connecting ancient myth to Renaissance tragedy.

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