1.2 41-66

Why does Claudius allow Laertes to return to France? How does Laertes’ “show of duty” (line 55) affect Claudius’ decision?

In general everyone seemed to have the opinion that Laertes feels obligated to attend Claudius’ wedding because he wants to stay in the good favor with King. However, there was some discrepancy over why Claudius chooses to allow Laertes to return to France. Some believe that Claudius allows Laertes to return because he shows his loyalty to him by coming to the wedding and unlike, Hamlet, he has no need for him to stay in Denmark. Others, believed that Claudius lets Laertes leave because as a politician he wants to keep his people happy and gain their allegiance early on in his rule.
Personally, I agree with both stances. At this early stage in his career as king, Claudius wants to prove agreeable and gain the favor of his people. By using Laertes as an example of what can happen to those who show their duty to the king, he entreats all of his subjects to show their loyalty to him. In addition, Claudius has no real use for Laertes in Denmark. Hamlet, on the other hand, must stay in Denmark because the King needs to keep and eye on him. Because of Hamlet's loyalty to the late King, Claudius chooses to keep him near by under his watchful eye.