Claudis vs Larertes

Claudius is fully aware of Hamlet's threat not only to Claudius life but also to his power as king.  If Hamlet lets everyone know the truth, that might as well be the end for Claudius.  Thus, with that in mind, Claudius is extremely careful in the way he manipulates Laertes, in order to get Laertes against Hamlet.  If Claudius can Laertes against Hamlet, and ultimately kill Hamlet, then Claudius only threat is gone.  The way Claudius does this is through his clever word play.  He makes it seem that he sympathizes with Laertes and that he is on Laertes's side.  We all know that he is a different motive, to get back at Hamlet. The way he does this is through asking Laertes a lot of questions that are someone soft and sympathetic.  These questions make Laertes realize that Claudius is not trying to get him and that Claudius is on his side.  The way Claudius asks these questions is in such a way that it soothes and calms down Laertes.  This allows Laertes to be more rational and not let his emotion get the best of him.  Obviously in order to first save Claudius from any harm and then to get Laertes against Hamlet.  The way Claudius does it, is in such a way that Claudius in some way is trying to merge the two forces together to go against Hamlet.  Ultimately we see that Claudius is fearful and instead of becoming a leader and solving the problem, Claudius instigates to make the problem worse, always trying to save himself, showing his selfishness.