essay questions oedipus rex

• study guides
• lesson plans
• homework help

Oedipus the King Essay Topics & Writing Assignments

Essay Topic 1

Discuss dramatic irony in OEDIPUS THE KING.

1) How does the fact that the audience knows the story of Oedipus affect the way the writer tells the story? How could the story be told differently, if the audience were unfamiliar with it?

2) How does dramatic irony affect the audience's perception of Oedipus? Is the audience more or less sympathetic toward Oedipus? Why or why not? How does the audience perceive Oedipus' quarrels with Teiresias and Creon?

3) How does dramatic irony affect the audience's perception of Jocasta?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss free will and predestination in OEDIPUS THE KING.

1) Is Oedipus predestined to his fate, or does he have free will? Are these two ideas completely incompatible?

2) Can Oedipus be held responsible for his actions, if his fate is predestined?

3) How does predestination affect the position of a ruler? Are all the joys and woes that befall the ruler's...

(read more Essay Topics)

FOLLOW BOOKRAGS:

Oedipus Rex

38 pages • 1 hour read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Pages 160-198

Pages 199-251

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

The philosopher Aristotle considered Oedipus Rex a paragon among plays, and used it to expand on his theory of catharsis—the idea that seeing traumas enacted onstage provides the audience relief through the experience of pity and terror. How does Oedipus Rex bring about catharsis? Look for specific moments in the play to support your ideas.

If you were directing Oedipus Rex , how would you encourage the actor playing Jocasta to describe Laius’s attempted infanticide or the actor playing Oedipus to describe fleeing from the people he believes are his parents? Why would you stage these scenes this way?

The Chorus provides interludes of music, dance, and commentary. What dramatic, thematic, and emotional roles does the Chorus serve?

Don't Miss Out!

Access Study Guide Now

Related Titles

By Sophocles

Oedipus at Colonus

Philoctetes

Women of Trachis

Featured Collections

Ancient Greece

View Collection

Philosophy, Logic, & Ethics

Popular Study Guides

Religion & Spirituality

Tragic Plays

Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the King

By sophocles, oedipus rex or oedipus the king study guide.

The Oedipus myth goes back as far as Homer and beyond, with sources varying about plot details. The play that Sophocles presents is merely the end of a dramatically long story, and some plot background must be provided to make the story understandable for modern audiences (please see the section on ‘Oedipus and Myth’ for this full backstory). The real myth begins a few generations before Oedipus was born. The city of Thebes was founded by a man named Cadmus, who slew a dragon and was instructed to sow the dragon's teeth in order to give birth to a city. From these teeth sprang a race of giants who were fully armed and angry; they fought each other until only five were left, and these five became the fathers of Thebes.

Ancient Greek audiences would already know the background, and in fact the entirety, of the Oedipus story. Therefore what makes this particular play so great is its ability to present this material in an evocative and powerful manner, in order to nullify the reality that most of the audience already knew its contents. Modern audiences might recognize the name Oedipus from Sigmund Freud's famous "Oedipus Complex" - particularly his theory that young boys lust after their mothers and see their fathers as competition for their mothers' favors. This theory springs from Jocasta 's comment that killing your father and marrying your mother are the kinds of things men often dream of (981). Freud's theory has been hotly debated and, indeed, is currently dismissed by most classical scholars – though the fact that the issue remains the subject of much psychological debate is proof that the Oedipus story continues to be powerful even thousands of years after the advent of Sophocles' play.

Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the King Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the King is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What does Oedipus seem to believe about his ability to control his own destiny?

It is important to remember that, even at this first stage of the play, Oedipus’ pride does not bring about any of the events that cause the plague. The murder of Laius, after all, happened many years ago, and he already has four children fathered...

Character analysis please?

Oedipus is the king of Thebes, married to Jocasta. He is unaware, at the start of the play, that he has murdered his father and slept with his mother. Soon he learns that it was he that put his kingdom at such terrible risk, and blinds himself...

• Oedipus the King

Jocasta is both Oedipus' wife and mother, though, she is unaware that she has married her son. When she learns that her son was not killed, and was in fact her husband, Jocasta takes her own life.

Study Guide for Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the King

Oedipus Rex (Oedipus the King) study guide contains a biography of Sophocles, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the King
• Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the King Summary
• Character List

Essays for Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the King

Oedipus Rex (Oedipus the King) essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Oedipus Rex (Oedipus the King) by Sophocles.

• Hubris in Antigone and Oedipus
• Hubris in Greek Mythology
• Anagnoresis
• Poetics and the Great Greek Tragedy: Oedipus Rex
• The Vision of Blindness: Sight Versus Insight in Sophocles' Oedipus the King

Lesson Plan for Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the King

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the King
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the King Bibliography

E-Text of Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the King

Oedipus Rex (Oedipus the King) e-text contains the full text of Oedipus Rex (Oedipus the King) by Sophocles.

Wikipedia Entries for Oedipus Rex or Oedipus the King

• Introduction
• Relationship with mythic tradition

Oedipus by Sophocles: a Tragic Hero

This essay about Oedipus in Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex” positions him as the quintessential tragic hero, exploring the themes of human nature, fate, and the quest for truth. Through Oedipus’ story of unintentional self-destruction—fulfilling a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother—Sophocles sheds light on the complexities of human existence and the inevitable encounter with destiny. The narrative doesn’t just focus on Oedipus’ downfall but emphasizes his humanity, resilience, and the profound burden of awareness he carries. It underlines the character’s relatability through his flaws, making his tale resonate with the struggles inherent in the human condition. The essay reflects on how Oedipus’ tale is not merely a story of tragedy but a reflection on the courage required to face harrowing truths, making it a timeless piece that explores the essence of being human and the indomitable spirit of the tragic hero.

How it works

In the grand and often bewildering theater of literature, where characters both mighty and meek vie for our attention, the tragic hero holds a special place in our hearts and imaginations. Sophocles’ Oedipus, the beleaguered king of Thebes, is one of those characters who’s hard to forget once you’ve met him. Through the story of “Oedipus Rex,” Sophocles doesn’t just tell us a tale from a bygone era; he holds up a mirror to the human condition, reminding us of our perpetual struggle against the odds.

Oedipus is a man on a mission. Determined to rid Thebes of a devastating plague, he ends up uncovering a web of truths that eventually leads to his own undoing. The prophecy that haunted his cradle—killing his father and marrying his mother—unravels despite his best efforts to dodge destiny. It’s this journey, fraught with good intentions and tragic missteps, that cements Oedipus as the epitome of a tragic hero. His story isn’t just about the pitfalls of fate; it’s a deep dive into the human psyche, our fears, and the lengths we’ll go to for the truth.

But Sophocles’ genius lies not in making us mere spectators of Oedipus’ downfall. Instead, he invites us to walk alongside Oedipus, to feel his determination, his despair, and ultimately, his acceptance of his fate. Oedipus isn’t a hero because he triumphs; he’s a hero because he embodies the resilience of the human spirit in the face of insurmountable odds. His tale doesn’t just tug at our heartstrings; it raises questions about free will, knowledge, and the human capacity for suffering and redemption.

What makes Oedipus stand out in the crowded arena of tragic heroes isn’t just his tragic flaw or his downfall; it’s his humanity. His pride, his mistakes, and his quest for truth make him relatable. He’s not diminished by his errors; instead, they render him more human, more like us. The tragedy of Oedipus is not just in the sequence of events leading to his exile but in the burden of awareness he’s forced to bear. His journey towards this harrowing enlightenment, towards facing the truth no matter how ugly, is where his heroism truly lies.

The enduring appeal of Oedipus’ story is a tribute to Sophocles’ understanding of the human heart and his ability to weave a narrative that’s as relevant now as it was in ancient Greece. Through Oedipus, Sophocles explores with a tender yet unflinching gaze, the themes that define our existence: fate, the search for truth, and the enduring human spirit. Oedipus’ saga resonates with us because it is, at its core, a reflection of our own fears, aspirations, and the eternal struggle for meaning and identity in a world that often seems governed by capricious fates.

So, as we turn the last page of “Oedipus Rex,” we’re left with more than just a story of a king’s fall from grace. We’re reminded of the power of narrative to delve into the essence of what it means to be human. Oedipus remains a beacon of the tragic hero archetype, not just for the magnitude of his suffering, but for his courage in confronting it. His tale, etched by Sophocles’ hand, continues to echo through the ages, a poignant reminder of literature’s ability to capture the beauty and tragedy of the human experience.

Cite this page

Oedipus by Sophocles: a Tragic Hero. (2024, Apr 29). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/oedipus-by-sophocles-a-tragic-hero/

"Oedipus by Sophocles: a Tragic Hero." PapersOwl.com , 29 Apr 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/oedipus-by-sophocles-a-tragic-hero/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Oedipus by Sophocles: a Tragic Hero . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/oedipus-by-sophocles-a-tragic-hero/ [Accessed: 27 May. 2024]

"Oedipus by Sophocles: a Tragic Hero." PapersOwl.com, Apr 29, 2024. Accessed May 27, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/oedipus-by-sophocles-a-tragic-hero/

"Oedipus by Sophocles: a Tragic Hero," PapersOwl.com , 29-Apr-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/oedipus-by-sophocles-a-tragic-hero/. [Accessed: 27-May-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Oedipus by Sophocles: a Tragic Hero . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/oedipus-by-sophocles-a-tragic-hero/ [Accessed: 27-May-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

Oedipus Rex | 17 Important Questions and Answers

Oedipus the King Questions Answers

Q.1. What disaster does befall the city of Athens? What safety is expected by the priest?

Ans. When Oedipus asks what misfortunes have brought the people to him, the priest answers that the city is overtaken by a disaster, the land has become barren, the herds of sheep are hungry upon the pastures which used to be green; the women are giving birth to dead children, people are dying due to plague. That’s why the people are kneeling in prayer, hoping to get some relief in their trouble.

The priest asks Oedipus to save his subjects as he is the wisest man in Athens. Even, Oedipus can read the riddles of life and the mysterious ways of heaven as it is he who saved the city from the blood thirsty Sphinix. So, Oedipus’s direct attempts can save the country as the priest opines.

Q.2. What information is brought by Creon?

Ans. Seeking the guidance of the Oracle of Delphi, Creon arrives with the news for which Oedipus is longing. Creon tells that according to the Delphi Oracle, all the sufferings of the people are due to the presence in their midst of the man who had murdered Laius who was the king of Athens before Oedipus. So, that murderer must be killed at any cost before the people can expect any relief. This Oracle is brought by Creon and it is told to Oedipus.

Q.3. How was Laius killed?

Ans. King Laius had left the city with a few attendants on a religious journey and he never returned home. A single survivor came back to Athens and told that the king and his companions had fallen in with brigands who had killed all of them except him. Oedipus told that brigands can’t attack unless they are bribed to do so. Creon answered that no inquiry had been held into the murder as the city was troubled by Sphinx whose riddle was unsoluble to the common people. Oedipus was the only able man who solved this problem and when the city was free from the clutches of Sphinix, people offered their Queen to Oedipus.

Q.4. How does Oedipus try to avenge the murder of Laius?

Ans. On hearing the whole story from Creon, Oedipus replies that he will start an investigation into the murder of Laius until the truth comes to daylight. Oedipus declares that he will avenge the murder of Laius on behalf of the people of Thebes and on behalf of Phoebus. In avenging the murder, Oedipus will not only remove the stigma from the city but also protect himself because the murderer of Laius could very well try to murder Oedipus also.

Q.5. What does Oedipus declare about the murderer of Laius?

Ans. Oedipus asks the murderer to come forward and confess his guilt. The murderer need have no fear because his punishment will be nothing but the banishment from the city. If anybody can give any information about this, he will be rewarded with kingly grace. If any citizen is harbouring this killer in his house he must be driven out immediately as his presence is the cause of the plague in the city. Then Oedipus curses the murderer for killing Laius. He says that this man will find nothing but misery and wretchedness only as long as he lives. He also says that if himself is intentionally giving shelter to the murderer, let the same curse descend upon himself. Now, it is doubly his duty to find out that killer who will not be able to escape the wrath of Oedipus. He also curses that those who disobey him will be destroyed in no time.

Q.6. Why did Teiresias refuse to tell the truth?

Ans. The chorus -leader asked Oedipus to consult Teiresias as this man knew the name of Laius’s murderer due to his power to read the mind of Apollo. Oedipus obediently requested Teiresias that by telling the name of the killer, he could save the city from plague. But Teiresias refused to tell the truth as Oedipus himself had killed his father, Laius. So when Oedipus did not get any answer from the prophet after asking many times, he charged the prophet to be in league with the murder of Laius and to be guilty of betraying his city where he is born. But in spite of these allegations, Teiresias refused to expose the truth because if he told the truth none would believe it and even the king may punish him for daring so much as to speak against the king.

Q.7. What were the final words of Teiresias to Oedipus?

Ans. According to Teiresias, the man whom Oedipus is searching, namely the murderer of Laius is living in the city of Athens. He is to be found a Theban by birth even though he is now regarded as foreigner. The murderer will be forced to depart from the city being blind and his wealth turned to beggary. He will find himself to be the brother of his own children and the son of the very woman whom he now calls his wife. Then, Teiresias tells Oedipus that if these are not proved, he can call Teiresias to be a man lacking in the power of divination.

Q.8. Why does Jocasta disbelieve in prophecy of Oracles?

Ans. When Jocasta comes to know from Oedipus that the latter is declared to be the murderer of Laius according to the prophecy, she asks her new husband not to believe it. She tells that prophecy is nothing but imaginary. She relates that one Oracle came to Laius and prophesied that he would have a son by Jocasta and that child will kill Laius. But, later Laius was killed by brigands at a place where three roads met. And when the child was hardly 3 years old, Laius fastened both its feet together and ordered it in such a way that it might die. As Laius was not murdered by his son, Jocasta has no reliance on prophecy or Oracle.

Q.9. Why does Oedipus want to meet the survivor?

Ans. Hearing the story of Laius’s murder from Jocasta’s mouth. Oedipus is shaken by terror as he killed several persons where 3 roads meet. When Oedipus asks about Laius’ physical appearance, Jocasta told that he looked like Oedipus. He thinks that probably he has killed Laius and the curse uttered by him will come in his life. When Oedipus ask whether Laius was alone in time of his murder, Jocasta toll that the king was accompanied by 4 attendants. Except one all three were killed. That survivor came back to Thebe with the information of Laius’ murder. Oedipus reminds that the facts stated by Jocasta tally with his own recollection of one incident. He had encountered a royal party, got involved in a fight with them and killed all except one but he didn’t know their identity. However for his confirmation whether he himself is the murderer of Laius or not he wants to meet with the survivor.

Q.10. What account of his past life Oedipus did give to Jocasta?

Ans. Being asked by Jocasta, Oedipus told that Polybus and Merope, the king and Queen of Corinth respectively were his parents. But, one day a drunken man told at a Banquet that Polybus of Corinth was not the father of Oedipus. When Oedipus asked it to them, they negated it as a lie. But, being mentally disturbed too much, Oedipus secretly went to Delphi and asked the Oracle about his parentage. Avoiding the answer the Oracle said that Oedipus would murder his father and marry his mother who would bear children by him. But in order to prevent this idea to be changed into reality, he never went back to Corinth. In course of his aimless journey he arrived at the spot where three roads met and where without any provocation by him, he got involved in a fight with a few travelers nearly all of whom were killed. Oedipus wonders whether anyone of those men killed by himself was Laius. If he killed, then his own curse will destroy him. Again he can’t go back to Corinth as there is still the possibility of killing his father Polybus and marrying his mother. In short Oedipus states a critical situation through which he is passing, to his wife Jocasta.

Q.11. Why is the origin and birth of Oedipus still a mystery?

Ans. The Corinthian explains that he had presented Oedipus to Polybus and Merope who being childless had adopted the infant. He says that he had found an infant in the woods upon Mt. Cithaeron where he was a hired shepherd. He found that the child’s feet were chained and therefore named it Oedipus. He also tells that actually the child had been given to him by another shepherd who was an employee of king Laius. Here Oedipus becomes anxious and wants to talk to the other shepherd who can really supply the exact information about Oedipus’ origin and birth. Oedipus suspected that he was not the child of the Corinthian king when a drunken man told him so. But now the total matter is disclosed but Oedipus wants to be over-sanguine. As the another shepherd is still absent, Oedipus is not confirmed about his birth.

Q.12. What is the reaction of Jocasta on hearing the truth?

Ans. When Oedipus asks Jocasta if the man sent for is the same man to whom king Laius had handed over his little child. Jocasta realizes the situation. She makes out that Oedipus, her husband is her own son who was placed on Mt. Cithaeron as the Oracle told that this child would murder king Laius. Jocasta realizes the grave crime she has committed by marrying her own son. She asks Oedipus not to pursue his investigation about his parentage. But Oedipus is determined and misinterpreted her. Jocasta leaves the place in a state of misery and wretchedness. But, Oedipus is indifferent and he says that he will not be ashamed if he finds that he is low born.

Q.13. What is the substance of Chorus’ lamentation?

Ans. The song of the chorus laments upon the vicissitudes of human life. No man, says the chorus, can win any real happiness. Happiness is truly a shadow that is sure to fade away. The fate of Oedipus proves this. By killing Sphinix he became the sovereign ruler of Thebes but now he is the most wretched and most miserable man in this world. His golden life is reduced to dust and ashes. He has committed a monstrous crime by becoming the husband of the woman who had given his birth. Time sees everything. That’s why, time has punished the unnatural marriage of Oedipus with his mother. The chorus laments the fact of ever having known such a man like Oedipus.

Q.14. What is the result of discovering the parentage of Oedipus?

Ans. When the parentage of Oedipus is discovered, a messenger comes from the palace and informs that Jocasta is dead. Knowing the real identity of Oedipus, the Queen had felt crazy with grief. She ran across the courtyard and tore her hair with her hands. Shutting her chamber, she called upon Laius and told that he was killed in the hands of his son to whom she got married later. She cried upon the bed where she gave birth to a child who later slept in the same bed as her husband. Oedipus also felt miserable and grief-stricken and wandered through the palace. He asked for a sword and his wife. Then he saw the queen’s dead body hanging by a rope. He disengaged her body from the rope and snatching away the golden brooches from her dress, he struck his own eyes. He pinned his eye balls several times with the result that blood flowed from them profusely. The happiness of Jocasta and Oedipus ended in great tragedy, in shame, in ruin, in death and in lamentation.

Q.15. Why did Oedipus blind himself?

Ans. The chorus-leader told that Oedipus has not done the right thing by blinding himself as it is better to be dead than to be blind. Oedipus shows some reasons for his own deed. He says that by killing himself he would have gone to Hades where he would have found the ghosts of his parents. He wanted to avoid this horrible confrontation. He also thinks that death is not a suitable punishment for his crime. If he had not blinded himself, the sight of children would have been no pleasure to him as they were born due to an unnatural union. He also didn’t want to see the city, its walls, and its sacred statues. He declared to expel the murderer of Laius from Thebes. Now, he is devoid of eye-sight. It would have been better if he would have been deaf also. He also thinks that if he is deprived of every good thing in Thebes, the punishment would suit his criminal acts. Therefore, blinding himself is justified by Oedipus for his done deeds.

• Character Analysis of Oedipus in Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex

Q.16. What is the substance of Oedipus’ lamentation?

Ans. Oedipus laments why Mt. Cithaeron accepted him at all instead of letting him die as a child. He asks why was he brought up by the king of Corinth. He wonders why did he go to the spot where three roads met and why did he murder his father who was his own blood. He also reminds that even he had married his mother and begotten children by her and the blood of father, mother, wife, son, brother mingled with each other. Therefore, Oedipus wants to be banished immediately, or be killed or be thrown into the sea where he may sink from view. Oedipus also says that who can endure this load of evil but Oedipus himself. But the chorus-leader directs him to address his prayer to Creon who is coming towards him and now who will be the next king of Thebes.

Q.17. What request did Oedipus make to Creon?

Ans. When Creon comes to him, Oedipus finds it hard to speak to Creon as he misjudged him and falsely accused him of treason. But, Creon proves to be very considerate. He wants to take Oedipus inside the palace but Oedipus makes a request to him. Oedipus says that he likes to be banished from Thebes so that he can be alone and nobody is able to speak to him. Creon answers that he can’t do anything without divine approval. Oedipus says that the Oracle spoke about the destruction of the murderer of Laius but Creon hopes for the opinion of Gods in the present situation. Oedipus is asked to perform the burial ceremonies of dead Jocasta. But, Oedipus is par to go to Mt. Cithaeron and die there where he was sent in his infancy to die. He also request Creon that the latter need not bother about Oedipus’s sons who somehow will be able to look after themselves and he earnestly requests Creon to care for his unhappy daughters.

Hello, Viewers! Besides being the Founder and Owner of this website, I am a Government Officer. As a hardcore literary lover, I am pursuing my dream by writing notes and articles related to Literature. Drop me a line anytime, whether it’s about any queries or demands or just to share your well-being. I’d love to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by!

Related posts:

• Character Analysis of Jocasta in Oedipus Rex
• Role of Chorus in Oedipus Rex | Chorus in Oedipus the King
• Irony in Oedipus Rex
• Creon Antigone | Character Analysis | Creon as a Tragic Hero
• Haemon Antigone | Character Analysis

10 thoughts on “Oedipus Rex | 17 Important Questions and Answers”

Thank you sir

Thank you so much sir

This helps a lot!

Sir, What extent is destiny and to what extent is character responsible for the tragedy in oedipus rex? Also plz post moral of the oedipus rex. Thankyou

Well Please stay tune… you will definitely get that

Sir, can u pls suggesest some short questions form Oedipus rex. For 2023 collage exams.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ARE VERY HELPFUL FOR THE STUDENTS 🙏

Thanks for this I had a paper tomorrow

First of all, thank you, Your notes are very helpful for me, but unfortunately, there are many spelling mistakes in your writing. I request to you that please check your some spellings again, and I’m expecting that you will be correct them …

Thank You 😊

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Resilience of Protagonists in Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Sophocles’ Oedipus Plays Essay

Introduction.

The history of world literature is full of exciting examples of protagonists’ fates in literary works. Considering various literature masterpieces of different historical periods, it is possible to construct parallels between characters and draw vital conclusions. By comparing the main heroes’ characteristics and actions, the reader receives essential knowledge about the nature of humans and their actions in the face of fate. In this contrast essay, the protagonists of such literary works as Hamlet (1600) and Oedipus Rex (429 BC), written in entirely different epochs but with much in common, will be considered. The authors, William Shakespeare and Sophocles, through external circumstances and the tragedy of the fate of the protagonists, demonstrate the characteristics of their characters. Comparing the actions of Hamlet and Oedipus and examining their responses to sudden shocks in detail, the protagonist of Oedipus Rex was much more resilient to the truth than Hamlet.

Background and Plot of two Plays

In order to consider in detail the subject of the resilience of two protagonists, Hamlet and Oedipus, it is necessary to briefly describe the main events taking place in both plays. William Shakespeare, who wrote Hamlet , and Sophocles, author of Oedipus Rex , laid important nuances in their literary works, which reveal the protagonists’ characters from different angles. The events of Hamlet’s play are filled with tragedy, which reflects the features of Hamlet’s behavior. In the beginning, the protagonist’s father, who was killed by his brother, Hamlet’s Uncle, appears to his son as a ghost and tells his child what happened. Further events of the play surround the desire for vengeance for his father, and the character and actions of Hamlet are manifested. The end of this literary work is characterized by the death of Claudius, Hamlet’s uncle, and the protagonist himself.

Oedipus Rex

The events of the literary work Oedipus Rex revolve around the protagonist and his search for the causes of the disease that has overtaken people in his city. Oedipus strives to understand what caused the plague and what means it can be cured. Therefore, he turns to various sources of information to find out the truth. However, during his research, he discovers that this punishment was imposed on his people for the sin he committed by killing Laius, the previous King. It is important to emphasize that although Hamlet accepts his father’s truth at once, he experiences considerable suffering and uncertainty. On the opposite, Oedipus rejects the truth and resolutely seeks to prove the opposite in the search for the causes of the plague.

Difference in Resilience of the Main Heroes

When considering the resilience of Hamlet, it is essential to start at the beginning of the play by observing the conversation between the protagonist and his father, King Hamlet. It is important to emphasize that Hamlet’s doubts about his father’s words are not last. He soon realizes that his father is telling the truth. However, the specific resilience of the protagonist is not due to his desire to deny the words of King Hamlet but to his lack of determination to take further revenge actions. Hamlet experiences fear and moral complexities regarding what he needs to do. It is vital to stress that the main difference between the actions of the two protagonists is that this difference will be highlighted profoundly in the next paragraph.

In comparison to Hamlet, Oedipus was the ruler and was responsible for what was happening in his city. Consequently, he had the power to obtain information from various sources and methods. For this reason, it is not surprising that when Oedipus found out that he was the cause of the plague that crippled his people, he began to deny it and seek the truth. It is important to stress that, unlike Hamlet, he acted decisively in his desire to know what happened. However, Oedipus was determined to reject and disbelieve new information that again proved his culpability for the diseases. Sources such as the prophecy by the prophet Tiresias and information from the oracle at Delphi failed to convince the ruler. However, during Oedipus’s investigation, he finally believed in the truth. Therefore, it should be stated that Oedipus’s unprecedented level of resilience was higher than Hamlet’s. The various sources of information listed above did not convince the protagonist of the literary work Oedipus Rex and caused the tragic fate of Oedipus.

In conclusion, it is essential to emphasize the time difference between the two literary works. Notably, it is about two thousand years between them. However, it is noteworthy that authors pay considerable attention to the same questions of human nature and character in different epochs. The topic of human perception and response to various shocks and tragedies of fate is specific to Hamlet and Oedipus Rex . However, an attentive reader will notice a difference in the protagonists’ behavior and the level of resilience relative to the tragic truth. Taking into account the abovementioned facts regarding the character and actions of the two literary works, as well as considering the plot of each, it was found that Oedipus has a significantly higher resilience than Hamlet.

• "Oedipus Rex": The Gods’ Role in Human Affairs
• Human Relations in Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex” Play
• The Message of the "Oedipus Rex" Play by Sophocles
• Enhancing Teaching Strategies Through Literature
• Themes of Honor and Justice in Chinese and European Literature
• A Life Lesson from Shakespeare's Macbeth Play vs. Beowulf Poem
• O’Connor’s and Faulkner’s Stories: Comparison
• Opus of Love, Sacrifice, and Irony
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, May 23). Resilience of Protagonists in Shakespeare's Hamlet and Sophocles' Oedipus Plays. https://ivypanda.com/essays/resilience-of-protagonists-in-shakespeares-hamlet-and-sophocles-oedipus-plays/

"Resilience of Protagonists in Shakespeare's Hamlet and Sophocles' Oedipus Plays." IvyPanda , 23 May 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/resilience-of-protagonists-in-shakespeares-hamlet-and-sophocles-oedipus-plays/.

IvyPanda . (2024) 'Resilience of Protagonists in Shakespeare's Hamlet and Sophocles' Oedipus Plays'. 23 May.

IvyPanda . 2024. "Resilience of Protagonists in Shakespeare's Hamlet and Sophocles' Oedipus Plays." May 23, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/resilience-of-protagonists-in-shakespeares-hamlet-and-sophocles-oedipus-plays/.

1. IvyPanda . "Resilience of Protagonists in Shakespeare's Hamlet and Sophocles' Oedipus Plays." May 23, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/resilience-of-protagonists-in-shakespeares-hamlet-and-sophocles-oedipus-plays/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Resilience of Protagonists in Shakespeare's Hamlet and Sophocles' Oedipus Plays." May 23, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/resilience-of-protagonists-in-shakespeares-hamlet-and-sophocles-oedipus-plays/.