While reading Oedipus I also noticed some comparisons between this play and the story of Hamlet. In the play Oedipus has unknowingly murdered his father and has slept with his mother. In Hamlet he has killed his uncle and is married to his mother. Not only are both protagonists in similar situations but they also have a large fear of their fate and what their lives will come to. However, despite this fear they both also have unfortunate attributes. Oedipus has a very big ego and is full of pride. He thinks that he can get away with doing whatever it is that he wants to do. This differs from Hamlet's desire of revenge. He is so engrossed in getting back at his father that he completely looses himself in the process. I think that this all relates back to fate. In Oedipus Rex it is shown that you are to ultimately loose if you attempt to discover fate. In Hamlet the fear is that what has happened to the royal family could happen to you if you are rash in your judgment instead of careful. This is why I believe these two stories are so similar.
No comments:
Post a Comment