Comparing Hamlet to Oedipus Resilience
Introduction
Hamlet and King Oedipus are iconic characters in classical dramas: William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Sophocles “Oedipus the King.” In the Sophocles play, the main character King Oedipus is displayed as a persistent seeker of truth who tends to disregard the prevailing dangers that the truth might bring along. Shakespeare’s drama shows Hamlet presents Hamlet as the doubting philosopher whose quest for truth destroys her inner balance, necessitating the need to change her personality to success. This paper will compare and contrast the resilience in Hamlet and Oedipus’ characters in their quest for truth.
Body
Oedipus
From the Sophocles’ play, it is evident that King Oedipus is fully determined to solve his State’s problems. Driven by his desire to solve problems, he is disappointed and agitated when he hears that the murderer of King Laius in Thebes has not yet been found. He wonders why the perpetrator of this pandemic is not yet discovered—with the Sphinx curse already solved. Oedipus takes the initiative and settles the present troubles of the State. During the speech he gave to his brother in la Creon, he assures him that he will find the murderer and restore the StateState’s safety.
It is essential to mention that King Oedipus demonstrates extraordinary resilience in his quest to find the murderer and restore the State’s safety. He strategizes well in discovering all the details that might lead to finding the answers and in the interrogation of all possible witnesses. His first quest is to question Tiresias, the blind prophet, where he hears his wife, Jocasta, narrating the story of the Laius murder. It is important to note that King Oedipus is quite hot-tempered and very decisive. He does not possess political duplicity due to his obsession with finding the truth concerning the murder. Oedipus is not afraid even after facing danger threats on his life and o losing the throne.
Also, he is unaware of the curse that had been put on Him by the gods. Oedipus is wholly convinced that he is doing the right thing in his quest for truth and by acting according to his conscience. Oedipus notes that “Words scare not him who blenches not at the deeds” in his dialogue with the chorus that warns him on the circumstances that led to the murder of the previous King, Laius (Sophocles, 19). His words indicate his assurance for his conscience and desire to finding the truth. He is fully convicted that the truth cannot hurt or harm the innocent.
Hamlet
While King Oedipus displays remarkable resilience in seeking the truth concerning the murder of King Laius, Hamlet appears to be a less energetic character. Although he is compelled to finding the truth, he takes caution as he suspects that something is amiss with his mother marrying soon just after the death of his father. In the play, Hamlet is displayed more as a philosopher other than a warrior. Therefore, Hamlet tends to engage in much contemplation before he precedes to taking any actions on the events that transpire his quest for truth. From the play, it is evident that he uses his intuition to approach the questions that tend to torture him in his monologues. He is fully aware that things are not as smooth as they seem. H notes, “Nor it cannot come to good” (The Shakespeare, 116). The forbidding evil is entirely confirmed in the revealing of the truth on the murder, which he learns from the Ghost of his father.
While King Oedipus is duly determined to find the truth on the murderers, Hamlet chooses to check the ghosts. Hamlet does not inquire about the truth concerning the deaths directly, like Oedipus. Although King Oedipus’ resilience puts him in danger, he is entirely determined towards ensuring the truth is known. Also, King Oedipus is bold and straightforward and does not give much thought about the insinuating words, that helps him find the truth. On the other hand, Hamlet appears to be inventive in his quest to find the real murderers.
Hamlet and Oedipu’s determination in their quest to finding the truth is admirable. Although Oedipus is more resilient and determined despite the dangers of his life and the risk of losing the throne, he displays immeasurable dedication to finding the murderer and restoring the safety of the State. However, Hamlet tends to take caution as the gods have already declared curses upon his mother’s decision to marry just after the death of his father. His ideas and aspirations do not lead Hamlet to secure the truth. Instead, he is driven by the solemn pledge that he has undertaken to restore justice and ensure the punishment of the murderer who killed his father. To achieve this, Hamlet should demonstrate an active attitude to his life to conquer his fears on the struggles and conflicts.
Conclusion
Hamlet and Oedipus are united by their desire and quest to finding truth and ensure the punishment of the murderers. King Oedipus displays extraordinary resilience as he is philosophic, very pensive with a doubting personality. Hamlet tends to be less energetic as follows his conscience and intuition and is fearful of the curses invoked by the gods. Both have a tragic ending as after revealing the truths and accomplishment of their tasks, they were crushed by the severity of ‘their doom.’ Thus, I believe King Oedipus showed more resilience than Hamlet in their quest to find the truth.
Works Cited
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Ed. Robert Hapgood. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 1999. Print.
Sophocles. Oedipus the King. Minneapolis, MN: Filiquarian Publishing LLC, 2006. Print.
