Comparison of Oedipus and Hamlet Essay - 1322 Words

Comparison of Oedipus and Hamlet Compare and contrast Oedipus and Hamlet. Is Oedipus more a man of action? Or is he more a man driven by whim and sudden, rash decisions? Which character is more selfless? Does Hamlet show any signs of selfish motives in his actions or inactions? Which protagonist seems more learned? wiser? more religious? more loving? more incestuous? Which seems to be a better murder investigator? Does Oedipus have any of Claudius motives when he kills the king, Laius? Then which murderer is more blameworthy--Oedipus or Claudius? Different men in different eras: los41183 said in 2000: It is hard to compare two men with such obvious religious and moralistic differences. Oedipus grew up in the time of the Greek†¦show more content†¦Both protagonists were passionately determined to find the truth. ? Both were impulsive. ? Both had immense self-pride, but-- ? Ultimately, both were good natured. ? They seek revenge for their fathers (although this is ironic in Oedipus Rex) ? Although Os arrogance may have led to his downfall, it is their impulsiveness that does in each man: Os decree of exile parallels the gods requirements, but Hamlets stabbing of Ophelias father right after NOT stabbing Claudius means that, in the grand scheme of things, he will have to die rather than assume the throne. ? Both plays are tragedies that result from behind-the-scenes machinations--the gods plot against Os family because of Laius, while King Hamlets brother plots against him. ? Perhaps the vivid imagery of poison in Hamlet parallels the curse in the family blood in Greek tragedies in Oedipus Rex. ? Both plays are written in highly poetic language. Passionate Oedipus vs. Pensive Hamlet: Becky Dorsett (Northern Virginia CC, 1998) offers this list of contrasts between the two tragic protagonists:Show MoreRelatedOedipus vs. Hamlet: a Character Comparison Essay1077 Words   |  5 Pagesother such errors in it. Oedipus vs. Hamlet: A Character Comparison After reading Sophocles Oedipus the King and Shakespeares Hamlet, it is quiet clear that Oedipus is by far the more admirable character of the two. Aside from Oedipus history and life experience, his superior character traits are also displayed in the way he handles several incidents throughout the play. One of the primary reasons Oedipus is more admirable than Hamlet is just their history. Oedipus is a king. He got thereRead MoreComparison Between Hamlet And Oedipus The King1312 Words   |  6 PagesHead-On, Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and Sophocles’ Oedipus the King are all subject to confinement in both similar and dissimilar ways alike. 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