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"Hamlet" and "Oedipus Rex", 2004.
Essay contrasting Sophocles's "Oedipus Rex" with Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper first explains what exactly defines tragic literature and then compares and contrasts Sophocles's "Oedipus Rex" with William Shakespeare?s "Hamlet", two of the most read tragedies in literature. The paper looks at the different styles of the tragedies, the different audiences for whom the plays were written, and character development in the plays, as well as their use of the elements of mystery and the supernatural.
From the Paper
"Mystery is another element of tragedy. In ?Oedipus Rex, Oedipus? very identity is a mystery, which serves to move the plot (Ghosh pg). Although his own identity is a mystery, Oedipus serves as an investigator to solve the reason for the plague that has fallen upon his city. In ?Hamlet,? mystery again is a key element, however, the mystery is revealed in the beginning and the plot is moved along by Hamlet?s investigation as he ?sets out to prove the crime before seeking revenge,? even though he knows the crime and the identity of the criminal (Ghosh pg). Oedipus and Hamlet both strive to solve their perspective mysteries."
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"Oedipus Rex" versus "Hamlet", 2007.
An analysis of the influence of the Sophoclean Grecian tragedy, "Oedipus Rex" on William Shakespeare's "Hamlet, The Prince of Denmark".
2,414 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper evaluates the influential aspects of the Sophoclean Grecian tragedy on the latter forms of Shakespearean tragedy used within the Elizabethan period. It discusses the various psychological and political issues that abound in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles and how Oedipus acts as a clear role model for the insanity that Hamlet exhibits within Shakespeare's "Hamlet, The Prince of Denmark".
From the Paper
"In conclusion, the reemergence of the Greek tragedy in the Elizabethan era can be readily seen through the works of William Shakespeare through the influence of Sophocles. The plays Hamlet: The Prince of Denmark and Oedipus rex provide textual examples of the psychological and political disposition of the heroic character that is doomed to death due to errors in judgment. By understanding the principle aspects of the tragic hero in the work of Sophocles, one can realize why Shakespeare uses many of the literary devices that define tragedy along the Greek model. This inevitably appears in Hamlet and Oedipus through the presence of insanity in their thought process, but also in their lack of control over the political forces that seek to destroy them. This is how William Shakespeare readily provides an example of the reemergence of Greek tragedy in the Elizabethan era through the tragic works of Sophocles."
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"Hamlet" ( William Shakespeare ) & "Oedipus Rex" ( Sophocles ), 1997.
Compares methods of detective work of plays' protagonists in seeking killers of their fathers.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 6 sources, £ 28.95
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From the Paper
"This study will compare the methods of the detective work of the protagonists in Shakespeare's Hamlet Sophocles' Oedipus Rex as they seek to discover the killers of their fathers (although Oedipus does not know the murdered man was, in fact, his father). The study will focus on three points of comparison: the nature and causes of the delays in the detective work of Hamlet and Oedipus; the surreptitious and indirect nature of Hamlet's methods, compared to the public and direct approach of Oedipus; and the focus of Hamlet in the present compared to the focus of Oedipus in the past. All of these points of comparison and contrast are shaped by the fact that Hamlet is fully aware of the object of his detective work (his murderer uncle Claudius), while Oedipus does not know that the object of his search is Oedipus himself."
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Hamlet vs. Oedipus, 2000.
This paper compares and contrasts the main characters from Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex".
1,785 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 40.95
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Abstract
A discussion of the characters of Hamlet and Oedipus focusing on how they are both driven to demise through the acts of those they loved the most. The author shows that the main characters are involved in situations involving not only social, but moral pressures as well, and both encountered many obstacles along their journey to find truth.
From the Paper
"Hamlet suffers from the Oedipus complex- an undue and unhealthy attachment of a son for his mother, which is apt to be morbidly suppressed and cause great mental distress. This theory motivates Hamlet?s delay by identifying him with Claudius, though whom he has vicariously accomplished the Oedipal feat of murdering his father and marrying his mother. Hamlet has been classified as the intellectual melancholy type. He appears to be a victim of excessive melancholy. His first appearance and long soliloquy establish him as grief stricken. Moreover, Hamlet himself refers to the melancholy in a way that suggests that it is a debilitating factor. Ordinary grief, of course, is one thing; everyone experiences it. But Hamlet?s grief is pathological; it is a destructive thing that causes him to procrastinate and leads to his death."
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Oedipus Rex, 2008.
This paper examines the painting "Oedipus Rex" (1922) by Max Ernst.
741 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, APA, £ 18.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes Max Ernst's artwork "Oedipus Rex" through the Freudian Oedipus complex and through the play "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles. The paper considers how the surrealistic style of Ernst is used to depict the symbolic sexual tension between father, mother and son, especially in the case of the walnut and the arrow that penetrates it. The paper explains that this type of Freudian approach to painting is part of Ernst's desire to reflect his own inner conflicts.
From the Paper
"The painting Oedipus Rex (1922) by Max Ernst was a direct result of his fascination with birds and the idea of a deeper unconscious mind working beneath the veil of surface thoughts. Ernst believed fervently in the premise of the bird as a symbol of how mankind sought to be free through flight, which acts in accordance with the Freudian concept of condensation. The link between the play by Sophocles and the painting only invigorate this idea, since the premise of the son in Freud's theory is to free himself from fatherly constraints to bond with his mother in intercourse. The nut being portrayed in the painting is clearly a female symbol of the vulva with the male fingers vying to enter it."
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Faith in 'Oedipus Rex', 2006.
A discussion regarding the theme of faith in the play 'Oedipus Rex' by Sophocles.
1,824 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the play 'Oedipus Rex' by Sophocles. According to the paper, 'Oedipus Rex' is based on a famous Greek myth about the king of Thebes, Oedipus, who fulfilled a prophecy that he would marry his mother and kill his father, despite a lifetime of trying to avoid it. This paper reviews the idea of faith and fate, both which are prevalent throughout this play.
From the Paper
"Jocasta, Oedipus' biological mother, and Laius, his biological father, both had faith in the gods' prophecy that their son was going to destroy them both, and therefore they took action to remove that possibility by attempting to kill him. However, this act of faith cannot be undone later, when it turns out that Oedipus actually survived, and despite their belief that they were safe from the prophecy's predicted doom. After Oedipus has been revealed by Tiresias to be the killer, he goes to Jocasta and tells her that the blind prophet had accused him. Jocasta attempts to comfort him by telling him that all prophets are false, using her own experience with the oracle that prophesied that her husband would be killed by his own son as an example of this. However, Jocasta does not realize that this part of the prophesy has already come to pass. Although she is denouncing her belief in prophesies, she has already acted out of faith in them, or else she would not have attempted to kill her son in the first place, and when she realized the fault of her choice, she will again have faith in prophesies. Jocasta tells Oedipus, "Fear? What should a man fear? It's all chance, chance rules our lives. Not a man on earth can see a day ahead, groping through the dark. Better to live at random, best we can. And as for this marriage with your mother--have no fear. Many a man before you, in his dreams, has shared his mother's bed. Take such things for shadows, nothing at all-- Live, Oedipus, as if there's no tomorrow!" (Sophocles) The audience knows that her faith that Oedipus would not kill his father and marry his mother will be overcome by a tragic return to faith in the gods."
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"Oedipus Rex" and "The Consolation of Philosophy", 2008.
An analysis of the themes of predetermination, chance and free will in Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" and Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius' "The Consolation of Philosophy".
2,254 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper embarks on a comparative study between the works of two giants in their fields: Sophocles, one of the three ancient great tragedians in Greece and Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius, a Christian philosopher of the 6th Century in Rome. The purpose of the study of the two works, i.e., "Oedipus Rex" and "The Consolation of Philosophy", is to determine the differences, if any, in the reconciliation of the concepts of predetermination, chance and free will existing together at the same time in the universe.
Outline
Introduction
Oedipus Rex
The Consolation of Philosophy
Predetermination, Chance and Free Will: Oedipus vs. The Consolation of Philosophy
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The narrator of the story (which one can fairly presumed to be Boethius), was contemplating the hopelessness and anguish of his isolation. He was writing his desperate musings, hoping death will come to end his despair. He was despairing with the Muses of Poetry when suddenly appeared Philosophy, his old friend. Philosophy drives away the Muses of poetry and asks Boethius what is ailing him. To Philosophy, Boethius poured out his grief and anguish over his fate, the unjust accusations against him and his utter ruin. Philosophy condoles with Boethius and sets out to calm and sooth his spirit. But first she wanted to know why he has changed so much so she asked him several questions. She finds that Boethius has forgotten his own nature; that Boethius does not know the destiny or direction of the universe, and; third, that he was ignorant of how the world is being governed. "
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Interpreting 'Oedipus Rex', 2007.
A discussion of universalism vs. historical perspectives in literary critiques of 'Oedipus Rex'.
1,796 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 40.95
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Abstract
'Oedipus Rex', a part of the Theban plays by Sophocles, is among the best-known works from Ancient Greece in today's literary and non-academic worlds. The paper discusses how some argue that only interpretations of 'Oedipus Rex' that use historical contexts as a basis are correct theories, while others argue that a more universalist approach incorporating themes from all time periods in which the work has been read and performed is of equal or greater value. The paper examines the interpretations of Jennifer Lewin, Janet M. Green and Martin Kallich. The paper shows how all of these literary critiques illustrate the way in which universalistic versus historical interpretations of this play are present throughout our modern understanding of the work.
From the Paper
"Jennifer Lewin's "Overview of Oedipus Rex" identifies Oedipus Rex as, arguably, the most important tragedy in all of classical literature. Aristotle used this play, after all, to define the qualities of a successful tragedy, and it has been referred to over and over again by writers that have used it to illustrate historical literature and events, as well as using it to provide inspiration for modern literary criticism. "Freud, for example, helped to shape the direction of twentieth century thought with his 1900 The Interpretation of Dreams, his coinage of the term 'Oedipal Complex' was an integral part of his definition of dreams and imaginative literature as representations of wishes that usually remain hidden during normal social interaction." (Lewin)"
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Oedipus Rex, 2006.
This paper discusses 'Oedipus Rex' by Sophocles and examines why this work remains so noteworthy after such a long time.
1,376 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 33.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at 'Oedipus Rex' by Sophocles that was written at least 2000 years ago and examines why the play continues as one of the most important and renowned tragedies ever. The writer discusses that some say it is the unique style, or its historical richness, or perhaps the theme that helps to better understand the foibles of humankind. The writer also suggests that maybe, the play maintains its successful run because it has just as powerful a message for humankind as it did two millennium ago. The writer concludes that all are left with the anxiety that their lives may be just as changeable and unpredictable. The writer maintains that this knowledge and understanding, in fact, is what makes Oedipus Rex today as important and renowned in the present as it was over 2,000 years ago.
From the Paper
"The truth is that anyone, anywhere is subject to the will of the gods. Now having the same strengths and weaknesses as anyone in the theater from the least plebeian to most privileged, Oedipus evokes a range of emotions from disgust to pity to terror. All are left with the anxiety that their lives may be just as changeable and unpredictable. For that is what happens to all who are mortal.
That knowledge and understanding, in fact, is what makes Oedipus Rex today as important and renowned in the present as it was over 2,000 years ago. How many humans, today, are just as torn--wondering how much of their lives are dictated by God, fate or some other force they cannot control, and how much they can decide for themselves through their own free will?"
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Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex", 2006.
A summary and analysis of the famous Greek tragedy by Sophocles, "Oedipus Rex".
1,872 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper summarizes the plot of "Oedipus Rex" and analyzes the theme of the tragedy, explaining that the tragic story of Oedipus Rex was meant to serve as a lesson to others. That lesson, the paper explains, was that the punishment visited on the ruler was a sort of proof that the gods did not give special favor to the noble people and that the rules applied to everyone.
From the Paper
"In Greek tragedy, the hero is punished for some sin, made to pay the price even though in many cases what he will do has been foreordained. Aristotle surveyed the drama of his time and developed certain concepts regarding the nature of the tragic hero. The tragic hero must be an important person with a character flaw that causes him to make a great mistake leading to tremendous suffering and a fall from his high status. The tragedy derives from the fact that none of what occurs is the tragic hero's fault, for the tragic flaw predetermines his actions and seals his fate. Modern audiences may consider this inexplicable, for while viewers understand when someone is punished for a crime they commit intentionally, it is less clear how fault should be ascribed when the crime is not intentional."
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Hamlet and Oedipus, 2002.
Comparison of two tragic heroes: Shakespeare?s Hamlet and Sophocles' Oedipus.
2,825 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper compares at length the tragic qualities of Shakespeare?s Hamlet and Sophocles' Oedipus. It defines the three characteristics of a tragic hero with their exceptional ethics and tragic flaw, and shows how Hamlet and Oedipus fit each definition. The paper analyzes the personalities of both characters and supports its analysis with quotes from the plays.
From the Paper
"The first requirement of the tragic hero is that he is basically a good person. Hamlet meets this criteria by displaying many good traits including intelligence, sensitivity, and humility. However, the greatest evidence of Hamlet?s goodness is his unwillingness to commit murder, even when asked to take revenge for his father?s murder. This illustrates that Hamlet is not just a basically good man, but an exceptionally good man.
Aristotle describes the characteristics of the tragic hero in his classic work ?Poetics.? Aristotle?s model of a tragic hero involves an individual who is basically good, but has one tragic flaw in their nature that results in their undoing. The tragic hero?s journey from prosperity to misfortune is not caused either by circumstance or by them being evil, but rather by a mistake their one flaw causes them to make. In creating this definition of a tragic hero Aristotle was attempting to explain why audiences are so interested in watching the tragic hero. Aristotle attributed the interest in the tragic character to three things. Firstly, the audience likes the hero. Secondly, the audience fears what will happen to the hero. Finally, the audience pities the hero. Importantly, for this pity to occur the hero must still remain liked even when he is doing wrong. This is why it is important that the character is not evil. Rather than evil, he is fallible, though at the same time, his own nature causes his downfall in some way. Overall then, there are three characteristics of the tragic hero: the character must be basically good but have one tragic flaw; the character must bring about their own downfall; and the character must engage the audience, with the downfall causing the audience to pity the character and his demise. Two characters that fit this definition of the classic hero are Hamlet from Shakespeare?s Hamlet, Prince of Denmark and Oedipus from Sophocles? ?Oedipus the King.?
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Oedipus Rex, 2007.
An analysis of the flaws of the character Oedipus Rex, in "Oedipus the King" by Sophocles.
1,116 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the play "Oedipus the King" by Sophocles. Specifically, it interprets the play and the main character, Oedipus Rex, and his inability to listen to those around him. The paper examines how Oedipus is a tragic hero with a fatal flaw. He does not listen to the advice of those around him, and this is his downfall by the end of the play. The paper concludes that he is a brave and good leader and ruler, but his flaw keeps him from being truly great, and causes the city of Thebes hardship and great misfortune.
From the Paper
"The lesson from Oedipus is that pride can get in the way of common sense and the good of the many. Oedipus is prideful, and will not listen to the voices of the people around him. Many different characters give him excellent advice, but he chooses to ignore it and follow his own path that eventually leads to doom. If Oedipus had just taken the time to listen to the words of older, wiser individuals, he might not have suffered the fate he did. He let his pride get in the way of common sense, and it led to tragedy for his family and his people. He lost his real mother and father, fathered two children in incest, and ended up blind and alone."
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"Oedipus Rex", 2003.
An analysis of the downfall of Oedipus in Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex".
690 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 16.95
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Abstract
This paper outlines why the downfall of Oedipus in Sophocles' play "Oedipus Rex" is so tragic. It discusses whether or not he was accountable for his own downfall and what Sophocles was trying to say to the people of Athens.
From the Paper
"There is an old saying that says pride goes before a fall which means that when someone thinks and behaves in an over confident manner sooner or later something will happen usually brought upon themselves insome way to humiliate them. The more grand the ..."
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"Oedipus Rex" and "Death of a Salesman", 2004.
An analysis of fate, insanity, and the tragic lives of Oedipus in "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles and Willy Loman in "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller.
846 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 21.95
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Abstract
Considered as fine works of literature that demonstrate the tragic lives of humanity amidst its flaws and weaknesses, the plays "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles and "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller aptly reflect, through their protagonist characters, their belief in fate and resulting tragic lives that marked their downfall to insanity and, later, towards death. This paper discusses these three significant concepts: fate, insanity, and tragedy, which are relevant to the main point in both of these plays.
From the Paper
"Similarly, Willy Loman in Miller's famous contemporary play illustrates the modern American who depended heavily on fate-in American culture, it is synonymous with the concept of "American dream." Willy's beliefs that he and his sons, Biff and Happy, are destined to have a life of economic success, just because they have the 'proper social connections' and personality that will endear them to many people, and in fact, towards having a lucky and prosperous life. Willy's obsession to achieve the American dream by relying on pure charisma alone resulted also to his downfall: not only did he fail in his career as a salesman, but his sons also failed to realize their dreams in life, in the belief that their father's promise of an economically successful life will come true (Ardolino, 1998:2). Like Oedipus, Willy's belief in his fate as a successful salesman led to his indolence, which led to his family's increased fall towards poverty, causing him to commit suicide."
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