Introduction
The concept of resilience is usually defined by literary characters’ ability to face and overcome difficulties. Sophocles’ Oedipus and Shakespeare’s Hamlet are iconic figures whose personalities have been studied for generations. In the field of tragic literature, they demonstrate strong resilience under challenging circumstances.
The plot of the stories is structured in such a way that there are constant intense personal upheavals that require a decent reaction from both characters. However, they overcome psychological dilemmas and find the strength to move on. The characters of Oedipus and Hamlet should be analyzed through a detailed examination of their fate, actions, and endurance to determine which has shown greater resilience.
Resilience in the Face of Fate
Oedipus Rex
Oedipus, the protagonist of Sophocles’ tragedy Oedipus Rex, has a problematic fate that not everyone can handle with dignity. Even though he learned a terrible prophecy, the man showed determination and steadfastness. His desire for truth and justice evokes respect and understanding of how much resilience in facing life’s difficulties is essential for a person. The story contains a striking scene where Oedipus adamantly asserts his desire to find the murderer of King Laius.
However, it is essential to note that he was fully aware of the consequences of his actions and was ready to do so. He claims: “I’ll start again—I’ll bring it all to light myself! Apollo is right, and so are you, Creon, to turn our attention back to the murdered man” (Sophocles 268). This phrase shows his unshakable devotion to the truth that should accompany every person. Moreover, when faced with his tragic reality, Oedipus does not abandon the thought of justice and the search for truth, even if it harms his own life.
As he delves deeper into the mystery of King Lai’s murder, more evidence begins to point to his guilt, marking the beginning of a deep internal conflict. Perhaps at this moment, every reader began to think about whether Oedipus would retreat from his worldview, whether he would betray himself. However, the man had an unwavering desire for the truth, and it remained unhindered throughout history.
He refused to submit to a cruel fate, and his statement, which mentions the name of Apollo, the god of prophecy and truth, shows his unwavering commitment to solving the mystery surrounding the past. “I’ll bring it all to light myself! Apollo! Apollo, friends, I’ll fight for him like I would my father.”(Sophocles 269). He is an instructive literary character, as man motivates readers through his resilience and steadfast pursuit of justice. Everyone acquainted with the hero of Oedipus will understand that what is essential is not the individual’s fate but how this person perceives the events around him.
Hamlet
In contrast to Oedipus, who showed his steadfastness in facing a brutal fate, Hamlet exemplifies resilience due to his nature as an observer. The revelation of his father’s murder gave the story emotional excitement, but the main character retained a moving demeanor and desire to consider the truth. Inside, he struggled with the moral implications of revenge, but that didn’t stop him from continuing without any doubt about the rightness of his act.
Hamlet claims: “To be, or not to be, that is the question: / Whether ’tis nobler in mind to suffer / The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, / Or to take arms against a sea of troubles” (Shakespeare 113). This inner dialogue shows Hamlet’s deep contemplation of the problems he faces. He possessed an unwavering determination to overcome the complexity of his situation, emphasizing his resilience in the face of adversity.
Despite the circumstances surrounding the discovery of his father’s murder, Hamlet demonstrates unwavering determination and resilience. He is an individual who can analyze his actions and quickly find his way or identify deception and betrayal. Throughout the play, he struggles with the deep emotional trauma that is caused by the knowledge of his father’s death, but despite this, Hamlet remains motivated to learn the truth.
“This above all: to thine own self be true, / And it must follow, as the night the day, / Thou canst not then be false to any man.” (Shakespeare 42). He is an unshakable and fair character, demonstrating a strong will that helped him overcome life’s difficulties. He has a well-known monologue containing existential reflections on existence and pondering whether to endure or actively overcome life’s challenges. As a result, he chose the second option and faced difficulties in his situation.
Psychological Endurance
Oedipus Rex
Behind the characteristic of stability is always psychological endurance, on which a lot depends. Oedipus is portrayed in the story as a just man who adamantly wants to know the truth and, most importantly, to accept the consequences of his actions. Not every person in real life will act similarly so that the story can be seen as instructive.
Despite fulfilling his prophecy, the man remains responsible and admits his role in placing the curse on his life. Human resilience includes many characteristics, one of which is admitting one’s mistakes and honestly admitting one’s wrongdoings while outstanding, calm, and sane. “Ah God! It was true! All the prophecies!” (Sophocles 300). When Oedipus learned the truth, he exclaimed that everything was true, but the man accepted all the consequences and displayed psychological endurance.
Hamlet
Hamlet’s psychological resilience is demonstrated through his introspection and existential contemplation. His act of avenging his father’s murder was a heavy burden on the man’s conscience, but he could bear it. The psychological stress of circumstances is presented differently for each person, but Hamlet shows stability and indomitability. This main character thinks about how wise a person is, and his philosophical reflections emphasize man’s worldview. After all, in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Hamlet shows steadfastness when he meets his mother, Gertrude. She quickly married his uncle Claudius after her husband’s death.
Despite his deep resentment and pain, Hamlet carefully plans his strategy for exposing Claudius and restoring justice. “The play’s the thing / Wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king.” (Shakespeare, 107). His ability to stay calm and make plans attests to his inner resilience and understanding of the need to act cautiously to achieve a goal. Additionally, his unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth and fighting injustice is evident through his decisive actions that inspire his followers and sustain him with inner strength in his most difficult moments.
Despite all the advantages listed above, Hamlet was experiencing an existential crisis. “O, that this too solid flesh would melt, Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew!”(Shakespeare, 28). Leitzel says, “Other elements of Hamlet’s preferences admit more ambiguity. Does Hamlet have any interest in his continued existence, and does he care about trying to escape any responsibility or negative consequences if he does take revenge?” (65). His resilience was often overshadowed by doubts about whether he was doing the right thing and whether his decisions were good. This character is challenging to describe because he is constantly between two sides of his consciousness.
Comparison of Resilience
Oedipus
Oedipus is a strong man who demonstrates his devotion to truth and justice despite all possible consequences. He is steadfast in his pursuit of the truth, even when the evidence points to his guilt, demonstrating his courage and determination. “But why, why? Wouldn’t a man of judgment say—and wouldn’t he be right—some savage power has brought this down upon my head?” (Sophocles 298).
Hamlet
In contrast, Hamlet, struggling to avenge his father’s murder, demonstrates resilience through philosophical reflection. His character and strategic planning demonstrate the stability of the main character. “To die: to sleep; / No more; and by a sleep to say we end / The heartache and the thousand natural shocks” (Shakespeare 113). Despite his inner turmoil and existential crisis, Hamlet’s actions highlight his steadfast commitment to justice and truth. In conclusion, after analyzing these two main characters, it is worth noting that they cannot compete in more excellent stability because both are worthy contenders for this title and have entirely different life situations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the comparison of Oedipus and Hamlet led to the idea that both heroes show resilience in facing the complexities of fate and various challenges. Oedipus was guided by his desire for truth and justice to face fate with determination. He accepted all problems with responsibility and motivation to solve them. On the other hand, Hamlet’s resilience is portrayed through his contemplative nature and ability to withstand intense psychological stress. Both characters are similar in some ways because of their personalities, but their life situations are very different. Their journeys serve as a timeless testament to the human capacity to endure and persevere in the most challenging circumstances, leaving their mark on the landscape of tragic literature.
Works Cited
Leitzel, Jim. “Hamlet and Rational Choice.” International Advances in Economic Research, vol. 29, 2023, pp. 63-78. Web.
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, Folger Shakespeare Library, 1992.
Sophocles. Oedipus Rex. Translated by Robert Fagles.