Characters enhance the storyline of a story in literature in a crucial way. People do this through their deeds, behaviors, connections, and other facets of personality. Furthermore, within the framework of a plot, their mannerisms characterize who they are. In “Oedipus Tyrannus” by Sophocles, the events of Oedipus the King take the form of a psychological whodunit, a political thriller, a murder mystery, and a political thriller. Sophocles highlights the irony of a man desperate to find, uncover, and prosecute an assassin who happens to be himself throughout this mythological tale of patricide and incest. Consequently, in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” Hamlet is depressed, resentful, and cynical. He is angry at his uncle’s cunning plans and disgusted over his mother’s sexuality. Hamlet is a contemplative and intelligent young man who attended the University of Wittenberg. He is occasionally prone to reckless and impetuous actions. Therefore, this essay discusses the character development technique of Oedipus and Hamlet. Additionally, the essay will discuss cultural representations from which the stories originate.
Oedipus is developed as an individual who is prideful and driven. Oedipus is a lousy leader who is arrogant and rude. Even though he claimed in the first few paragraphs that he had freed Thebes from the curse of the Sphinx, his unwarranted display of hubris ultimately backfired. In the first line, he declares, “Here I am myself, you all know me, the world knows my fame” (Harianti 43) He believes that he is in a position of great importance. Additionally, he is proud that others would need him, even if he is aware of their need. Oedipus’ feeling of arrogance shouldn’t have been a kingly quality, and it ultimately leads to his downfall.
Consequently, Hamlet’s doubtful and self-reflective characterization is evident in the story. The main character, Hamlet, is the one who is most apprehensive about his future. No one, not even his mother, seems trustworthy in his eyes. Hamlet wrestles with himself and challenges his values in the play. He wants to exact justice for his father, who was murdered by an unknown assassin. In addition, Hamlet is concerned about killing the wrong person by accident. Because he does not immediately believe the Ghost, Prince is dubious about whether Claudius is a murderer. Therefore, he decides to examine the matter and establish Claudius’ guilt. Hamlet ultimately ensures that Claudius is a real killer.
Additionally, the prince does not want to do anything wrong, like murdering his uncle without proof that he was his father’s killer. He is, therefore, inclined to think it through and come up with proper evidence before making any decisions. On the other hand, Oedipus is inclined to act and not think. Sophocles suggests that, albeit implicitly, Oedipus was likely essentially irresponsible in attitude and temperament. Oedipus is said to have had plenty of chances to make wiser decisions, but due to his uncouth character, he chooses to ignore the possibilities in front of him. Despite having no convincing proof, Alexander grew persuaded that Teiresias and Creon were planning to usurp his kingship; this led him to insult the seer, who at the moment committed a despicable deed because he let fury control him.
The inner life of Oedipus is defined to be struggling. He must contend with his internal conflict and identity, which is a crucial issue. His character continuously evolves as the play progresses. Oedipus goes over boundaries that his family and subjects ask him to stay away from, even though he appears terrified and uncertain of himself on the one hand. The audience is forced to ponder a critical issue due to Oedipus’ duality: Who is he? Tiresias, while blind, can see quite clearly that Oedipus cannot recognize who he is because he does not know the truth. The idea that Sophocles presents is crucial to Oedipus’ transformation. He makes it quite evident that realizing one’s identity requires facing reality, no matter how disgusting it may be.
In addition, the psychological unhappiness of the play’s title character, Hamlet, is the source of the play’s internal struggle. As a result of his internal division over his mother’s betrayal of his father, which is an endless source of anxiety for him, Hamlet appears to be postponing his retribution. Hamlet’s inner obsession is mainly with his mother’s and uncle’s relationship. In the first sentence, he utters, “a little more kin and less than kind” (Shakespeare 65). Hamlet finds it difficult to accept the idea that his mother would desert his father. Because of his unresolved sentiments towards his mother and his oedipal resentment towards his father, Hamlet is troubled by his father’s betrayal.
Stories reflecting a society’s culture and ideals have been a historical tendency. According to Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” Gertrude might be highly sexual, lusty, two-faced, and caring. Ophelia, on the other hand, frequently talks and is discussed. Ophelia is viewed as a symbol of righteousness and innocence, as per her father, Polonius. In her father’s eyes, she should only be regarded as an obedient, responsible, and loyal servant. Her depiction of Hamlet is much different. He calls her “two-faced” and views her as a whore and a sexual object (Shakespeare 112). Ophelia was always constrained by these two expectations and was never allowed to make her judgments. One can tell from Gertrude and Ophelia’s traits that women in the 1600s were stigmatized and subjected to unattainable ideals while being repeatedly humiliated. It becomes clear that a work of literature’s culture of origin profoundly influences the composition. Shakespeare’s Hamlet demonstrates how women were portrayed in early 1600s English society. The drama depicts how women were seen in Danish society.
On the other hand, “Oedipus Tyrannus” is a representation of Greek culture. In Oedipus the King, we observe an extremely anthropocentric culture in which each individual is concerned with improving their lot in life. Even God cannot give authority to man. Oedipus aspired to be revered in society almost on par with the status of a deity. This anthropocentric perspective is still prevalent in our culture today.
In conclusion, the back and forth, the drive, and the repulsion of conflict are part of what makes the drama so compelling. Without conflict, a piece of dramatic literature lacks the motion or flow that enables the narration to build to a climax and elicit an enthusiastic response from the audience or reader. “Oedipus Tyrannus” and “Hamlet” characterizations differ based on the protagonist’s approach. Given the discussion, Oedipus is shallow, more generalized, inclined to act without thinking, prideful, and driven. On the other hand, Hamlet is deep, more specific, ready to consider, doubtful, and self-reflective. Additionally, the two mythological stories depicted the cultural background of the origin of the plays.
Works Cited
Harianti, Dwi. An Analysis of Character Educational Values in Oedipus Rex; A Play by Sophocles. Diss. Universitas Mataram, 2018.
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet (No Fear Shakespeare). Spark, 2018.