Hamlets Indecisiveness compared to Oedipus’s Impulsiveness
Tragic hero’s always have flaws which set them apart from the rest of the characters within their respective settings,. In the plays Oedipus Rex by Sophocles and Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the opposing nature of the two characters result in the method of action taken by the two tragic hero’s. It is in Hamlets nature to deeply think, reflect and make certain his reasoning before taking action whereas Oedipus is a more impulsive character whose decision making is very radical, which eventually results in him being unable to see the consequences of his actions, therefore making him a more tragic hero.
The two tragic hero’s have opposing approaches to situations which are displayed …show more content…
First of all, Hamlet separates himself from the rest of the family since he feels that he is alone when defending his true father after Claudius murders him, pushing his friends and family further and further way in order to go through with his actions to gain revenge on Claudius. After meeting the Ghost and learning of the truth of his father’s death, Hamlet says to Horatio and the rest of the guard that, “It fit that we shake hands and part,/ You as your business and desires shall point you./ For every man has business and desire,/ Such as it is – and/ for mine own poor part,/Look you, I 'll go pray.” (Shakespeare 1.5.131-134) Here the Ghost confronts Hamlet and tells him of what happened at the time King Hamlet was murdered, which suddenly opens Hamlets eyes. This realization is so powerful that from this point onwards he begins to isolate himself from the rest of the characters, he lies to Horatio and Marcellus, keeping his motives a secret in order to strike at the correct moment, therefore this secrecy will give him more time to think and go about his methods of gaining revenge on Claudius. Moreover, Hamlet believes that his self responsibilities add to his isolation within the play. In his very first soliloquy Hamlet says, He says in his first soliloquy: “O, that this too too-solid flesh would melt, thaw, and resolve itself into a dew! Or that the Everlasting had not fix’d his canon ‘gainst self-slaughter! God! O God!” (Shakespeare 1.2 129-32). It is evident from this that Hamlet wishes to be dead since it is the easiest way out for him, but he remembers that he must stay alive in order to avenge his father’s death and let his soul rest in peace. This desire creates a more isolated and alone Hamlet
Tragic hero’s always have flaws which set them apart from the rest of the characters within their respective settings,. In the plays Oedipus Rex by Sophocles and Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the opposing nature of the two characters result in the method of action taken by the two tragic hero’s. It is in Hamlets nature to deeply think, reflect and make certain his reasoning before taking action whereas Oedipus is a more impulsive character whose decision making is very radical, which eventually results in him being unable to see the consequences of his actions, therefore making him a more tragic hero.
The two tragic hero’s have opposing approaches to situations which are displayed …show more content…
First of all, Hamlet separates himself from the rest of the family since he feels that he is alone when defending his true father after Claudius murders him, pushing his friends and family further and further way in order to go through with his actions to gain revenge on Claudius. After meeting the Ghost and learning of the truth of his father’s death, Hamlet says to Horatio and the rest of the guard that, “It fit that we shake hands and part,/ You as your business and desires shall point you./ For every man has business and desire,/ Such as it is – and/ for mine own poor part,/Look you, I 'll go pray.” (Shakespeare 1.5.131-134) Here the Ghost confronts Hamlet and tells him of what happened at the time King Hamlet was murdered, which suddenly opens Hamlets eyes. This realization is so powerful that from this point onwards he begins to isolate himself from the rest of the characters, he lies to Horatio and Marcellus, keeping his motives a secret in order to strike at the correct moment, therefore this secrecy will give him more time to think and go about his methods of gaining revenge on Claudius. Moreover, Hamlet believes that his self responsibilities add to his isolation within the play. In his very first soliloquy Hamlet says, He says in his first soliloquy: “O, that this too too-solid flesh would melt, thaw, and resolve itself into a dew! Or that the Everlasting had not fix’d his canon ‘gainst self-slaughter! God! O God!” (Shakespeare 1.2 129-32). It is evident from this that Hamlet wishes to be dead since it is the easiest way out for him, but he remembers that he must stay alive in order to avenge his father’s death and let his soul rest in peace. This desire creates a more isolated and alone Hamlet