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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 4 page essay that contrasts and compares the use of symbolism in Sophocles' Oedipus Rex and Shakespeare's Hamlet. The writer argues that both of these playwrights make their points concerning human nature via their use of imagery and symbolism. Sophocles uses the imagery of sight to dramatically illustrate the problems that Oedipus has with perceiving the truth of his situation. Likewise, Shakespeare uses the symbolic element of poison to convey the corruption that pervades the character of Hamlet's uncle and king and which poisons the mind of the young prince. In both plays, symbolism refers to the issue of incest. No additional sources cited.
Page Count:
4 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khoedham.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
imagery and symbolism. Sophocles uses the imagery of sight to dramatically illustrate the problems that Oedipus has with perceiving the truth of his situation. Likewise, Shakespeare uses the symbolic element
of poison to convey the corruption that pervades the character of Hamlets uncle and king and which poisons the mind of the young prince. In both plays, symbolism refers to
the issue of incest. Throughout Sophocles play, Oedipus fails to recognize the clear signs that he has failed to avoid the dire fate that was foretold for him
by the Delphic Oracle, that he would murder his father and marry his mother. Furthermore, Oedipus also fails to see throughout the play the consequences of his own pride. Had
Oedipus submitted to his fate and the will of the gods, and returned to the family that he thought was his own, he would never have committed the sins of
patricide or incest. But, going back a generation, if his true father Laius had, likewise, not pridefully thought to avoid his faith by murdering his infant son, through the act
of exposure, then Oedipus would not have been found and raised by a different family and would have known the identity of his parents. As this suggests, Oedipus Rex
largely concerns issues of perception. When Oedipus at last learns the truth of his origin and situation, he takes broaches from the body of his dead wife/mother and stabs out
his own eyes. Not only is this a dramatic gesture that reflects the torment and suffering in Oedipus soul, but it underscores Sophocles point that true perception, that is, true
understanding, does not rest in the eyes but in the mind. By the end of the play, after being blinded, Oedipus is already experiencing new insight, awareness and compassion. When
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