However, again, the difference is that Oedipus acted impulsively in a state of rage, whereas Macbeth committed acts of violence and murder as a result of careful scheming which he determined would result in his own personal gain. Certainly both characters are tragic figures. The murder of his father and marriage of his mother on the part of Oedipus qualify him as a tragic character, for the prophecies which were expressed before Oedipus even was born showed that his actions were inevitable. The efforts of his parents to avoid tragedy were of no avail against the will of the gods. In the case of Macbeth, the witches' prophecies show that the same godly forces were at work in determining the awful fate of the main character.
Throughout the movie, Eastwood portrays how revenge and the irrational actions of others ultimately contribute to the death of an innocent man through the use of imagery. Due to the unfortunate events of Dave and Jimmy’s youth, both characters struggle to make logical decisions in dealing with difficult obstacles. In a film comment by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, the critics argue that the kidnapping and rape of young Dave and Jimmy’s past troubles as a convicted felon, foreshadow how “Jimmy’s wrongful vengeance” is the act of “a kingly father” (Paul Arthur 44). Eastwood portrays Jimmy’s character as a defensive man who is trying to run away from his past reputation, where Dave is seen as a sensitive victim of his horrific sexual torture. After young Dave escapes from further sexual abuse by two sadistic men posing as cops, he
Sophocles makes liberal use of irony throughout his play Oedipus the King. One could say that Oedipus existence is ironic, his fate, killing his father and marrying his mother. Sophocles creates situations in which dramatic, verbal, and tragic irony play key roles in the demise of Oedipus. Dramatic irony is prevalent in the play Oedipus the King by Sophocles, translated by Raul Roche. Throughout the play Sophocles introduces situations in which the audience and readers understand what is going to happen to Oedipus.
The purpose of seeing and blindness being a major theme in this play is to show the readers or watchers that the truth may be right in front of their eyes, and they still may not fully be able to see what’s right in front of them. When Oedipus learns of the prophecy of him killing his father and marrying his mother, he is blinded to the fact that Polybos and Merope are not his real parents. As he runs away from Corinth and goes to Thebes, he is blind to the fact the man in which he killed where the three roads meet was indeed his father. He then solves the riddle to prove he can be King, marry the Queen, which would unknowingly to him, be his mother Iokaste. The fortune teller Teiresias who comes to Thebes and reveals to Oedipus he indeed did kill his father and marry his mother, is himself blind.
For example, he is responsible for the death of Mercutio, which causes a vengeful spark to rise in Romeo. After Tybalt stabs Mercutio he turns to Romeo and says, “I am hurt. A plague on both your houses” (121). Tybalt killing Mercutio is one of the actions that lead up to the death of Romeo and Juliet. Tybalt had no reason for fighting with him.
A reaction to news like that could consist of almost anything. Although in Prince Hamlet’s case, he learns of his father’s murder from his father himself, “Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder, Murder? Murder most foul, as in the best it is; But this most foul, strange, and unnatural” (I,V, 30-33). Hamlet is told to avenge the murder of his father by the ghost of King Hamlet. Although he simply plans to put on an anti-disposition and eventually kill whom he believes to be the murderer of his father, Claudius.
For example, when Oidipous talks to Jokasta to find out more about Liaus, the facts only create more suspicion. Oidipous’s initial intention of clearing up the possibility of the prophecy being true, only raises more questions. Moreover, when the messenger delivers news to Oidipous about the natural death of his “Corinthian” parents the plot is further reversed. Lastly, when Oidipous is informed that he was given up as an infant and killed his own father at the road fork, he comes to a realization that his sin is so great that the whole city of Thebes is being punished. Against all odds Oidipous has fulfilled the prophecy and recognizes his hamartia -ignorance.
When he heard Apollo’s prophecy, he could have calmly investigated the murder of King Laius, but in his hastiness, he cursed the murder, and in so, cursing himself. “I pray that that man’s life be consumed in evil and wretchedness. And as for me, this curse applies no less” (Sophocles 13). Oedipus’ desire to know the truth about Laius’ murder and the mystery surrounding his birth, led Oedipus to his realization of his doings. Although multiple people tried to stop him from pursuing the truth, he is unable to.
As we can see through Shakespeare’s writing, power cannot produce happiness nor satisfaction. In Macbeths pursuit of power his wife, Lady Macbeth pushes him into killing King Duncan. Right before Macbeth kills him he has already begun his guilt ridden kingship. This is illustrated when he sees “A dagger of the mind…” which is the creation of the
Hamlet first learns from the ghost of his father that his death was actually a murder . Even though he swears to avenge his father, indecision overcomes Hamlet and he has to test the king’s sincerity. When the king’s true ambition is revealed to Hamlet, he affirms his choice to take violent action against the king. However, Hamlet would only kill the king once he caught him in the act of doing something villainous. At the end of the play, Hamlet learns that the king was to blame for poisoning the blade.