Oedipus Rex And Hamlet Resilience Essay

The Truth of Resilience: The ability to brush off and bounce back no matter the hardships being faced defines resilience. Responsibility, and the ability to overcome, can be defined as traits that are needed for true resilience. In the play, Oedipus Rex, by Sophocles, as well as the play, Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, both protagonists face hardships by the tasks they were given to fulfill. Although, both Oedipus, and Hamlet show resilience, especially in the face of hardships, it is clearly shown that Oedipus truly shows more resilience through his leadership, as he wants to know his truth, while understanding his fate. Whereas Hamlet is constantly overthinking, blames all but himself, and gains emotional distress affecting his coping ability.

In Sophocles' play, Oedipus Rex, Oedipus learns about the prophecies of his fate, and strives to learn about his true origins, as well as the murder of King Lauis. Oedipus states, “I will not be convinced I should not learn/The whole truth of what these facts amount to” (Sophocles 1277-1278). Oedipus will discover his origins at whatever cost. Jocasta, the wife of Oedipus, realizes she is truly the mother of Oedipus, and begs him to stop seeking the truth of his origins, although Oedipus is clearly determined to become aware, as nothing can get in his way from this point on. In addition, Oedipus takes immediate action, while showing his concern once hearing about the plague. Oedipus understands the horrific fate of Thebes, so he swiftly sends Creon to the oracle to learn how the plague can be diminished. “So I have sent away/ my brother-in-law, son of Menoeceus,/Creon, to Pythian Apollo's shrine,/to learn from him what I might do or say/to save our city” (Sophocles 81-85). Oedipus wants what is best for Thebes, instantly creating a possible solution by sending

He is not afraid of asking for help, as he recognizes he may not know a solution to the plague as of yet. Oedipus conveys his resilient nature by showing his commitment to seeking knowledge and solutions towards the plague. Finally, Oedipus demonstrates resilience by accepting his own fate. Oedipus understands, and promises to take full responsibility for his consequences. Oedipus states, “I must obey, although that’s not what I desire” (Sophocles 1789). Oedipus puts the lives of the people of Thebes over his own. He knows the right thing to do is to accept his fate, saving Thebes from any more consequences, putting those consequences on himself. Oedipus accepts the fact that he has done wrong, and does not shy away from any responsibility. Instead, he punishes himself, and insists on facing the consequences. However, Hamlet does the contrary, blaming fate, and Gertrude, rather than taking direct responsibility for his actions. In William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, the protagonist Hamlet, deflects his own responsibilities, as well as failing to take accountability. “A bloody deed, almost as bad, good mother/As kill a king and marry with his brother”