Resilience is not what happens to you. It's how you react to, respond to, and recover from what happens to you." Jeffrev Gitomer. William Shakespeare's Hamlet and Sophocles Oedipus Rex, present two characters who endure many hardships in their quest for the truth. While both have the ability to overcome difficult situations, Hamlet demonstrates more resilience than Oedipus Rex in his persistence to uncover the truth, in his ability to endure emotional grief, and in his determination to avenge his father's death. Hamlet's ability to remain strategic in stressful situations demonstrates his strong mental resilience, allowing him to uncover the truth. When the king's ghost tells Hamlet that it was Claudius who killed him, he is initially shocked …show more content…
Follow my mother” (Shakespeare, 5.2.338). This quote highlights the final act of justice against Claudius as Hamlet forces him to drink the poisoned cup that killed his mother. The theme of revenge is present as Hamlet achieves his goal to avenge his father’s murder and resolves the main conflict in the play. Throughout the play, Hamlet overcomes many obstacles, demonstrating his unyielding resilience. Not only is he able to flee the ship to England where Claudius planned to have him executed, but he also accepts a duel from Laretes, who blames him for the deaths of his father and sister. By agreeing to fight Laertes, Hamlet does not shy away from opportunities that might bring him closer to his ultimate goal of killing Claudius. When Gertrude dies after accidentally drinking the poisoned wine and Hamlet is struck by the poisoned sword, he uses his last minutes on earth to ensure that Claudius gets what he deserves. Hamlet forces Claudius to reveal the truth of his actions to the court before finally stabbing him with the poisoned sword. Even with death looming, Hamlet has a clear sense of purpose, which keeps him focused and resilient. In fact, before he dies, Hamlet restores order to the kingdom of Denmark by requesting that Fortinbras be