Comparing Oedipus Rex And Beowulf
Uploaded by srheric on Apr 23, 2007
Comparing Oedipus Rex And Beowulf
In both of these stories, “Oedipus Rex” and “Beowulf” there are many various attitudes and representations of fate portrayed. These characters each showed “fate” by their experiences and ways of life throughout the stories. They also showed traits of leadership, dignity, and honor. The characters, “Oedipus” and “ Beowulf”, both show strong leadership qualities but are uniquely different in their ways of life and glory.
The Power of Fate in Oedipus Rex, Oedipus, the fated tragic hero of “Oedipus Rex”, is a complex character that, through slow realization, learns that one cannot escape fate. Throughout the tragedy, Oedipus’s attitude evolves from arrogance to humbleness as he learns to seek the truth and finds that fate is impossible to control. In the beginning of Oedipus Rex, Oedipus is a strong, noble king in search of justice. Oedipus is both arrogant and ignorant of his future misfortune. “With the help of God, we shall be saved,” Oedipus says. However, Oedipus quickly becomes insulted when Teiresias, the blind prophet, accuses Oedipus of being “the pollution of this country.” Teiresias further questions Oedipus, “Who are your father and your mother? The truth of your parents’ curse will remove you from this land someday.” Oedipus becomes enraged with Teiresias and screams “Damnation take you! Out of this place! Out of my sight!” Oedipus does not want to accept the truth, however this was his fate. Fate cannot be predicted or prevented. This was Oedipus’ fate, and this is the “fate” that had to be accepted in his life.
There are also the ideas of fate and courage portrayed throughout the story of Beowulf. The warriors believe that fate controls their lives and their beings. Beowulf, the ultimate hero, shows this trait throughout Grendel's attack and also in his battle with Grendel's mother after her attack on the hall of Heorot. He even tells Unferth, the boastful warrior, of his fate before defeating Grendel, when Beowulf says, "Fate often saves an undoomed man when his courage is good."
Characters allow fate to influence them and how they go about doing things. But is it really fate or peoples will to do what they chose too? In this story, this is an idea that we have to think about. Is fate what brought Beowulf to prevail over Grendal?...