Comparing Guilt In Oedipus Rex And The Kite Runner

A theme that is strongly laced between these pieces are guilt and shame. In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus and Jocasta are overwhelmed with the guilt and shame for breaking the basic rules of moral truths. The disapproval against incest and killing others, especially their own blood relative. “Alas, alas. It’s come out so clearly. Light, let me see the last of you now, surrounded by those I ought to avoid-born from them, living with them, killing them,” (Sophocles, 1211-1214) emphasizing the beginning of guilt that Oedipus deals with. The pain of guilt and shame is enough to lead Jocasta into committing suicide and encouraging Oedipus into blinding himself so viciously. Their fate is so tightly woven that it is impossible to escape the horrid feelings of guilt and shame, “... is there a man more agonized? …show more content…
Not a man on earth, the joy of your life ground to nothing,” (Sophocles, 1311-1680) where despite the attempts to fix their mistakes. For the duration of the novel, The Kite Runner, Amir is plagued by guilt. He feels it in everything he does. Although Amir demonstrates ways he tries to impress his father, he feels as if his hatred for him is too much, and thinks “After all, I had killed his beloved wife, his beautiful princess, hadn’t I?” which gives proof of the guilt he feels for not being what his father wants him to be, “The least I could have done was to have the decency to have turned out a little more like him,” (Hosseini