Tragedy In Oedipus And A Doll's House

There is a certain formula that most tragic stories follow. The hero or heroine is usually in a position of comfort and ease that gives them a false sense of security - that bad things only happen to other people. However, it is this assurance, or arrogant mindset, that leads them to think that they are above tragedy’s reach. In thinking so, they inevitably make wrong decisions that lead to their own downfall. Each handle their life crisis in their own unique way naturally. In a similar fashion, though both Oedipus and Nora fall down the path of tragedy even though they each take different approaches.
A tragic hero is usually one of high status, a person with royal association, who somehow is brought down due to their own terrible error or misjudgement, or known in literary terms as hubris. In the famous Greek tragedy Oedipus the King, Oedipus’ flaw is his ignorance to interpret the prophecy, ultimately leading him to excruciating suffering. In A Doll House, Ibsen illustrates how Nora’s tragic downfall was caused by her loyalty, regardless of good intention, the result is the same. During the 19th century, the marriage standards were much more traditional and conservative than they are today. …show more content…
In doing this, he not only blinds himself physically but symbolically blinds himself emotionally of all the horribles sins he has done. Through his violent actions of self-infliction, Oedipus experiences his catharsis.With his lack of sight, he does not have to look at the world and be reminded of all the deeds he has fulfilled.
Whether it is a classic tragedy or modern one, the concept of fate is introduced into the story. In that, no matter how one chooses to react, fate still happens. Some, like Oedipus, decide to re-write their own destiny, only to see it fulfilled. Others, like Nora, in doing the best she could, thinking its the right thing to do, just gave up at the end. She accepted her