The most telling sign of an individual is how they deal with obstacles. Whether it be a cancer patient giving up on life after the diagnosis or choosing to fight and hoping for the best, our decisions in the face of adversity are what ultimately define us as individuals. In the realm of literature, few characters embody such resilience as vividly as Hamlet from William Shakespeare's "Hamlet” and Oedipus from Sophocles' "Oedipus the King." Each play revolves around incredible adversity and the subsequent reactions of the protagonists to these life-changing events. Both characters face extraordinary challenges, but whose resilience shines brighter through the darkness of each story? It is evidently shown that Oedipus, despite facing a more predetermined
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“But the hand that stabbed my eyes was mine alone. In my wretched life, why should I have eyes when there is nothing sweet for me to see?” (Sophocles 58). This act of blinding signifies Oedipus' acceptance of the truth and his willingness to suffer as a result of his actions. His response showcases his resilience in accepting his consequences and facing his fate with courage and bravery. Hamlet’s response is characterized by indecision and internal conflict. Although Hamlet is strong in his ability to endure the challenges and obstacles he faces during the play, including his father’s death, the betrayal by his uncle, the visitation by the ghost of his father, and the loss of Ophelia, he struggles with doubts and uncertainties, which prevent him from making decisive actions. This tendency to overthink leads to delays and missed opportunities for revenge. Hamlet’s response to the challenges he is being faced with resembles his struggles and inability to act …show more content…
“And I pray whoever the man is who did this crime, one unknown person acting on his own or with companions, the worst of agonies will wear out his wretched life.” (Sophocles 10). He does not hesitate in his determination to uncover the truth about the murder of his father and the cause of the plague, even when it becomes clear that he is the reason behind the city’s suffering. Oedipus’ ability to endure adversity is evident through his determination and commitment to solving this mystery, regardless of what it will cost. While Hamlet is faced with significant challenges, including avenging his father’s murder, he is set back by his hesitation and overthinking. “Now might I do it, now he is praying.” (Shakespeare, Act 3, Scene 3). He struggles throughout the whole play with doubts and uncertainties, causing him to delay his actions. His inability to endure adversity is evident through his procrastination and missed opportunities to avenge his father’s murder, highlighting his limits and lack of
“But the hand that stabbed my eyes was mine alone. In my wretched life, why should I have eyes when there is nothing sweet for me to see?” (Sophocles 58). This act of blinding signifies Oedipus' acceptance of the truth and his willingness to suffer as a result of his actions. His response showcases his resilience in accepting his consequences and facing his fate with courage and bravery. Hamlet’s response is characterized by indecision and internal conflict. Although Hamlet is strong in his ability to endure the challenges and obstacles he faces during the play, including his father’s death, the betrayal by his uncle, the visitation by the ghost of his father, and the loss of Ophelia, he struggles with doubts and uncertainties, which prevent him from making decisive actions. This tendency to overthink leads to delays and missed opportunities for revenge. Hamlet’s response to the challenges he is being faced with resembles his struggles and inability to act …show more content…
“And I pray whoever the man is who did this crime, one unknown person acting on his own or with companions, the worst of agonies will wear out his wretched life.” (Sophocles 10). He does not hesitate in his determination to uncover the truth about the murder of his father and the cause of the plague, even when it becomes clear that he is the reason behind the city’s suffering. Oedipus’ ability to endure adversity is evident through his determination and commitment to solving this mystery, regardless of what it will cost. While Hamlet is faced with significant challenges, including avenging his father’s murder, he is set back by his hesitation and overthinking. “Now might I do it, now he is praying.” (Shakespeare, Act 3, Scene 3). He struggles throughout the whole play with doubts and uncertainties, causing him to delay his actions. His inability to endure adversity is evident through his procrastination and missed opportunities to avenge his father’s murder, highlighting his limits and lack of