Such plays as Oedipus Rex by Sophocles and A Doll House by Henrik Ibsen illustrate the use of such literary devices as recognition and reversal. In particular, both authors show how characters understand that many of their previous assumptions proved to be completely erroneous. Moreover, the writers include a sudden change of the plot development which is caused by a person’s realization of certain important issues.
To a great extent, this argument is applicable to such characters as Oedipus and Nora. The main issue is that Ibsen uses these techniques to show how the protagonist discovers her inner strengths, while Sophocles applies them to depict the frustration of a person and the destruction of his vanity. This is the main thesis that should be examined more closely.
Both authors describe the way in which the protagonists move from ignorance to awareness. In particular, Oedipus begins to suspect that the prophecy of the oracle could be fulfilled when he learns that Polybus adopted him; furthermore, he discovers that Merope was not his real mother (Sophocles, 2013). Additionally, he discovers that he was Laius’s son. In turn, Nora also experiences the moment of recognition when she learns how selfish her husband Torvald is (Ibsen, 2013). She understands that her husband is not really worthy of her.
Additionally, both writers describe the moment which is known as reversal or a sudden twist in the development of the plot. For instance, Oedipus loses his wife, royal status, and respect of other people. Overall, the main character has to see how vulnerable he is to the forces of fate. The main moral lesson of this play is summarized by the chorus. In particular, one should refer to the following quote,
“Let every man in mankind’s frailty
Consider his last day; and let none
Presume on his good fortune until he find
Life, at his death, a memory without pain” (Sophocles, 2013, p. 750).
In turn, the reversal is also described by Henrik Ibsen who shows how a single conversation prompts Nora to leave her family, even though she previously did everything to protect her husband and children.
However, the protagonists respond to these sudden changes differently. In particular, Oedipus chooses to surrender to the forces of fate. In particular, he wants to be exiled from Corinth. He regards himself as a completely powerless person. Moreover, the protagonist wants to become oblivious of his mistakes; this is why he blinds himself.
Certainly, Nora also chooses to leave her family; however, she feels more self-sufficient. When Torlvald says that she is “a wife and a mother”, Nora responds that she is primarily “a human being” who cannot be controlled by anybody else (Ibsen, 2013, p. 905). The sudden change of her views completely astonishes Torvald.
Moreover, the authors create different versions of the main characters’ future. The protagonist of Sophocles’ play understands that his life came to an end. In contrast, Henrik Ibsen uses them to show that the character finds a new beginning in her life. She discovers new strengths. The readers do not know whether she will be successful, but she will become a self-sufficient individual.
Furthermore, the writers display different attitudes towards the strength of a person’s character. Henrik Ibsen is more optimistic about the ability of a person to shape his/her life. In turn, Sophocles wants to show that even the most intelligent and strong-willed individual can be dependent on fate. So, the worldviews of these authors are very different.
Overall, both playwrights apply recognition and reversal to show how the experiences of a person can change dramatically. Yet, Ibsen uses these techniques to demonstrate how Nora reviews her role in the family. Moreover, she finds the courage to break free from her husband. In contrast, Sophocles applies these literary devices to highlight the fragility of a human being.
Reference List
Ibsen, H. (2013). A Doll House. In J.E. Gardner, B. Lawn, J. Ridl, & P. Shakel. (Eds.), Literature: A portable anthology (850-908). New NY, Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
Sophocles, (2013). Oedipus Rex. In J.E. Gardner, B. Lawn, J. Ridl, & P. Shakel. (Eds.), Literature: A portable anthology (707-750). New NY, Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin’s.