Introduction
Resilience is a characteristic that enables one to face adversity without losing hope or optimism, thereby overcoming all obstacles. In literature, such a characteristic is one of the pillars that help demonstrate the inner strength of the characters. For example, Oedipus, the protagonist in Sophocles’ play Oedipus Rex, was gifted with resilience that later determined his fate.
Another character that is claimed to have resilience is Hamlet, from William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. Nevertheless, the two men share more differences than similarities due to varying perceptions and attitudes to life-changing moments. Although both Oedipus and Hamlet face challenges on their paths, Oedipus demonstrates much more resilience due to the protagonist’s unwavering determination, decisive action, and humility.
Unwavering Determination
Determination is one of the pillars of resilience, emphasizing the strength of character. However, Hamlet’s determination throughout the play is not consistent. Although at the beginning of the play, he is determined to exact revenge and murder Claudius, who killed his father and became the new king, by the end, the reader sees the weakness of the character. Hamlet becomes a madman who is hesitant to pursue his initial goals. As he mentioned when considering the murder of Claudius, “O, this is hire and salary, not revenge” (Shakespeare line 75). This shows that Hamlet seeks excuses not to pursue revenge and looks for ways to justify his new views.
Meanwhile, Oedipus possesses an inherent determination that helps him confront his fate. In one scene, the prophet Tiresias supports the prophecy that the king will kill his father, marry his mother, and have children with her. When talking to the king, the prophet claims, “the murderer you’re looking for is you!” (Sophocles, line 360). However, unlike Hamlet, the king refuses to accept such a fate and is only determined to find the absolute truth. Although the truth ultimately leads Oedipus to exile, it still demonstrates the king’s strength.
Decisive Action
Another quality that significantly contributes to resilience is the ability to make informed decisions. As seen in the play, Hamlet is somewhat unpredictable and indecisive in his actions. While first pretending to be mad, the character then actually becomes mentally ill, which leads to chaos around him. As Hamlet claims, “I am but mad north-north-west” (Shakespeare line 194). As a result, Hamlet acknowledges that he has issues, but he is unwilling to change anything. This demonstrates his decision to remain miserable, as if he were enjoying it.
In contrast, Oedipus exhibits more decisiveness than Hamlet, despite also struggling with self-hatred. When learning the truth about his path, Oedipus chooses to blind himself. As the character exclaims, “O light-the last I’ll ever see, I stand exposed, / all wrong in parents, those with whom / I lived and him I murdered, wrong, all wrong!” (Sophocles line 1180). The king’s act of self-mutilation is a symbol of taking control over his fate and making a decision to punish himself for being blind to the truth all this time. Thus, while both Hamlet and Oedipus experience agony due to life challenges, Oedipus is more determined to make significant decisions.
Humility
Lastly, besides determination and decisiveness, humility is another pillar of resilience. Being able to recognize one’s own mistakes and weaknesses is essential, and, unfortunately, Hamlet is ignorant of this. The protagonist is blind to his own imperfections and instead demonstrates arrogance by pretending to be the victim trapped in the vicious circle of trauma. Being overwhelmed and seeking ways for vengeance, the young man believes he is destined for greatness, overlooking the consequences of his actions. This is evident in Hamlet, where the ghost follows and then demands Gertrude leave Claudius, exclaiming, “Have you eyes?” (Shakespeare, line 68). This shows not only the impulsivity of character but his recklessness.
Meanwhile, Oedipus reaches the highest level of humility but becomes self-aware, unlike Hamlet, who wallows in self-pity. After becoming frustrated with his fate and wrongdoings, Oedipus admits his failures and claims, “I’m the one the gods detest!” (Sophocles line 1518). The protagonist understands that he has sinned and feels guilty, demonstrating a desire to bring about change and repent. Therefore, by exiling himself, Oedipus gains some level of peace and justice.
Conclusion
Hence, although both Oedipus and Hamlet endure hurdles on their paths, Oedipus exhibits significantly greater resilience due to the protagonist’s unrelenting determination, decisive action, and humility. First, determination is one of the cornerstones of resilience, highlighting the power of character. In contrast to Hamlet, Oedipus denies such a destiny and is merely committed to learning the genuine truth. Although the truth eventually sends Oedipus into exile, it nevertheless illustrates the king’s strength.
Another trait that greatly enhances resilience is the capacity to make well-informed decisions. While both Hamlet and Oedipus experience pain due to life obstacles, Oedipus is more motivated to make meaningful choices. Lastly, besides determination and decisiveness, humility is another cornerstone of resilience. Being able to acknowledge one’s own flaws and weaknesses is crucial, yet, unfortunately, Hamlet is oblivious to this. Unlike Hamlet, Oedipus receives a sense of peace and justice by exiling himself.
Works Cited
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Translated by Harold Bloom, Yale University Press, 2003.
Sophocles. Oedipus Rex. Translated by David Mulroy, University of Wisconsin Press, 2011.