Heartbreak vs. Shame

      One may characterize King Lear and Oedipus Rex as great tragedies. When comparing the plays’ tragic qualities, similarities are evident. Both plots revolve around family issues that grow into battles, suicides and chaos. Both Lear and Oedipus must live with their shame and the repercussions of their decisions.  

     In King Lear and Oedipus Rex, main characters Lear and Oedipus are challenged by problems within their families. Although Oedipus Rex’s concept of incest is justifiably horrific, the way in which Lear is duped and constantly disappointed produces sympathy. Lear’s three daughters are the source of his distress and heartbreak. In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus discovers he is married to his biological mom and is his father’s murderer.  A sense of gloom initially appears when Lear banishes his youngest daughter from his kingdom and divides his land among his oldest daughters. Lear fails to see that Cordelia has the truest love and Regan and Goneril love him for his money and land. This situation creates a tragic plot when Lear must come to the realization that his two eldest daughters do not care for his well being. The story reaches it’s tragic expectations when Lear’s wicked daughters convince him that he is worthless and he pleads to Regan. Lear says, “Dear daughter, I confess that I am old. Age is unnecessary. On my knees I beg that you’ll vouchsafe me raiment, bed, and food.”

     Oedipus and Lear must watch their actions effects. In the first scene it is revealed that Oedipus has directly caused the town to become “polluted” or in a state of havoc. The chorus describes the city as “the realm as death” and where “generations lie upon the ground spreading death.” This is not something Oedipus would want to be responsible for. Oedipus must also face the reality that his daughters will be cursed for life. He knows that they can never be happy because of him. Because Lear’s choices lead to multiple murders, suicides and his own death it surpasses the sense of tragedy in comparison to Oedipus, who does not die at the end of play. Lear dies a sad, pitiful death after he goes senile. He is heartbroken when his daughter, Cordelia is murdered. He spends his last breaths admiring his daughter, “And my poor fool is hanged. No, no, no life? Do you see this? Look on her. Look her lips. Look there, look there.”

      In Oedipus Rex Oedipus must life with the unimaginable truth about his family. His actions lead to the death of his wife/mother and the curse that is inflicted upon his daughters. Although these are qualities that make a great tragedy, Lear who was once a respected king is abused by his own daughters, banishes the one person who truly cares for him and dies of a broken heart.