From
what I can gather from the introductory sentences of recent posts, there is a
general consensus of timidity when choosing the more "tragic"
tragedy. My opinion is a bit more biased. My vote would have to go to King Lear for one main reason: I fail to
see what is tragic about Oedipus Rex.
I
do not mean to take away from Oedipus
nor do I intend to offend any fans(it is a renowned literature masterpiece). However,
I decipher the Greek classic as a situational comedy. Much of Oedipus' dialogue
consists of self condemnation. His general lines evolve into more complex self
suicidal conventions such as, "For whoever he was who killed that man
would as soon kill me with that same violent hand"(146-147). Oedipus would not hesitate to kill himself?
Ironically brilliant and funny. Another point of non tragic irony is the concept
of Tiresias. The man is helplessly blind. This is ironic because of Oedipus' ultimate
self body mutilation(which I find hilarious due to my view of Oedipus as a self
righteous hedonist) and comical because of the childish banter between Tiresias
and Oedipus. This argument reveals important plot information, but seems better
suited for a commercial or TV sitcom. Ultimately, Oedipus relies on his
parental fiasco as the source of the play's "tragic" nature. I, however,
fail to see tragedy in this. The shock value of the fiasco is Oedipus' mother
son relationship, a relationship which bears its own sub genre in pornographic
taboo. There are people out there who love this stuff and would immortalize
Oedipus for all the wrong reasons. Oedipus Rex's resolution is also too tame. Coldly,
I could care less about Oedipus and his sisters/daughters getting banished.
It's ironically delightful.
In
contrast to Oedipus, King Lear is a sponge of sentimentality. From start to finish,
Lear's characters serve as relatable and emotional outlets. Unlike Oedipus,
which I felt was monotonous, King Lear was spontaneous and realistic. I
remember feeling bad for Cordelia as she was disowned and discarded(to France
of all places). I recount finding genuine humor upon learning the filthiness of
the Fool. The intrigue I took with every character alone makes the play more
tragic to me than Oedipus. Such is the scene where a blind Gloucester reunites
with Edgar; I wanted them to have a "moment" and they simply didn't.
That's tragic. Another instance is when Cordelia reunites with Lear and Lear suggests,
"If you have poison for me, I will drink it"(4.7-82), in an attempt
for retribution. Literally three scene later the two die within close proximity
and closer love. Beautiful and tragic. The sentimentality I bore with King
Lear's cast is what makes it the greater tragedy for me. If this explanation
proves too cheesy, than the tragedy poll can be determined by hard statistics:
the King Lear body count is 8(?) main
characters compared to Oedipus Rex's
lone "hair trigger" suicide mother/wife. Most kills wins.
PS to Mr. V.- Sorry for the late post.
Memphis had gorgeous weather, smooth alcohol, and fine southern women. It
didn't have wifi.
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