Tragedy is of Those Who Cannot Control Their Destiny

When comparing the texts, King Lear by William Shakespeare and Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, one may find difficulty in his or her conclusion as to which “tragedy” is most tragic. Each story contains multiple similarities. Both Oedipus and Lear suffer physical ailments and family conflict. While both characters fulfill the prerequisites for tragic heroes, after observing Oedipus and Lear’s lives, the reader may conclude due to Oedipus’ fate, he is indeed more tragic than King Lear. King Lear must confront the perceived mistreatment of his daughters; however, he brought it upon himself. Had it not been for his demanding personality, he would not be affected by their actions. When Regan asks, “What need one?” (II.IV.304) in regards to the servants she was taking away from him, Lear exaggerated his woes. Lear made it seem as though he could not live without numerous servants. The reader may at first read this and feel sorry for Lear feeling his daughters are making radical decisions due to Lear’s tantrum. However, when one examines the situation further, he or she will realize, perhaps his daughters are trying to humble him and ultimately see Lear as a spoiled, corrupt ruler. Oedipus’ outcome was not under his control. His was destined by faith to live a tragic life, while King Lear brought about some of his tragedies. Had it not been for Oedipus’ mother’s choice of giving him away as a child, perhaps he would have discovered a tactic to use to work around his set destiny. Oedipus could not control his future of murdering his father and having an affair with his mother. Had it not been for his parents and his peers secrecy in his upbringing, perhaps he would have avoided Laius’ death; he was unaware it was his father. Oedipus suffers from a loss of family life and longing for an answer to his most sought out question: who murdered Laius? One of the most tragic things of all is he is the answer to his question. The tragedy of Oedipus’ situation made him feel overwhelmed which lead to his ultimate personal downfall. The pressure of his life forced him to gauge out his own eyes. Perhaps this pain was minute compared to the emotional pain he felt. He then commands Creon to, “Cast me immediately from this land, somewhere I can avoid all mortal speech” (60). As a result of the burdens in his life, Oedipus felt there was no reason for him to further his position as ruler and requested Creon to put him in exile. To further the tragedy of this story, the reader learns the misfortune does not end with Oedipus’ life. His daughters inherit his fate. “Such taunts you will hear, and then who will marry you? There is no one, my children, but surely you must die untilled and unmarried” (62). Oedipus proclaims to his daughters their sorrowful future, leaving them to feel hopeless similar to their father. Oedipus Rex is, without a doubt, a greater tragedy than that of King Lear. King Lear’s childish demands and irrational behavior led to his own downfall, while Oedipus could not control his outcome. One should feel more sorry for those who have no control over their issues. Oedipus’ life was tragic at birth, perhaps before then. The most tragic aspect of all is his children must suffer the consequences of his father’s misfortune for the rest of their lives. That is something to lament over.