Comparing Oedipus Rex And A View From The Bridge

There lies juxtaposition between the Oedipus Rex and A View from the Bridge. Albeit following the styles of different tragedies, Greek and modern, both stories’ protagonists confront misfortune that is caused by similar reasons: flaws, misleading actions or even fate, and unconsciousness of the leading characters. These factors all later incline poignant ending of the tragedies. Flaws of the protagonists are the crucial elements that progress the stories. Indeed, Oedipus is cursed by Pelops – whose daughter is raped by Oedipus’s father, Laius. The curse played an important role in developing the tragic end because in Greek tragedy, magical power is very influential. The set-up that Oedipus does not know who his real parents are can be another flaw that said character can have, as he murders Laius during his journey to Thebes so as to avoid his destiny. In comparison, Eddie Carbone also possesses flaws that eventually lead to his death. His lust towards Catherine is one good example of them, as this immoral impulse later takes control of him and intensifies conflicts among families: predominantly between him and the others.

For instance, it is Oedipus who chose to travel not to other regions but Thebes where his real parents were governing; in consequence, he argues and kills the King of Thebes during the adventure which he could have avoided from happening. And Oedipus, after acquiring the throne, could possibly marry not his own mother but other women. It can be extrapolated that his actions, perhaps due to the curse, eventually brought the tragic outcome. Eddie Carbone brings up the misfortune in a similar way; he becomes insane on account of his excessive love towards his niece. One who called the Immigration Bureau to capture Marco and Rodolpho is Eddie because of Rodolpho, who, from Eddie’s point of view, steals Catherine and is