Neither Oedipus nor Hamlet was the direct cause of his troubles.

Although you may never meet them, and although you may not tread the soil of God’s green earth at the same time, many believe it to be a scientific fact every one of us has a twin. These people believe that in some way, we are all connected as twins. Upon presenting their theory, these individuals must have been confronted with hitches and hurdles. From chuckling and chortling to snickering and sneering, one can only imagine the response these scientists must have received!

Upon hearing the stories of Oedipus and Hamlet, our eighth period English class reacted much like the scientists’ audience. We began with a prince by the name of Hamlet. The quote, “with great power, comes great responsibility” comes to mind.

As a scholar, Hamlet questioned and analyzed everything set before him. It was no surprise that when presented with the murder of his father, Hamlet acted with extreme caution. He knew it was his duty to avenge his father’s murder, both as a prince, and as a son. In no way could he have prepared himself for such an arduous task. This is why I believe Hamlet was a victim of his circumstance.

Hamlet did not provoke the murderer of his father nor influence the course of events that spurred such shocking circumstances; however, being analytical, his best quality, made it more difficult to reach his goal.

In the same way, Prince Oedipus is faced with an indubitable fate. From childhood, this young prince was cursed, but destiny never gave up. Again, having such fervent love for his father, Oedipus did the unthinkable- he gave up everything he had ever known to save the life of the man whom he thought to be his father.

Once again, it was the protagonists’ best quality that made him vulnerable to his circumstances.

Oedipus never sought to mistreat, much less murder his father, but fate would have it no other way.

Both of these protagonists have many difference and similarities. Their differences range from motive to the method, which they reacted to their circumstances.

Oedipus doesn’t kill to avenge anyone; he kills… well… because some men were in his way? Whereas Hamlet kills to seek justice for an indiscretion committed against he and his family- the honor, which defined his name.

Hamlet fought for a father he knew; a father whom he had shared new experiences and memories with. This was not a life Oedipus was familiar with, that is with his birth father.