The Tragic Hero Revisited: A Comparative Study of Hamlet and Oedipus Rex

Abstract

This research undertakes a comparative analysis of two iconic tragic heroes in Western literature—Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex—to revisit and critically examine the classical concept of the tragic hero as defined by Aristotle. Drawing upon the Aristotelian framework of hamartia (tragic flaw), peripeteia (reversal of fortune), anagnorisis (recognition), and catharsis (emotional cleansing), the study investigates how both protagonists embody and transcend traditional tragic paradigms. While Oedipus is portrayed as a decisive, noble king whose downfall results from an unintentional act rooted in fate, Hamlet emerges as a deeply introspective, hesitant prince whose tragedy is shaped by inner conflict and moral ambiguity. The study explores how cultural and philosophical contexts—the Greek belief in fate versus the Renaissance emphasis on individual agency—shape the trajectory and psychological depth of each character. Through close textual analysis, the paper highlights key similarities such as their royal status, moral complexity, and ultimate downfall, while also emphasizing their differences in dealing with knowledge, action, and responsibility. In doing so, the research not only redefines the tragic hero in a cross-cultural and historical context but also underscores the enduring relevance of these archetypal figures in exploring human suffering, ethical dilemmas, and existential questions. This comparative study reveals how the tragic hero has evolved from a symbol of fate-driven downfall to a vessel of psychological and philosophical exploration, enriching modern interpretations of tragedy.

Keywords: Tragic Hero, Hamlet, Oedipus Rex, Fate, Aristotle