The characters of Oedipus and Hamlet share the story of tragedy and misfortune. However, the comparison of the characters and circumstances portrays Oedipus as a better example of a tragic hero. Oedipus is closely relevant to the definitions of Nicholas Delbanco and Alan Cheuse. The story of Oedipus depicts that he remains unaware of the innate flaws that are taking him on the path of destruction and demise. He is unable to see the unforeseeable mistake taking him to his self-deterioration. The scene in the play justifies his role as a tragic hero when he is informed about his fate. His vows in the play to search for the killer of his father represent the intensity of his tragedy.
Though Hamlet also plays a tragic hero, the role of fate is less visible as he makes a choice. His act of killing the murderer of his father reflects his weakness, as revenge remains the prominent force of motivation. Oedipus, on the other hand, fits the role of a tragic hero as he leaves home to avoid prophecy, but fate brings him back. The role of fate shows his inability to escape the prophecy. His status as a tragic hero becomes more prominent in his pursuit of the murderer.
Oedipus fits the definition of a tragic hero as he is unable to identify the mistake apparent in his decision to marry his mother. Hamlet thinks about the adversities of his actions but fails to exhibit control, making the role of fate less significant. In Oedipus, the character’s curiosity takes him towards his downfall, which is visible in his eagerness to find the murderer of his father. In the case of Oedipus, his destruction is the result of judgmental errors. In the scene when he cross-examines the shepherds and Jocastas begging to quit investigations, Theban shepherd explains the tragedy.
