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Throughout the centuries, literature has always tried to analyze the conflict between fate and free will. These notions always contradict each other and seem almost incompatible. To be more exact, we should say that the very ability of human beings to cope with overwhelming forces has always been a subject of philosophical and literary debate.
The main task of our essay is to compare two entirely different plays, which represent entirely different epochs. The aim to be achieved is to analyze the ways in which two protagonists try to cope with some higher forces. It is also of the utmost importance to discuss the attitude of two authors towards the very notion of the overwhelming force.
The first play that we are going to discuss is “Oedipus the King,” which is considered to be one of the brightest examples of ancient Greek dramaturgy. The plot of this play written by Sophocles is based on the myth of Oedipus. The main character unwillingly and unknowingly kills his father and consequently marries his mother. It is worth mentioning that the oracle foretells that such tragedy will befall Oedipus, he tries to avert this disaster, but in spite of all his attempts, the prophecy comes true. This is a rough representation of the plot.
Oedipus is very often perceived as a puppet in the hands of a puppeteer, or it would be better to say some greater force. The main character seems to be unable to change the course of their actions. At first glance, such a point of view may seem quite rational especially judging from the plot development. However, if we look at this problem from a different angle, we can say that the oracle just predicts the events but not forces them to happen (Meyer, 123). There is a curious paradox: if the main characters had not tried to change the course of action, none of these events would have happened. Moreover, some choices are made only by Oedipus, and we cannot say that he is the victim of circumstances. For instance, it is he who chooses to take Jocasta as his wife; besides, nobody makes Oedipus kill his father.
As far as the play “Proof” by David Auburn is concerned, we can say that the main character Catherine also struggles against an overwhelming force. Nevertheless, her case is a very special one. She is a daughter of a famous mathematician who has recently deceased. The trouble is that the mental disorders Robert, Catherine’s father, had been transferred to his daughter. However, not only this, but Catherine also inherits her fathers incredible talent. The main character is constantly struggling with mathematical genius and mental illness. She is trying to make people believe that she is the author of the proof which she found among Roberts papers. However, people who surround her have serious doubts as to her sanity. This pushes Catherine into a state of apathy. Catherines family background makes her the victim of stereotyping and incredulity.
Thus, it is quite possible for us to arrive at the conclusion that the problem of fate or rather conquering some insuperable force has always attracted many writers. In these two plays, the authors try to show how a human being struggles against something which he cannot change.
Bibliography
Michael Meyer. “The Bedford Introduction to Literature”. Palgrave, 2005.
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