A Comparison of Tragedy in Hamlet, The Book of Job, and...

Interpretations of Tragedy in Hamlet, The Book of Job, and Oedipus Rex For ages, man has pondered upon the roots of destiny. Is the outcome of a mans life determined by human qualities and failings, the meddling of a divine power, or simple fate? Shakespeares Hamlet made the argument that tragedy is caused by human folly. The idea that divine intervention is at the root of human suffering is put forth in the Book of Job. In Sophocles Oedipus Rex, fate is given as the root of mans suffering. Three divergent perspectives on the origins of calamity exist within the tragedies Hamlet, Job, and Oedipus Rex. Shakespeares Hamlet enforced the idea that Human suffering is a result of human faults. Hamlet possesses extreme†¦show more content†¦While looking at the corpse, Hamlet said, You poor, reckless, meddling fool, goodbye! / I thought you were the King (Hamlet III.iv.30-31). This act of carelessness led to Poloniuss son, Laertes, to challenge Hamlet to a duel. This duel led to Hamlets death as well as the death of his mother. Hamlets own faults led to his doom, but the faults of others also contributed to Hamlets fate. When Claudius killed Hamlets father, the revenge tragedy was set into motion. Without this singular act of evil, there would be no conflict. Hamlet would have lived a good, peaceful life. The character Polonius had faults that also led to the downfall of Hamlet. When Hamlet heard Polonius behind the curtain he said, What is this? A rat (Hamlet III.iv.24). In a sense Hamlet was correct. Polonius was a rat... an insignificant, conniving creature. In the course of his meddling, Polonius was stabbed to death by the confused Hamlet. Polonius death lead to the duel that took Hamlets life and the life of his beloved mother. Shakespeares Hamlet puts forth the notion that human folly is responsible for human misery, but the Book of Job suggests that God is at the center of a mans misfortune. Job was an upright man, without sin or fault. He was Gods favored, and because of this, was granted wealth a nd progeny beyond the dreams of most mortal men. The story shows how our fate can be quickly turned by the whim of the Almighty.Show MoreRelatedDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesSuzanne Duda Lead Media Project Manager: Denise Vaughn Full-Service Project Management: Sharon Anderson/BookMasters, Inc. Composition: Integra Software Services Printer/Binder: Edwards Brothers Cover Printer: Coral Graphics Text Font: 10/12 Weidemann-Book Credits and acknowledgments borrowed from other sources and reproduced, with permission, in this textbook appear on appropriate page within text. Copyright  © 2011, 2007, 2005, 2002, 1998 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, One