Comparative Analysis: Exiles, Hamlet, and Oedipus the King Drama Essay

This essay undertakes a comparative analysis of three seminal dramatic works: James Joyce's 'Exiles', William Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', and Sophocles' 'Oedipus the King'. The essay begins by exploring 'Exiles', focusing on the theme of doubt in intimate relationships and the inner conflicts of the characters, highlighting the play's autobiographical elements and the complexities of the relationships between the characters. It then delves into 'Hamlet', examining Shakespeare's use of irony, particularly the dramatic irony surrounding Hamlet's quest for revenge, and the character's internal struggles. Finally, the essay turns to 'Oedipus the King', analyzing the play's use of irony, especially the irony of blindness, and the theme of predestination. The essay explores the contrasting roles of saviors and the tragic outcomes that befall the characters. Through a close reading of each play, the essay provides a comprehensive overview of the dramatic techniques and thematic concerns present in these literary masterpieces.

Running Head: DRAMA ESSAY
Drama Essay
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author’s Note

1DRAMA ESSAY
Exiles- James Joyce
James Joyce is one of the most influential writers of the twentieth century who
popularized the modernist avant-garde yet the play Exiles is a deviation from the representative
writings. Exiles represent the theme of doubt in the intimate relationship and the inner conflict of
the characters. The battle of the characters to acknowledge their internal dilemma and to accept
the feelings is depicted by Joyce in his dealings of the characters and their intimate relationship.
Exiles are partially autobiographical as the protagonist has also returned from exile with
his wife and Joyce has written the play during his stay in his exile period. The complicated
relationship between the protagonist and his wife Bertha shows the absurd complication in the
society and the absurdity which rises from the incapability to gain clarity on their own feelings
(Joyce). The conflict of the play also shows in Beatrice’s relationship with Robert when they
engage in a ‘passionate kiss’ and yet on questioning whether she loves him or not she turns to an
uncertain answer ‘I like you…you are a good man’. This shows the uncertainty in the
relationship of Robert and Bertha and the marital life and the readers gets the clear picture of
their inner turmoil when Richard leaves Bertha and Robert alone as he did not want to impose
himself between them (Joyce).
The play starts with the foreshadowing imagery of the weather being wet signifying the
uncertain future which will arise in their life. The mention of rain also underlines the sufferings
they will experience in their own relationship.
Hamlet- William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is one of his best work and is representative of his staunch
adherence to Greek dramatist’s instinct for irony. The irony of hope and suffering juxtaposed in

2DRAMA ESSAY
the character of Hamlet whose entire existence is double faced where he faces Ophelia after he
murders her father and talks of love and acceptance. This gives the drama a sharp turn towards
the uncertainty of character which he struggles to deal with his entire life (Shakespeare).
Hamlet’s existence revolves around the revenge to be extracted upon his uncle Claudius for
killing his father and taking his place.
The dramatic irony of the drama is reflected in the fall of Queen Gertrude when she fails
to understand the warning by Claudius not to drink as it meant for Hamlet. The way Gertrude has
been fraudulent towards her own son and has conspired with Polonius in her effort to reveal his
real intention and the reason why he has been acting like a crazy person. Even though we see
Gertrude involved in the murder of her husband she is killed by the hand of the person she has
committed the crime and has yet tried to kill her own son (Shakespeare). The relationship
between Hamlet and Claudius is also always overshadowed by irony when Claudius is shown to
act unknown to the fact why his son (step-son) still in mourning is when he has already had a
father in him.
Oedipus the King- Sophocles
Oedipus the King is also known as Oedipus Rex is an Athenian classic tragedy first
performed in 429 BC. The play was inspired by the Oedipus mythology and the readers are
already aware of the tragic ending of the drama. The most significant literary device which is
evident in the play is that of the irony of blindness which is shown with the help of the blind
prophet who can see with more clarity than Oedipus himself, who though is gifted with the
blessing of eyesight lacks in the vision and clarity which emerges from the uncertainty within
him (Sophocles).

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Irony present in the drama gives the sense of predestination which is validated by the
actions of Oedipus who does not understand the implication s which will befall him in the course
of action (Sophocles). The readers can see the ignorance on the part of Oedipus but the blatant
display of the knowingness characteristics is again the short come which acts ironically as he
tells the people Thebes about the fact that he was already aware of their suffering but has let
them come to him to let them get the feeling of pleading and praying it can be answered.
The contradictory position of the saviors in the play is also ironic as every time a savior
arises to save, they are shown to be destructive in another way. Oedipus himself is the savior of
the city from the plague but later turns to be the tyrannical ruler who himself proves to be a
plague for the people.

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Works-Cited
Sophocles. "Oedipus The King." Slps.org. N.p., 2019. Web. 13 Dec. 2019.
Joyce, James. "Exiles." Jfj-art.com. N.p., 2019. Web. 13 Dec. 2019.
Shakespeare, William. W3.org. N.p., 2019. Web. 13 Dec. 2019.