Comparing Oedipus and Job Essay - 1021 Words

Classical literature is filled with stories of capricious deities playing with human lives as if they were only toys. The Greek tradition of tragedy is based upon celebrating this very aspect of the nature of the pantheon of Greek gods. Sophocles finds a perfect example of this celebration of fate, in the tragedy Oedipus the King. Conversely, the Story of Job uses the dramatic tension of a wager between God and Satan on the sincerity of Jobs devotion to God. Where Oedipus life, regardless of personal choice, is bound up by fated situations and their fated outcomes, Jobs story is one of choice in the midst of supernaturally imposed difficulties. While both strive to teach resignation to the will of God, they each espouse quite†¦show more content†¦/ Even if I should shroud it all in silence.(321) This expresses a notion of fated beginnings and fated endings. The view of fate the book of Job expresses, though similar in that it originates from God, differs in a few import ant ways. In Job, situations are predetermined to occur, but the personal choices of the people involved determine the outcome of the situation. The story of Job opens with Jobs fate of suffering being planned. Satan presents himself in an audience before God. God makes example of Job, and Satan rebuffs, stating that Jobs constancy is only because of Gods preferential treatment. Satan tells God, But put forth thy hand now and touch all he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.(40). In response, power is given to Satan to torment Job as a test. Jobs life and finally health are viciously mangled and destroyed by Satan. Though Job does not know the reasons behind his great suffering, we are told that In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.(41), and In all this did not Job sin with his lips.(41). Self-pity creeps into Jobs thoughts and words, but there is no disenchanted turn from God. Instead in Job the reader sees a turn to God for relief andShow MoreRel atedComparing Oedipus Rex And Death Of A Salesman By Arthur Miller1255 Words   |  6 Pageswill be comparing the two works such as Oedipus Rex, which is a playwright written by the great Sophocles and another playwright named Death Of A Salesman written by Arthur Miller. c. Through out the years, there has been a lot of controversy on whether or not Death Of A Salesman is considered to be a tragedy, unlike Oedipus Rex which clearly is. d. I feel these two plays can compare in a multitude of ways despite being written in different historical times. II. Body Paragraphs a. In Oedipus Rex, OedipusRead MoreComparing Shakespeare s Oedipus The King And Death Of A Salesman 1738 Words   |  7 Pages COMPARING TRAGEDIES THROUGHOUT TIME By Daniel Konshak What is a tragedy? 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