Character Analysis of Oudipus and Torvald
In this essay I am comparing and contrasting Oedipus from Oedipus the King and Torvald from A dolls house. In the following paragraphs I will explain the roles that each of them played in the plots. Both of these stories are plays and are very similar yet very different. Oedipus is a man of swift action and great insight. At the opening of Oedipus the King, we see that these qualities make him an excellent ruler who anticipates his subjects' needs. When the citizens of Thebes beg him to do something about the plague, for example, Oedipus is one step ahead of them he has already sent Creon to the oracle at Delphi for advice. But later, we see that Oedipus's habit of acting swiftly has a dangerous side. When he tells the story of killing the band of travelers who attempted to shove him off the three-way crossroads, Oedipus shows that he has the capacity to behave rashly. At the beginning of Oedipus the King, Oedipus is hugely confident, and with good reason. He has saved Thebes from the curse of the Sphinx and becomes king virtually overnight. He proclaims his name proudly as though it were
Torvald is very conscious of other people's perceptions of him, and of his standing in the community. When he rejects Nora's request that Krogstad be kept on at the office, Torvald prioritizes his reputation over his wife's desires, explaining that retaining Krogstad would make Torvald "a laughing stock before the entire staff." Torvald further demonstrates his deep need for society's respect in his reaction to Nora's deception. Although he says that Nora has ruined his happiness and will not be allowed to raise the children, he insists that she remain in the house, because his chief concern is saving "the appearance" of their household. Although Torvald assumes the role of strength and power in his relationship with Nora and refers to her as a "girl," it seems that Torvald is truly the more childlike, weaker character. Dr. Rank asks Nora not to allow Torvald into his sick room, and his explanation suggests that Rank feels Helmer must be sheltered like a child from the realities of the world "Helmer is so fastidious, he cannot face up to anything ugly." Furthermore, Torvald reveals himself
Some common words found in the essay are:
Oedipus King, Torvald Helmer, Krogstad Krogstad's, Krogstad Torvald, Tiresias Creon, Nora I've, King Oedipus, Rank Nora, King Torvald, Theseus Oedipus, oedipus king, oedipus colonus, beginning oedipus, creon call, beginning oedipus king,
Approximate Word count = 740
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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