Bryan McDonald     

7/11/2008     

Revisiting Tragedies

            Literature in general varies with its author. More so than with authors, it varies with time period. Genres, styles, mechanics and language have changed over the centuries. That said, Tragedy has remained unchanged in many aspects. Yet we find the manner in which things are considered tragic quite different. However several poets have successfully captured these tragic elements in more modern venues. It is often the presence of such universal staples that allow works of literature to translate in to a more modern arena.

            Specifically, war as an event, marks a situation in which literature can be updated an translated in to the fashion of modern culture. Agamemnon  and The Homecoming each present a soldier coming home from war and the events that follow. The reader can see how easily this can adapt to more modern situations.  The Homecoming, entails a soldier returning from war. Unfortunately, in each play, there is not quite the welcome the two soldiers would have expected. Each receive cold-hearted welcomes by their wives. The reader can assume that trouble will follow given the dissatisfaction. In Agamemnon’s case, some of Clytemnestra’s distain lies with the arrival of Cassandra, and the sacrifice of Iphigenia. Whereas Christine seems more concerned with the affection of Brant. Each hero is not quite returning to the home they would have liked. Yet one seems more at fault than the other. Agamemnon’s first encounter with his wife was an awkward one. Rightfully so considering he brought another woman (concubine) home to his kingdom. However, The Homecoming focuses more around Christine’s infidelity. One character seems to be doomed by way of his own actions, Agamemnon killed his daughter and cheated. While the other seems to be a victim because Christine always despised Ezra and sought freedom. Obviously the concept of war presents a wide canvas more updating tragedy. Certainly either plot might be adapted to any of the present worldly conflicts. However, despite the notion Greek Tragedy reigns supreme, I find The Homecoming to encompass more circumstances that are essentially tragic. Ezra’s marriage is now merely a formality, but attempts reconciliation. While away at war his wife is cheating with Ezra’s son. Lavinia, his daughter, radiates eerie Oedipal emotions for her father. In the end he is poisoned for the sake of personal freedom. Agamemnon was slain for multiple reasons including his infidelity, and excessive pride.

            Another classic update of tragedy includes Oedipus Rex and Hamlet. The former represents the very basis for Oedipal conflicts in literature, and Hamlet marks perhaps the most discussed notion of Oedipal conflicts (not to mention it is a regarded as one of Shakespeare’s greatest). The central elements that connects these two works is a son’s quest to assume his father’s power. In Oedipus we see a man whom came to assume a vacant throne. Although Hamlet did not murder his father , nor inherit any power. Their paths to the throne differ greatly. Oedipus seems to draw the more pitiful responses when considering his lack of choices in his life. Despite his own decisions, fate led him to patricide and incest. However, Hamlets quest for the throne seemed to be more about avenging his father and/or pursuing his mother. The shocking factor here is that Hamlet does this knowingly in contrast to predestination and Oedipus. Moreover, we see A greater internal struggle develop with Hamlet as he considers his own fate and that of the kingdom. It is only upon the realization of his faults that Oedipus can internalize what has transpired. Immediately Jocasta commits suicide, and Oedipus follows by blinding himself.  In contrast the level of tragedy differs in Hamlet. It seems as though, despite the numerous deaths, things seemingly come to rest at the close of the play. While Fortinbras has invaded, Hamlet has named him heir to the thrown. Additionally, Fortinbras chooses to honor Hamlet in death. Surely this is not  the tragic nature we have come to be familiar with.

            One could argue that although Oedipus Rex is the blueprint for Oedipal based plays, Hamlet displays a level of both internal and external conflict far beyond Oedipus Rex. Yet Oedipus presents elements far more terrible and pitiful than Hamlet. Agamemnon presents the murder by an enraged wife/mother, while The Homecoming tells of an unhappy wife and daughter. Each presents its own tragic elements but have been modified and varied with time. It is important to examine with each the cultures and reference to time that makes each a more appropriate tragedy.