Hardy & Oedipus
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In Thomas Hardy’s The Mayor of Casterbridge and Sophocles’ Oedipus The King we witness the fall of Casterbridge Mayor Michael Henchard and the King of Thebes, Oedipus. The fall of both men is due to hubris. Hubris is an excess of self-confidence and is often given as character quality that most led Julius Caesar to his death. We see in The Mayor of Casterbridge Michael Henchard falls from his high position in society because of his hubris. In Oedipus the King the play opens with Oedipus exhibiting full confidence in his own glory. Both characters will fall from their high positions because of their own actions. Hubris in his business dealings with Farfrae and in his relationships causes Henchard to make mistakes that bring about his fall. In Oedipus the King it is Oedipus’ pride that brings about his fall when he refuses to take the advice of others. We see the elements of classical tragedy in Oedipus the King in evidence in The Mayor of Casterbridge as well. One of the main similarities is the tragic fall from a high place by a man whose character qualities bring about his downfall. This analysis will now explore the similarities of Michael Henchard and Oedipus. A conclusion will address why these works, written centuries apart in distinctly different cultures, illustrate some of the same themes.From a lowly hay-trusser to the owner of the most successful business in Casterbridge, Michael
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ressions much as Oedipus wished to blind himself and go into exile. In a way we see some redemption for Oedipus because of Creon’s merciful treatment of him. We also see this for Henchard when Elizabeth Jane and Farfrae are able to grieve over his death. However, Henchard’s will shows us that he wished to self-impose an exile on himself for eternity similar to Oedipus’ desire that no one ever thinks of him again:
MICHAEL HENCHARD'S WILL
That Elizabeth-Jane Farfrae be not told of my death, or made to grieve on account of me.
& that I be not bury'd in consecrated ground.
& that no sexton be asked to toll the bell.
& that nobody is wished to see my dead body.
& that no murners walk behind me at my funeral.
& that no flours be planted on my grave,
& that no man remember me.
To this I put my name.
MICHAEL HENCHARD
(Hardy 327)
We also see classical tragic elements in both works in the form of the chorus. Not only is there a chorus but there is also an oracle in each story. In Oedipus the King Oedipus disregards the oracle. Likewise, Henchard loses his business and goes bankrupt because of disregarding advice about the harvest. The old man who predicts the weather ac
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Approximate Word count = 1832
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)
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