Compare and contrast the theme of tragedy in relation to “Hedda Gabler”, by Henrik Ibsen, and “Oedipus the King”, by Sophocles.

... English Coursework Compare and contrast the theme of tragedy in relation to "Hedda Gabler", by Henrik Ibsen, and "Oedipus the King", by Sophocles. The plays "Oedipus the King" and "Hedda Gabler" are often seen as an ancient and modern tragedies respectively. However, defining the term 'tragedy' is more complex than it looks. We all know that tragedies, opposed to comedies, don't have a happy ending. In "Hamlet" we see the same thing happening. Most of the characters die in the end, including our tragic hero, Hamlet. This is another important element for a good tragedy. The same happens in "Hedda Gabler", where Hedda, the tragic heroin commits suicide in the end of the play. However, in "Oedipus the King" the events are different, because as far as we know, Oedipus doesn't die, nor is killed, but he does pierce his own eyes out. This represents the tragic end of "Oedipus the

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