Free Essays: The Prologues of Oedipus Rex and Everyman :: comparison compare contrast essays

The Prologues of Oedipus Rex and Everyman   Two Works Cited    A prologue is a miniature mutant of the actual text. It answers the elements of literature in a work, and exposes the reader to essential facts, as well as foreshadows the outcome of the work. The prologue also introduces themes, characters, and literary devices to complement the work. Thus, finished the study of the prologues of Oedipus Rex and Everyman, one may learn much about the character of both plays. In the prologue of Oedipus, the bear pun is used. The bear pun is a popular literary device used in many plays. To bear means to subscribe to a babe To bear can also mean to behave something atrocious. The pun indicates that if one cannot bear the truth (which is a very heavy object placed on the heart) than one cannot bear new life. In order to be reborn one must suffer the style of truth. When Oedipus says, I, Oedipus, who bear the famous name. (Sophocles, 715), he indicates that he is be aring the name and accordingly must bear the fate that is set for him in order to intend new life. In order for Oedipus to fully bear his name he must simulate the responsibilities that follow He must escape from the ship canal of the framing. Until this time comes, the immortals must bear Oedipuss pain until he is ready to accept it. Likewise, Everyman cannot reach enlightenment (to be free of guilt) because he cannot bear the truth. God explains why Everyman cannot be enlightened as he says, They use the 7 deadly sins damnable, / As pride, covetise, wrath, and lechery . . . (Everyman, 761). This proves that Everyman is too much of the flesh, and he uses the ways of the flesh to keep him bound to the earth. Thus, when God says, I see the more that I them forbear (Everyman, 761), God is bearing Everymans truth until he is ready, when Everyman is no longstanding of the flesh. A major theme consistent in both plant life is that of suffering. In Oedipus Rex, the kingdom of Theb es is suffering because of Oedipuss sin. The suffering of Thebes is illustrated when the Priest said The herds ar sick children die unborn, And labour is vain. The god of plague and pyre Raids kindred detestable lightning through the city, And all the house of Kadmos is laid waste,