THE THEME OF FATE IN OEDIPUS REX AND THE STORY OF AJĀTASHATRU
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Abstract
Although Oedipus Rex and the story of King Ajātashatru have been studied for their plot similarities, they have primarily been interpreted from a content perspective, while textual distinctions often yield clear results only from a structural standpoint. Applying Buddhist criticism through a system of three specialized methods – typology, structural analysis, and cultural – historical analysis – this paper examines the theme of fate in the Greek play (Oedipus Rex) and the story of King Ajātashatru in the Buddhist tradition to explain the interesting intersections of fate and certain comparisons from a structural plot perspective. The research results show that Eudipe’s plot is more complex, while Ajātashatru’s story is clearer in its cause – and – effect relationship; thus, the concept of fate is illuminated through two distinct yet similar thought traditions. These research findings can serve as a reference for comparative structural studies. This is significant as part of the curriculum for Western Literature and Buddhist Literature courses at universities and colleges specializing in Literature and Buddhism throughout Vietnam.
Keywords
Ajātashatru, Buddhist criticism, fate, narrative structure, Oedipus Rex
Article Details
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