Paradox and Tragedy in Dennis Lehane’s Shutter Island and Seneca’s Oedipus Rex: A Comparative Study

Ms Sanjana Kundaliya,Dr M S Saritha

doi:10.24113/ijellh.v9i10.11194

Abstract

The stratagem of employing paradoxical scenario in any form of artistic expression has been a timeless creative scheme. A very famous example of paradox may be seen within Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, with the titular character’s pursuit of truth and goodwill leading to his own tragic downfall. Similarly, tragic expression has been at the centre of humans’ outlet for cathartic release. Thus, both paradox and tragedy tend to emerge in different ways in works of literature. The present study is focussed on recognizing and exploring the traces of commonalities of paradox and tragic elements between Oedipus Rex and Shutter Island(2003),by the renowned crime and mystery novelist, Dennis Lehane by considering the heroes in both narratives and the situations that their character attributes incite. The authors in both cases assign character attributes of a traditional tragic hero which constantly inform their actions, thereby creating an inevitable journey of personal downfall. The moments of anagnorisis are imbued with intense guilt and grief as both the protagonists realize that they themselves are the cause for their problems.

Highlights

The beginning of the narrative aims to establish that Teddy Daniels is the protagonist and a “hero-figure” with all the necessary and archetypal character attributes customary for such a depiction; while Chuck Aule is the loyal comrade and confidante or the “side-kick” who constantly praises his astute skills and provides comic relief
As the narrative reaches its moment of climax, the entire scenario as presented by the protagonist collapses or rather upends as it is revealed that Teddy Daniels is in truth, Andrew Laeddis, the former being his alter-ego; while Chuck Aule is the illusive Dr Sheehan
The resultant situation in both Shutter Island and Oedipus Rex, instigated through the tragic-hero traits discussed previously, there arises a state of paradox and inevitability

Summary

Introduction

Island(2003),by the renowned crime and mystery novelist, Dennis Lehane by considering the heroes in both narratives and the situations that their character attributes incite. There is a sense of an archetypal foundation in Lehane’s execution of the twist-ending and characterization in his 2003 psychological mystery novel, Shutter Island.

Results

Conclusion