Tawfiq Al-Hakim’s king Oedipus and Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex : a comparative study

Other Title(s)

مسرحية توفيق الحكيم الملك أوديب و مسرحية سوفكليس أوديب ملكا : دراسة مقارنة

Dissertant

Muhammad, Isra Jamil

Thesis advisor

Yusuf, Tawfiq Ibrahim

Comitee Members

al-Sadun, Sabbar Sultan
al-Musa, Nidal Musa

University

Middle East University

Faculty

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of English

University Country

Jordan

Degree

Master

Degree Date

2015

English Abstract

This thesis introduces a comparative study between Tawfiq Al-Hakim’s King Oedipus and Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex.

It examines the similarities and the differences between the two plays with a view to finding out how the Arab playwright was influenced by the ancient Greek dramatist Sophocles and the extent to which Al-Hakim was able to reproduce the classical play in a new version that reflects Arab-Muslim culture.

Adopting the techniques and methods of comparative literature and the cultural studies approach, the study explores the two works from the perspectives of plot, character, theme, structure, culture, and worldview.

The study has shown the basic differences between the two writers’ depiction of their major and minor characters as well as their scenic divisions of the plot, the major conflicts and general outlook.

.

Though Sophocles’ hero is primarily concerned with public issues, Al-Hakim’s hero seems to be more interested in familial and personal matters.

Al-Hakim portrays a different Tiresias and reduces the role of the chorus.

Although the conflict in the original play centers on the conflict between Man and the gods, the conflict in the new play is focused on the clash between Truth and Reality.

Furthermore, the treatment of God and the gods is markedly different to fit Al-Hakim’s attempt to abide by Arab-Muslim traditions.

Main Subjects

Languages & Comparative Literature

No. of Pages

77

Table of Contents

• APA
• MLA
• AMA

Language

English

Data Type

Arab Theses

Record ID

BIM-692586