Oedipus Rex and “Master Harold” and the Boys are dramatic tragedies that tell the story of two men who, as Kreon would say, “serve [their] own destruction. Although the two works are completely different in plot and setting, they are similar in terms of the irrational decisions made by the main characters. The main characters also share many of the same characteristics which include a false sense of pride, intelligence clouded by irrational decisions, clouded judgment, and shame over one's actions. Although the characters serve their own destruction, it can be argued that the environment shaped the downfalls that occur in each work. Pride is a personality trait that Oedipus and Hally develop in each work that ultimately serves their destruction. Oedipus and Hally are both presented as humble characters who develop a false sense of pride as the story progresses. Oedipus' pride is based on his inability to accept reality, while Hally's pride is based on the social influences that shape his views on humanity. Oedipus demonstrates humility when the Oracle informs him that he is destined to kill his father and marry his mother. Oedipus believes what the Oracle tells him and ultimately sets out on a journey to avoid his fate. Later in the story, he develops a false sense of pride that allows him to deny the truth behind Tiresias' prophecy. Oedipus, on the other hand, interprets Tiresias' prophecy as a threat from Creon and argues that it is because of his “Wealth, power, political art! Royal position, admired everywhere!”. (scene 1, 163-4) Oedipus's language suggests superiority over Creon and Teiresias, and it is in this scene that he demonstrates that the humility he once possessed has disappeared. At the beginning of......middle of the paper......er believes he is smarter and more aware than everyone else he talks to and becomes blind to the truth that was shown when Tiresias explained the prophecy. Oedipus Rex and "Master Harold" and the boys focus on character, judgment, decisions and the relationship between the three. Oedipus and Hally are not “evil” characters, but they become very unlikable characters towards the end of their stories due to poor judgment and poor decision making. The reader roots for each protagonist and is disappointed by their actions throughout their stories. They serve their own destruction in their stories, but they also serve the destruction of their sympathy from the reader's point of view. The tragedy of every play is due to the series of bad choices made by the characters that lead to their undesirable actions. The two men become examples of disappointment and wasted potential.