Some of the many comparisons of Oedipus and Macbeth are that both plays were written from two of the greatest play writers of all time, Sophocles and Shakespeare. Even though both plays were written centuries apart, both are very similar in themes, fate, characters, relationships with wives, and tragic downfall of the main character. Both plays give a good lesson in irony and morals. .
A prophecy is a similar theme in both plays, Oedipus was born with a prophecy from the Greek gods that he would kill his father and marry is mother. The three witches in Macbeth prophesize that he will be king of Scotland. The witches are not specific on how Macbeth will become king, and Macbeth did not bother to ask. Macbeth wants to be king so he accepts his prophecy. On the other hand, Oedipus tries to change his prophecy by leaving his home and parents (who adopted him as a baby) and ironically ends back up at Thebes, his real hometown. On the way he ends up murdering his father who turns out to be the king of Thebes.
Tragic irony is another similar theme in both plays. Oedipus is persistent in finding the murderer of King Laius. In his persistence he finds out the truth, he murdered Laius. Bits and pieces of information given to him start coming together and he finds out that his prophecy and come back to haunt him. Macbeth starts off a strong warrior wanted to better himself, but then as his power rises, his morals and himself diminish to nothing. .
Oedipus and Macbeth are very similar in character, both wanted to be king, and both killed the current king to get their title. Oedipus is a very headstrong man and no one is going to tell him what to do. Others do what Oedipus says, or they die. When men would not move in a crossroad to Thebes, Oedipus killed them. Macbeth is the same way; he does and takes what he wants. Macbeth wanted to be king so he killed and took it from Duncan. After both of the king's murders, Oedipus and Macbeth were given the title of king.
