Abstract This essay will explore the scholarly and theatrical application of Freud's "OedipusComplex" to the interpretation of Shakespeare's "Hamlet". It will be argued that while this view of the relationship between Hamlet and Gertrude is not definitive, the plot of the play does nonetheless fulfil many basic features of the "OedipusComplex".
Abstract This article examines Freud's 'OedipusComplex' theory. In this paper, the writer discusses the claims involved in the concept. The writer offers several reasons to doubt the validity of the 'Oedipal Complex', as it ignores many other factors that bear on parent-child relations.
From the Paper "This paper examines the extent to which two claims of Freud concerning the Oedipus Complex may be valid claims. These are the claims that this aspect of a boy's mental life can be considered the greatest achievement of psychoanalysis as well as the foundation of all neuroses. Several reasons are offered to doubt these claims, most of which involve speculations as to the validity of the Oedipus Complex itself. First, it is noted that the Oedipal Complex cannot be remembered by people ... "
Abstract The paper firstly explains the origins of the Oedipuscomplex and then shows how William Shakespeare portrays this in his play "Hamlet". Hamlet's mother, Gertrude, is his Oedipuscomplex. This fits in with the idea of the Oedipuscomplex, where often the mother is the object of the Oedipuscomplex and is in the position of being the greatest importance in a child's life. Hamlet subconsciously feels that he should be the center of Gertrude's affection and this affects his relationships with women and also fuels his motivation for revenge for those that get in the way of this desire. The paper shows how Shakespeare fits in the idea of Oedipuscomplex in his play: Hamlet greatly disapproves of his mother's remarriage, his mother shows her undying love for him, Hamlet has extremely strong feelings towards his mother and how he repels other women, especially one who reminds him of his mother. The paper concludes that the Oedipuscomplex that exists during Shakespeare's time continues to exist today.
From the Paper "The Oedipus Complex originated from Sophocles' tragedy, Oedipus Rex. In the tragedy, an oracle prophesizes that the son born to Liaus, the King of Thebes, and his queen Jocasta, will kill his father and marry his mother. Liaus, after the birth of his son Oedipus, abandons him and leaves him to die. Oedipus, however, lives and the prophecy comes true. Oedipus grows up and unknowingly murders his father. He then marries Jocasta, not knowing that she is his mother, and together, they have four children. When Oedipus discovers the horrifying truth about his mother and his father, he gauges his eyes out and lives the rest of his life in great depression. Freud defines the Oedipus Complex as "the unconscious desire for the death of the parent of the same sex and for physical union with the parent of the opposite sex" (Wertheimer 133). A man suffering from the Oedipus Complex has sexual desires for his mother and aggressive feelings towards his father. In Shakespeare's Hamlet, Hamlet shows the Oedipus Complex throughout the play and his mother, Gertrude, is the object of this complex. Hamlet demonstrates the Oedipus Complex through his actions and desires towards his mother, which, as a result, affects his relationship with women and Ophelia and becomes the main motivation for revenge."
Abstract This paper shows how the Oedipuscomplex theory can be applied to Hamlet, the main character of "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare and the issues that he faces concerning his mother and girlfriend. The paper shows that the intense rage that Hamlet projects onto Queen Gertrude (his mother), Ophelia (his girlfriend) and women in general compiles this version of Oedipuscomplex triangle. Hamlet finds himself strangely drawn to the act of matricide whether or not he blatantly expresses it, because he partially blames his mother for the circumstances leading up to his father's death, although he has a strange sexual affinity towards her. The paper describes how Hamlet releases his frustration about his father's death indirectly on Ophelia while raising to the surface strong undercurrents of an Oedipal complex with Gertrude as its center.
From the Paper "According to psychoanalysis, a male child's dual view of his mother as the Madonna and the whore (her relationship with the father) is not abnormal. Men have a preoccupation with virginity as well as an urge to engage in dirty activities with the whore. Unfortunately, Hamlet fails to detangle the complicated web he has mentally and emotionally intertwined them in, and he ends up causing them to incur mental and physical damage. His feelings about Polonius? death have much to do with using Ophelia as a vehicle for him to feel as though he forced the same agony of grief upon his mother that he had to endure when his father died."
This paper examines Sigmund Freud's original theories regarding the OedipusComplex, while also pondering whether or not these same theories have evolved to adapt to the 21st century.
Abstract This paper analyzes Freud's fascination with the Sophocles' story "Oedipus the King" while also delving into the plot and main characters depicted in the classic Greek tragedy. The writer contends and explains why few people today are aware of the actual origins relating to Freud's OedipusComplex. This paper details the manner in which the famed psychoanalyst recognized that the story of King Oedipus paralleled in both a literal and figurative sense his theories relating to early childhood development in which a young child falls in love with his or her opposite sex parent.
From the Paper "Without Sophocles's play, of course, there would be no term like "Oedipus Complex", to describe today's best-known stage of early childhood development. However, Freud's theory is also very far from the story of Oedipus and his unfortunate fate, as told by Sophocles. Therefore, to think of King Oedipus only in terms of the Oedipus Complex of Freudian fame, is to seriously distort what we know of Oedipus through Sophocles' play. Be that as it may, however, the name "Oedipus" today is recognized much more as part of the term "Oedipus Complex" than as a tragedy by Sophocles. Toward that result, Freud took considerable (psychological) license with the original Oedipus story when he wrote, in 1940 (An outline of psychoanalysis. The ignorance of Oedipus is a legitimate representation of the unconscious state into which, for adults, the whole [early childhood development experience] has fallen; and the coercive power of the oracle [i.e., fate, in today's terms] . . . a recognition of the inevitability of the fate which has condemned every son to live through the Oedipus complex."
Abstract This paper analyzes the story of "Oedipus Rex" by looking at the movie by Pier Paolo Pasolini and the original Greek play by Sophocles. It highlights and explains the reasons for the discrepancies between the movie and the play. The writer discusses irony which is a constant theme that runs throughout both the play and the movie. The writer also looks at the psychoanalytic concept introduced by Freud - the "OedipusComplex" and its importance in the story. The writer concludes that even though Pasolini adds a epilogue to the end of his version of the story, the audience leaves with the same feeling from both works of art.
From the Paper "In Pasolini's 1967 film adaptation of "Oedipus the King", the filmmaker mostly stays faithful to the main plot of the story. The differences in the movie, "Oedipus Rex" and the play "Oedipus the King" mostly have to do with the way the story is presented visually and a few tweaks with theme. Sophocles used far more dialogue in his version of the story. That was an important aspect of the ancient Grecian plays. In the movie, Pasolini is able to use more modern set designs, scenery, and facial expression to tell the storyIn Pasolini's 1967 film adaptation of "Oedipus the King", the filmmaker mostly stays faithful to the main plot of the story. The differences in the movie, "Oedipus Rex" and the play "Oedipus the King" mostly have to do with the way the story is presented visually and a few tweaks with theme. Sophocles used far more dialogue in his version of the story. That was an important aspect of the ancient Grecian plays. In the movie, Pasolini is able to use more modern set designs, scenery, and facial expression to tell the story."
Abstract This paper analyzes Hamlet's incestuous attraction to his mother, Gertrude, in relation to the OedipusComplex. The paper provides textual evidence as well as interpretation. Through a review of the play, the writer illustrates the background to Hamlet's behavior and explains his insanity which is incited by his subconscious sexual desires.
From the Paper "Hamlet's Oedipal feelings toward his mother caused him to have an incestuous attraction to her and an intense feeling of rivalry towards Claudius. The Oedipus Complex is a Freudian term designating attraction on the part of the child toward the parent of the opposite sex and rivalry and hostility toward the parent of its own (The Columbia Encyclopedia). Typical characteristics of this complex include jealousy and anger towards the parent of the same sex, and a subconscious desire towards the parent of the opposite sex. While most of the urges are repressed by early childhood, extreme circumstances can bring them to the surface in the later stages of life. In Hamlet's case, it took the murder of his father to draw out his incestuous instincts."
Abstract The author states Oedipus is one of the most famous names in Greek mythology. He believes that Oedipus was not an unwitting victim but rather had a clear hand in his own demise. Although the author thinks that one might curse the stars, he finds that the sense of doom ultimately has its origination in the nature of the human character. In this paper the author also explains why he feels that the term 'Oedipuscomplex' is an inappropriate reading of the play.
From the Paper "The "back story" the play provides to the opening image is also indicative of Oedipus? arrogance as well. Oedipus? first dialogue with his brother-in-law reveals that the plague has its roots in the murder of the original King of Thebes, Laius. Oedipus reacts with horror to this news. But as the prophet Tiresias later says, "So, / you mock my blindness" Let me tell you this. / You with your previous eyes, you"re blind to the corruption of your life, / to the house you live in, those you live with"who are your parents? (Lines 468-470)."
Abstract This paper explains that, in Shakespeare's "Hamlet", Hamlet and Ophelia's relationship is a complex one, forming and developing as results of death, love, obedience and an Oedipuscomplex. The author points out that there are many similarities between Ophelia and Gertrude; Hamlet's love and sudden dependence on Ophelia may be an attempt to get closer to his mother as a result of the Oedipuscomplex. The paper concludes that, even in death, Ophelia has a large part in Hamlet's life because Hamlet's death was ultimately caused by Ophelia's death when the graveyard scene, in which Hamlet proclamation, "I loved Ophelia", leads to his fatal duel with Laertes.
From the Paper ""One fair daughter and no more,/The which he loved passing well," Hamlet sings at Polonius, mocking his supposed love for his daughter. Hamlet also calls him "Jephthah, judge of Israel." As told in Judges 11, Jephthah promises God that if he wins in battle he will sacrifice whatever comes out of the doors of his house when he returns. After he wins the battle, his only daughter hears of his victory and comes out to meet him. He keeps his promise to God. Hamlet's implication is that Polonius, like Jephthah, will sacrifice Ophelia for his own advantage."
Abstract This paper discusses how "Oedipus the King" ("Oedipus Tyrannus"), by Sophocles, which is set in the remoteness of ancient Greece and has come down to us in the form of a tragic myth, was allegedly inspired by true events and actual characters. It examines how the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, referred to this play continually in his "Poetics", pointing out features of the ideal tragic poem, and in the later years of the 19th century, Sigmund Freud adapted this myth as the basis for one of his most controversial psychoanalytic interpretations, namely, the "Oedipal Complex."
From the Paper "In the case of Aristotle, Oedipus the King was interpreted not only as a powerful myth but also as a source of what defines true tragedy. For Aristotle, this connoted "an imitation of an action, not of narrative, that is serious and complete and through pity and fear, the proper purgation of these emotions is effected" (Martin 136). Thus, the central character of a tragedy like Oedipus the King must emote some sense of being virtuous despite having feelings of pity and fear for his eventual downfall which creates in the reader or the viewer a kind of outrage. Also, such a character cannot revel in evilness; he must be one "who is not outstanding in virtue nor full of righteousness but through a fatal flaw (hamartia) meets his end" (Woodard 178)."
Abstract The paper explains Freud's structural theory about the id, ego and superego, their interaction and how equilibrium between them is necessary for a human to grow normally. The paper then explains Freud's psychosexual stages of development and outlines the oral, anal, phallic, latency and genital stages. Finally, the paper shows how Freud's OedipusComplex must also be resolved in order for a person to develop healthfully.
Outline:
The Structural Theory of Psychological Development
The Psychosexual Stages of Development
The OedipusComplex as a Determining Factor in Personality
From the Paper "Sigmund Freud was undoubtedly one of the most controversial psychologists of the 20th century. His psychoanalysis theory deeply influenced developmental psychology during the 1910s to 1940s, and his theory of psychoanalysis--personality structure, dynamics, psychosexual development, mechanism, and psychotherapy technique was really accepted and favored at the time. However, he did have critics. Not only did psychologists of opposing theories greatly doubt his theory, but also some of his followers countered part of Freud's theory and established different theories that in general are called neo-psychoanalytic theories (Perlman, 1980)."
Abstract The writer discusses the irony in Oedipus' life as seen in the play. The paper explains that when Oedipus was born, there was a prophecy that said he would kill his father and marry his mother, and while Oedipus goes to great lengths to avoid this fate, it is exactly what happens to him. The writer states that Oedipus is not an intentional villain and is, in fact, an honorable man. The paper explains that Oedipus wishes he was never born when he finds out that the plague brought down upon his people is caused by his unwitting incestuous relationship with his mother. The writer states that Freud coined the term, The OedipusComplex - a fixation a son may suffer when he subconsciously wants to destroy his father so that he can have his own mother. In summation, the paper notes Freud's concept that there must be something which makes a voice within us ready to recognize the compelling force of destiny.
From the Paper "Upon reaching adulthood, Oedipus learns of the terrible prophecy. Assuming that this applies to Polybos and Merope, the only parents Oedipus had ever loved, he flees Corinth and wanders around Greece. During his journey he meets a group of travelers and kills an old man who, unknown to him, is King Laius. The death was truly ironic, as Oedipus could not expect this man to be his own father. He thought he had saved his father King Polybos by leaving Corinth.
"Later Oedipus arrives at Thebes and confronts the Sphinx, a monster who guarded the city gates. When Oedipus correctly solves the riddle asked by the Sphinx, he is crowned king of Thebes and marries the recently widowed queen, Jocasta. Needless to say, the romance is ironic. Oedipus and Jocasta did not expect to commit incest. In fact, they have four children.
"As the king of Thebes, Oedipus rules successfully. Soon, however, a mysterious plague sweeps the city. The sacred oracles warn that the gods will remove the blight only if Laius' murderer is revealed. Oedipus takes it upon himself to find the killer:"
Abstract This paper explores and contrasts Aristotle's interpretation of Oedipus? tragic tale as the unjust subjugation of fate where Oedipus? choice led him to his downfall. On the other hand while in interpreting Oedipus, Sigmund Freud indicated that ignorance of the sub-consciousness was the result of Oedipus condition and thus Freud's is a mere presentation of the realization of consciousness and the resulting self inflicted punishment by the male lead, Oedipus.
From the Paper ?Hence it could be interpreted that Sophocles seems to think that wisdom is the main culprit for the many choices that Oedipus made. But of core justice is wisdom about human affairs and the difficulty that Oedipus faced when he realized he had committed incest he served justice himself by blinding himself. Yet one see that this was done after a tedious and long quest for the truth because Oedipus still clung on the notion that he could benefit from the situation. However, in the end he was overcome by his own inner sense of justice which served him equity for the sins he committed, for the time he ignored to take any kind of initiative for the acts of fate he experienced.?
Tags:complexity, human, mind, scholars, literary?, work, predecessors, myths, literature
Abstract This paper uses outside critical sources to point out areas within "Hamlet" that liken the main character, Hamlet, to Sophocles' Oedipus. This comparison is made by exploring his relationship to his mother. Also, throughout the paper not only is Hamlet's OedipusComplex being explored but so are the effects of its presence in Shakespeare's play.
From the Paper "Hamlet a play written by William Shakespeare is the tragic story of a prince from Denmark by the same name. Hamlet as a young adult has had to deal with the sudden death of his father at the hands of his uncle Claudius, unbeknownst to everyone but himself, and his mother's swift marriage to the same uncle. One can easily see how either one of these events can cause distress in a young man's life. However, in Hamlet's case, "distress" does not even begin to describe how he feels. Not only is Hamlet coming to terms with his father's murder and mother's remarriage he is seemingly madly in love with Ophelia and also dealing with strong sexual feelings for his mother which have been repressed. Many critics have likened Hamlet to Sophocles' Oedipus in this respect and claim that it is this, as Freud calls it "oedipal complex" that feeds into Hamlet's ravenous hunger for revenge towards his uncle and causes him to feign madness and even turn on Ophelia, causing her own emotional breakdown and suicide."
Abstract A brief review of the character of Oedipus Rex, focusing on his major flaws which ultimately lead to the tragic ending. The writer begins by exploring what Oedipus is forced to know about himself, despite his efforts to avoid the truth. The paper compares the role of Oedipus to that of other similar tragic heroes from the Greek literary period, all high-born characters whose fate creates the lesson to be learned by the audience.
From the Paper "The Greek maxim "know thyself" seems clear, but in fact it may involve enormous complications both in following and even in understanding when set against other values also held in high esteem. The primary conflict in Oedipus Rex is internal and takes place in the character of Oedipus as he fights against recognizing the truth until he is forced to do so. Everything that occurs has been foretold, and yet Oedipus has not recognized that his actions will lead to the consequences the gods have warned will occur."
