Examples Of Oedipus Complex In Hamlet

In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, we see Hamlet as a very enigmatic, complex character; therefore, he is a highly analyzed character. Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, introduced the Oedipal complex, in which he theorizes that unconsciously, there is a sexual desire of all children for their parent, and view their other parent enviously and as rivals. Hamlet regards Claudius, Hamlet’s father’s brother, with utmost disgust, for having Hamlet’s father, King Hamlet, killed and taking King Hamlet’s wife and Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude as his own wife. Hamlet is extremely sensitive with regard to his mother and Claudius and their romantic, sexual, and as Hamlet calls it, “incestuous” relationship. Through Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet often articulates what’s on his mind, which leads us questioning the way he views his relationship with his mother. Leading up to the bedroom scene Hamlet has with Gertrude, Hamlet seems to hide his emotions. But in the Act 3 Scene 4, we see his emotions that have been bottled up explode. In more ways than one throughout the book, we see Hamlet as a prime example of the Oedipal complex. …show more content…
(Shakespeare 185). He urges his mother Gertrude to remain chaste. He describes the way his uncle, Claudius would engage with her, sexually. This grotesque description of Gertrude and Claudius’ interactions makes the reader question Hamlet and his view of his relationship with his mother. Any son would feel very uncomfortable describing his mother’s intimate interactions, but Hamlet describes them in great detail. Hamlet clearly shows resentment towards his mother’s sexual life while showing interest and jealousy towards his uncle