Oedipus Complex Essay

In the scope of the Freudian theory of psychology, the Oedipus complex is a sexual desire of involvement with the parent of the opposite sex while having an associated rivalry with the parent of the same sex. The name derives from Oedipus, King of Thebes in Ancient greek mythology. Oedipus was born into the Theban royal family, abandoned, and unknowingly adopted by the Corinthian Royal Family. Upon hearing the Oracle of Delphi’s tell him that he was fated to slay his father and marry his mother, he decides never to return to Corinth (while still not knowing that they are his adoptive parents). On his way to Thebes, Oedipus kills his father and then marries the widowed queen (his mother). Oedipus and his mother have four children; when the truth comes out, the queen kills herself and Oedipus blinds himself and goes into exile. Freud …show more content…
Hamlet’s first soliloquy shows great insight to his inner thoughts and torment relating towards his mother. Hamlet states “Had left the flushing in her galled eyes, / She married. O, most wicked speed, to post/With such dexterity to incestuious Sheets!/ It is not, nor cannot come to good./But break my heart, for I must hold my tongue”(Shakespeare 1.2.158-164). Hamlet is preoccupied with his mother’s personal life. Furthermore, this quote appears to show Hamlet subconsciously awaiting his father’s death. Hamlet does not even mention sadness over his father’s death until the ghost shows up and tasks Hamlet to go and kill Claudius. This event conjectures how Hamlet is content after his father's demise. The oedipus complex rears its ugly head yet again when Hamlet shows his true feelings for his mother. In act three scene four, Hamlet storms into Gertrudes quarters to scold her. He commands her to not to sleep with Claudius. In this scene of the play Hamlet confesses to his mother and tells her how he really feels about her and her relationship with the