Oedipus Complex In Hamlet

Hamlet, a play written by Shakespeare, is based on the classic idea of revenge, tragedy, and the underlying dedication and ambition behind the act of deceit. Hamlet is the main character who displays the aspects of human nature. He is undergoing an inner debate on whether or not he wants to kill Claudius who is now not only his uncle, but also the king after his father’s death by getting together with Hamlet’s mother. The audience understands his frustration with his mother and uncle’s actions, but one theory suggests that Hamlet is longing for revenge against his uncle only because he wants to be romantically involved with his mother.
His yearning to be with his mother romantically is also known as the oedipus complex. The oedipus complex …show more content…
It suggests that he killed his father so that he could be with his mother which is why he is so mad at Claudius. Hamlet is theorized to be jealous of his uncle and wants him dead so that he can be romantically involved with his own mother. There are scenes such as the Nunnery-scene and the speech that he gave at her grave suggested he was romantically attracted to her, more than the love a son should have for his mother (Bradley). Other scenes, however contradict this theory. Mostly Polonius’ death scene suggests that he is only infuriated with the person who killed his father and his thirst to take revenge against his uncle is due to his broken heartedness from his loss and mother’s ignorance of the situation. Depending on which scene is being analysed, the audience can argue whether or not Hamlet’s actions were based solely on attraction or his loss of his father and mother’s …show more content…
The nunnery scene is one clear illustration of Hamlet’s love for his mother. The audience can infer that his strange reactions and his words to Olphelia such as him saying she needs to be, “virtuous,” advocates Hamlet’s thoughts that she should not get married. He then further on says, “... why wouldst tho be breeders of sinners?” (III.I.131-162), which is a reaction to his numerous flaws. This is ignologence that he himself is not perfect, but somewhat better than everyone else. Further on, he also suggests that men can be devious. This foreshadows his own mind and that he does not want his mother to marry. Hamlet acts as though he wants to protect his mother against the deception of men and love, when in reality he is speaking out of his own mind in longing to be with her romantically. ("Explanation of "Get Thee To A