The term Oedipus complex is derived from an ancient Greek play by Sophocles called “Oedipus the King”. The play has become a prototype to illustrate the Oedipus complex since it is about a son, Oedipus, who fell in a sexual relationship with his mother. Moreover, influenced by Freud, later, many writers had shown elements of the Oedipus complex in their writings. “A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner is an example of the Electra complex describing a girl who falls in love with her father. Although the idea of Oedipus complex has always been controversial in the society, it is widely revealed in many literature works. The ideal example is “Oedipus the King” since its characters and plot laid the foundation for the Freudian interpretation based on the oedipal complex idea. As any reader would be able to see, Oedipus Rex in the play “Oedipus the King” contributes to the Freudian interpretation based on the oedipal complex idea.

Oedipus Rex can be regarded as a mythical character that represents young children who suffer from the Oedipus complex. This is vivid when Oedipus says, “Apollo told me once- it is my fate- I must make love with my own mother” (Sophocles 85). This quote clearly reflects Freud’s oedipal theory as it reveals the fact that the sexual desire was against the will of Oedipus. This proves that this case was rather a case of Oedipus complex. This can be clearly noted since Oedipus does not realize that his sexual desire towards his mother is deeply rooted in his subconscious mind. It is proved when he could no longer resist but had to accept and finally marry his mother, and they even bore four children. He says, “Worse yet, the sight of my children, born as they were born, how could I long to look into their eyes? No, not with these eyes of mine, never” (Sophocles 89). This further indicates that the Oedipus complex can be intense to the extent that a son marries his mother. However, Oedipus is very sad and tormented to see his children whom he has borne with his mother though being disgusted by this marriage with his mother. It is noted that “Oedipus: Now loathed by the gods, son of the mother I defiled” (Sophocles 89).

Oedipus laments of his action of having sexual relation with his mother, a clear sign of Oedipus complex according to Freud’s theory. He complains of his wretched life that has been brought out as a result of this unusual relationship. Also, this is illustrated in the line “As for this marriage with your mother never fear” (Sophocles 84). Jocasta attempts to make Oedipus overcome his fear as she considered the marriage a normal thing that could not have been avoided. Moreover, from the words used in god’s prophesy to Oedipus that he will bear children with his mother, it can be revealed that the children will come with torments to Oedipus. It is said, “You are fated to couple with your mother, you will bring a breed of children into the light no man can bear to see” (Sophocles 82). As was mentioned above, the play “Oedipus the King” illustrates the sexual desire that many boys feel in their dreams towards their mothers. This is clearly depicted in the line, “Many a man before you, in his dreams, has shared his mother’s bed. Take such things for shadows, nothing at all” (Sophocles 84).

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This means that many men have had some sort of sexual relation with their mothers. This kind of dream proves the hidden sexual desire of men towards their mothers. The Oedipus case is, therefore, not a new case and can be taken as a universal problem. According to Freud’s psychoanalysis of Oedipus complex, the play shows that Oedipus complex is a psychological problem that society fears to acknowledge. Oedipus Rex provides a good opportunity to bring the hidden psychological problem in the society to light. From this point of view, Sophocles shows that certain behaviors can be against our desire and will. Psychoanalysis, therefore, comes in handy in an attempt to explain the reason for such dreadful behavior. The fact that Oedipus Rex suffers because of his actions and fears makes Freud suggest that this issue is a universal problem that silently torments the victims with fear and dread.

The Oedipus complex is also reflected in the play “Oedipus the King” through Oedipus unknowingly killing his biological father. According to Freud’s Oedipus complex theory, a child’s sexual desire towards one parent may awaken a child’s feeling of hatred and jealousy towards the parent of
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