Examples Of Oedipus Complex In Hamlet

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In Hamlet, Shakespeare conceals the Oedipus complex in Hamlet’s behavior. Many disagree since Shakespeare wrote the play before the Freudian theories were conceived. However, some assert he’s a psychopath. His character is very complicated, but, most of us will readily agree that Hamlet has Oedipus complex. He is deeply in love with his own mother and attempts to kill his new stepfather, Claudius. This can be seen throughout the play in many ways. Hamlet is an accurate example of a man who couldn’t manage to overcome his desires. This essay will interpret many passages and situations from the book in chronological order with an interesting theory at the end.
Oedipus complex is a concept that has existed for many years. Only relatively recently …show more content…

Hamlet realizes that the cup has been poisoned, presented by King Claudius. He then forces the cup to the king’s mouth, effectively killing him. Shortly after, Hamlet mysteriously spoke “Follow my mother” (V.ii.358) - then became furious, insulting his mother, “Wretched queen, adieu.” (V.ii.365) This particular insult is because she did not satisfy Hamlet’s subconscious wishes of going for him instead of inferior Claudius. In addition to having never resolved his father-issues and relationship with Gertrude. Hamlet is obsessed with Gertrude even after her death. Remember when Hamlet has killed his father, but he cannot possess her anymore. As a result, he feels that he doesn’t have any purpose to live. Hence, he is more willing to die and he …show more content…

Consequently, she told Hamlet, “This is the very coinage of your brain.” (III.iv.104-6) Oedipus complex is a possible side effect - or even the cause - of this hallucination. Although, this would mean Horatio and other men who also saw the ghost in Act 1 all somehow had Oedipus complexes. Shakespeare successfully conceals the Oedipus complex in Hamlet. It is an excellent story of a man who couldn’t overcome his desires. Shakespeare cleverly incorporated Oedipus complex before it even had a name. Hamlet wants to kill his uncle because he is the new “father” by being in his position. Hamlet has myriads of passages that could be interpreted in many ways. It would be physically impossible to list all possible theories here. This makes the tragedy of Hamlet so

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