The Oedipus Complex in Literature

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According to Merriam-Webster online dictionary, the Oedipus Complex is a child’s positive libidinal feelings toward the parent of the opposite sex and hostile or jealous feelings toward the parent of the same sex that develop usually between the ages of three and six and that may be a source of adult personality disorder when unresolved (Merriam-Webster). In Sons and Lovers, Paul Morel demonstrates the classic symptoms of the Oedipus complex. Paul and his father’s relationship is destroyed early in his life. His father was not around to be a role model; and, as a result, Paul developed a strong love for his mother. Once he was old enough to develop true feelings for other women, his mother’s opinion often got in the way. She did not approve of any of his significant others, and Paul had to turn them away. This display of the Oedipus complex is easily recognizable throughout the novel. Sons that have sexual thoughts towards their mother and show hatred toward their father demonstrate characteristics of suffering from the unresolved suppression of the Oedipus complex.

The Oedipus complex is not only displayed by D.H. Lawrence but in other forms of literature as well. In “My Oedipus Complex” and “The Judgment” two boys are confronted with issues dealing with their fathers. To Women, As Far As I’m Concerned and Piano, both written by D.H. Lawrence, are poems that also deal with the Oedipus complex. The poem, To Women, As Far As I’m Concerned, deals with feelings towards women as a whole and intrigues the reader by providing a new approach to feelings. Piano, on the other hand, demonstrates how a child can reminisce on his childhood and wish for the childish and personal relationship he had with his mother back. The ...

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...overs: A Psychoanalytic Criticism.” Literary Articles n. pag. Web 6 Apr 2011.

“D.H. Lawrence And The Relationships In ‘Sons and Lovers’.” Essortment n. pag. Web. 6 Apr 2011.

Junjie, Hu. “Analysis of Paul’s Oedipus complex in Sons and Lovers.” (2007): n. pag. Web. 6 Apr 2011.

Kafka, Franz. "The Judgement." N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr 2011.

Lawrence, D.H. Piano. 1918. Print.

Lawrence, D.H. Sons and Lovers. New York, New York: New American Library, 1953. Print.

Lawrence, D.H. To Women, As Far As I'm Concerned . 1909. Print.

O'Connor, Frank. "My Oedipus Complex." Short Story Classics. N.p., 11 FEB 2009. Web. 18 Apr 2011.

"Oedipus complex." Merriam-Webster n. pag. Web. 18 May 2011. http://www.merriam-webster.com/

"Sons and Lovers." Novel Guide (2003): n. pag. Web. 18 May 2011.

Worthen , John. "Biography." University of Nottingham(2005): n. pag. Web. 16 Mar 2011.

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