Oedipus
Whether we are born into a predestined life, or one with free will, is a question that boggles our minds. Similar to such a concept is the case in Sophocles' play, Oedipus Rex. An underlying question that lingers within this play tends to ask if fate dominates free? In the play, Oedipus' violent and incestuous acts gave him a name of a sinner, but at the same time his intentions were not evil, instead they were pure. Analyzing Oedipus' actions through Freudian theories relieve him of the mal reputation given to him by the Greeks, showing that his actions were subconscious and innocent, but unfortunately fatal. During the time of the Greeks, fate was perceived as inevitable, and free will far from existence. However, with Oedipus aware of his own fate, free will played a large part in his life. To examine Oedipus through Freudian theories, one must first consider why Oedipus did what he did, and what flaws enfeebled him from prevailing before the gods. The initial start of Oedipus' path to his demise began when he met his real father at the crossroads. Recalling the incident Oedipus explains to Iocaste "I struck him in my rage...I knocked him out of his car, and he rolled on the ground. I killed him" Clearly Freu
Approaching the end, Oedipus senses his greatest fear of all, his destiny. Receiving news of what he has done, Oedipus rebuffs against Creon's statements of how he has followed his fate. Neglecting to listen to the truth, Oedipus' threatens Creon, "No, not exile. It is your death I want..."(32) exclaims Oedipus. At this point, Oedipus is under a lot of stress, deep down inside he is rather terrified by even thinking about if what Creon is saying may be true. Freud explains how when one is not able to release stress, or satisfy the urges of the Id, due to circumstances, the resulting anxiety is often displaced onto another person or object innocent of any wrongdoing and disconnected from the situation. Such an action is known as a defense mechanism according to Freud, in particular known as displacement. In this case, Creon is the innocent victim of Oedipus' troubles. Already trapped within his own hole, Oedipus has committed his most dreaded sin. Seeing that he truly has followed his fate, he breaks down at the end, blinding himself and cursing his life. Understanding what he has done, brings out the Superego among Oedipus, which is divided into the conscience and ego ideal. The conscience has allowed Oedipus to see his wrongdoings, and the ego ideal reminds him of the crime his committed bringing burden to his soul. Led to such a harsh end without intentions, Oedipus understands that the choices he has made were wrong. d's theor
Some common words found in the essay are:
Laios Oedipus', Superego Oedipus, Oedipus Oedipus, Oedipus Freudian, Analyzing Oedipus', According Freud, Superego Id, Oedipus Rex, Receiving Oedipus, Blind Sinner, followed fate, negatively influenced, freudian theories, mental activity, ego ideal, according freud,
Approximate Word count = 971
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
