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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 5 page essay that argues that interpretations of Oedipus Rex, particularly Freudian interpretations, overlook the context of Greek culture and values. Since the time of Freud, when he pioneered the field of psychoanalysis, interpretations of the ancient Greek play Oedipus the King by Sophocles have frequently focused on the incestuous aspects of the plot. However, such interpretations inevitably overlook the context in which the ancient Greeks themselves would have viewed the play and what it meant within the context of ancient Greek culture. Looking at the play from a perspective that considers Greek values and cultures offers a different interpretation, which focuses not on the sin of incest, but on the importance of familial bonds. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Page Count:
5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khmenoed.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
the incestuous aspects of the plot. However, such interpretations inevitably overlook the context in which the ancient Greeks themselves would have viewed the play and what it meant within the
context of ancient Greek culture. Looking at the play from a perspective that considers Greek values and cultures offers a different interpretation, which focuses not on the sin of incest,
but on the importance of familial bonds. Psychiatrist James Lieberman, of George Washington Universitys school of Medicine, argues that Sophocles play concentrates on themes that have to do with
familial love and altruism, rather than the hostility and fear that is described by Freud in his famous theory, which draws its name from the play, the Oedipal complex (Bower
248). Lieberman points out that in order for a connection to have significance there must be a human relationship. Laius was Oedipus biological father, but they had no relationship to
give this connection meaning. Lieberman points out that "Oedipus really loved his (adoptive) father" and that this relationship defines the moral of the play, which is that "honest, loving family
ties are the best defense against dire prophecy the greatest security in an uncertain world" (Bower 248). The play supports Liebermans position. The act that started the chain of
events that all resulted in tragedy was when Laius insisted that his healthy infant son should be left to die from exposure. While this aspect of the play is generally
overlooked by modern scholars who rationalize that this was an accepted act in ancient Greek culture, it is clear that Jocasta remembers this act with continued grief and considerable resentment
towards Laius. She describes what happened to Oedipus as evidence that prophecies do not always come true. She tells Oedipus of how Laius killed their son due to a prophecy
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