2016 Student Research Conference:
29th Annual Student Research Conference

Hamlet's Oedipus Complex
Gail E. Hulser
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor

The Oedipus Complex is a fundamental principle of Freudian Psychology, the desire of the son to kill his father and marry his mother. Hamlet's hesitation to kill King Claudius, argue some psychoanalysts, can be seen as "proof" that Hamlet suffers from an Oedipus Complex. By offering for and against perspectives of Shakespearean scholars who have debated the issue, and drawing on specific evidence from the play, this essay will attempt to demonstrate why seeing Hamlet's relationship with his mother, Gertrude, as suggestive of the Oedipus Complex is problematic.

Keywords: Shakespeare, Hamlet, Oedipus, Freud , Psychoanalytic

Topic(s):English
Psychology
Theatre

Presentation Type: Oral Paper

Session: -4
Location: MG 1000
Time: 8:45

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