Question

Explain how oedipal pattern apply to Hamlet according to Sigmund Freud's notion?

Answer 1

Sigmund Freud, a known psychologist has introduced the Oedipus complex in this theory. He states in his theory that the individual suffers from a repressed sexual desire for the parent of the opposite sex while having a rivalry with the parent of the same sex.

Connection between Hamlet and oedipus complex:

Many people believe that there is a connection between Hamlet and Oedipus. They insist that Hamlet is in love with his mother and this is why he wants to kill Claudius, Hamlet's uncle and Gertrude's new husband. They contend that Hamlet's madness is actually his repressed longing for his mother.

Although Hamlet and Oedipus both kill their fathers, their actions are for different reasons.Hamlet loves his mother, but he is not in love with her or desire her sexually. The reason behind his anger towards Claudius is not due to feelings of jealousy, but because Claudius killed Hamlet's father, whom he loved dearly. So, in teh conclusion we can infer that Hamlet does not suffer from oedipis complex.