Can you explain in detail all the meanings of the Oedipal complex? Does it have to involve a son's desire for his mother or can it be more focused on gaining his father's approval later in life? I am writing an English essay on the Irish novels/films "Cal", "Lamb", "In the Name of the Father", and "Angela's Ashes". The question asks us to describe the oedipal narrative....how these movies subvert or reestablish the rule of the father. We are asked to discuss not only the actual father but also priests, police, army, and other male figures. It seems my professor defines the Oedipal complex more broadly. Is this discussed in any literature as having a wider application than what was initially proposed by Freud? I look forward to hearing from you soon. THANKS.

-- Amy Thomas (AmyERT@aol.com), April 29, 2001

Answers

Every academic discipline seems to have a particular "take" on Freud's work, each emphasizing different aspects of theory, and developing it in different, sometimes conflicting, ways. I am no expert in lit. crit.'s version of Freud, but you might have a look at Chapter 5 ("Psychoanalysis") of Terry Eagleton's _Literary Theory: An Introduction_ (U. Minnesota Press, 1983). I'm sure there are more recent accounts, but you'll find that Eagleton discusses Oedipal issues in literature lucidly and at some length.

-- Christopher Green (christo@yorku.ca), April 29, 2001.

Hi Amy, for a good clear explaination of the Oedipal complex, find something by Raymond Fancher which addresses the subject. Look first in his Pioneers of Psychology. His writing expedite grounding you in Freud's theory. Then for the broader perspective on perhaps parallel or similar phenomena (we'll call this the broad view), you could look to Joesph Campbell's writing on mythology. I think I remember he addressed this theme from diverse cultures/mythologies perspective. Best, David

-- david clark (doclark@yorku.ca), April 30, 2001.

resolution of the oedipal complex signifies an end to mother-dependence and the establishment of personal autonomy.

-- (anthonymakara@cwctv.net), July 23, 2001.