Sophocles brings an added dimension to the ancient tragedy by introducing the element of family dysfunction into the dramatic mix. While Oedipus did not realize he had committed both patricide and incest, his disturbing dreams (which were famously analyzed by Sigmund Freud in Interpretation of Dreams, in which the phrase “Oedipus Complex” was coined) were his subconscious’s way of telling him something was terribly wrong. When Oedipus revealed the content of his disturbing dreams to Jocasta, her response was,

What should a man fear? It’s all chance, chance rules our lives. Not a man on earth can see a day ahead, grouping through the dark. Better to live at random, best we can. And as for this marriage with you

When Oedipus came face to face with Laius, whom he believed to be a stranger, he became so irrationally incensed over a traffic altercation (that was actually deeply rooted in his maternal lust and paternal jealousy) that he killed Laius. Perhaps through intensive psychotherapy, Richard overcame his inner demons and his family unit could become functional once again, but only time will tell what the future will hold for myself.

Both Oedipus and myself are victims of parental abuse by jealous parents. Laius’s reaction to what is only a dream is extreme as my mother trying to see me to my children's bed. Considering what prompted this conduct is something suppressed within the unconscious mind.

Another psychological case study involving a troubled preteen ten-year-old British youngster Richard was recorded during World War II. And illustrates how this kind of sexually motivated family dysfunction transcends time, society and geography. According to Richard’s psychotherapist, “Richard's suckling period had been short and unsatisfactory.” Like myself (and most likely Oedipus), Richard had been denied the maternal bonding he craved, which later manifested itself in anger and aggression against the closest authority figure in the family unit, his father (my mother in my case).

According to Dr. James S. Grotstein,

Though both unaware of what is motivating their behavior, Laius and my mother obviously feel as if they have been deprived of something important to them and blame their sons for the loss. Perhaps they exp

Some topics in this essay:
Oedipus King, According Britton, James Grotstein, Dr Grotstein, Interpretation Dreams, , Christopher Nassaar, Oedipus Richard, War II, According Richard’s, family dysfunction, oedipus king, authority figure, family unit, mother’s bed, infant child, disturbing dreams,