... briefly or not at all in Oedipus the King, Oedipus' father figures play very important roles in Oedipus' life. Laius, Polybus, and the shepherds may be considered Oedipus' father figures. Each of these characters could have kept Oedipus from facing his horrible fate by doing something a little bit differently. Though mentioned several times throughout the play, but being absent from the stage, Laius, Oedipus' biological father, started things off ... what he was commanded to do, kill Oedipus, everything would have turned out for the better for all parties involved. Instead of killing Oe...

• Word Count: 483
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... and no one depicted it more poignantly than Sophocles during the fifth century B.C. The popular Greek dramatist could have also been a successful family psychologist as this insightful play Oedipus the King reveals. 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, ... - have no fear. Many a man before you, in his dreams, has shared his mother's bed. Take such things for shadows, nothing at all - Live, Oedipus, as if there's no tomorr...

• Word Count: 1058
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... response is: "O speak to me no more; these words like daggers enter my ears"." This could suggest that she could not see the obvious reason behinds Hamlets new found animosity towards herself and Claudius because she is shallow and extremely self involved. However one could interpret this ... avenge his father. Throughout the play, Hamlet faces internal conflict about having to kill Claudius which is conveyed by Shakespeare soliloquies. It is something he has to do, wants to do, but something he can't do. This could be because of his "Oedipus Complex," Hamlet has feelings of ... guilt ...

• Word Count: 3412
• Approx Pages: 14
• Grade Level: Undergraduate