... define Oedipus complex, and then explain how this fits into today's society. The land of Thebes was ruled by King Laius and his wife Jocasta. King Laius discovered from an oracle that his son would kill him. King Laius avoided having children until one night he got intoxicated and slept with ... Jocasta anyways. Jocasta conceived their son, but King Laius ordered that the baby boy be taken away to his death and a rod through his ankles. Eventually, ... from the Sphinx who had been tormenting the town and causing chaos. Oedipus was named King of Thebes and ended up marring his mother Jo...

• Word Count: 822
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... Sphinx to destroy herself. The Thebans make him king out of thanks for saving their town. He takes his reign as king, and marries Laius' widow, Jocasta. Unknowingly, Oedipus has just killed his father and married his mother. Oedipus' prideful moment is actually his fate becoming reality. Another stunning reality is that a ... too self-centered to consider the truth. In doing this, Oedipus creates his own downfall. Adding even more problems for Oedipus, a servant announces that Jocasta is dead. She hung herself in her bedroom when she figured out that her husband was really her son. Oedip...

• Word Count: 1056
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... then pursue the sexual feelings in some way. In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus never got to the point where he had any type of desires for his mother. Even when marrying Jocasta he was unaware that she was his mother. Also, when killing Laius, his father, he was oblivious to what he had done. Oedipus Rex does not prove or validate the ... it happen. Another symbol or element that is seen used throughout the play is the number three and how we see it used over and over again. From the time Jocasta and Laius abandoned Oedipus he was only three days old, not to mention the crossroads that have only ...

• Word Count: 608
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... 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 ... , but only time will tell what the future will hold for myself. Oedipus never fully shook the desire to share his mother's bed. Even after he knew the truth and Jocasta committed suicide in shame, he quickly transferred ...

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