What are some Oedipal complexes found in modern literature or movies?

Answer 1

While Hamlet written by William Shakespeare is not necessarily modern literature, it is more modern than Oedipus Rex and there are numerous articles and essays written about Hamlets Oedipal complex and in Lawrence Oliver's version of the film that complex is embraced, shockingly so. Ironically, the Oedipal complex brought to us by Sigmund Freud describes the sexual desire for ones own mother, which Oedipus Rex arguably did not have. He married his mother not knowing she was his mother and upon discovery that this is what he had done, fell into great despair.

Other works of modern literature or film where Oedipal complexes can be found or extrapolated are The Graduate and a film directed by Berotlucci called Luna. While in the graduate Mrs Robinson is not his mother, she is certainly old enough to be his mother and a close friend to Benjiman's own mother. In the film Luna, it is entirely about a sexual relationship between mother and son.

Gertrude

Answer 2

Star Wars - Leia and Luke

The Shining - also an example of the fear of castration

Hamlet - Hamlet and Gertrude

hope that helps