In five pages this research paper reveals how in contemporary culture, most notably art, fiction, advertising, and cinema, Oedipal imagery has been incorporated and the myth is still very much alive and well. Six sources are cited in the bibliography.
Name of Research Paper File: D0_khoedim.rtf
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father and then, through ironic twists of fate and a hot temper, killed his father and married his mother is a part of the basic mythology from which Sophocles drew
the gist of his narrative (Biertein, 1994). The longevity of Oedipal symbols lasting through the centuries and integrating themselves into the modern psyche argues well for viewing the Oedipal
myth being archetypal in nature. While admittedly this emphasis on Oedipal imagery owes a great deal to the psychological interpretation attributed to it by Sigmund Freud, the myth itself is
still what draws the attention of the modern day artist. Oedipal imagery can be seen in fiction, advertising, art, film, and in every conceivable form of media and communication.
There is even a nail polish (for men) entitled "Oedipus" (its forest green) (Schuman, et al, 1997). Other nail polish colors for men include Dog (deep purple) and Testosterone (metallic
silver). However, before beginning to classify the multitude of ways that Oedipal images, a review of the mythology is instructive as to precisely what Oedipal imagery entails. Laius, the
king of Thebes, was married to Jocasta, but their marriage did not produce children (Biertein, 1994). Laius consulted the Oracle at Delphi and learned of the prophecy concerning his fate
if he should have a son. Therefore, Laius took steps to prevent conceiving a son by Jocasta. However, Jocasta wanted a child and contrived with servants to get Laius drunk
with wine so that he would sleep with her. This detail is not included in Sophocles version, but is nevertheless part of the mythology. When she conceived and bore
a son, Laius ordered that the babys angles should be pierced and that it should be killed by exposure, being left on a mountain. The name "Oedipus" means "swollen foot"