Freud’s treatment of the feminine with reference to his theory of the oedipus complex and its relation to Oedipus tyrannus and the Sandman

Abstract

This study argues that Freud’s treatment of the feminine is largely phallogocentric thereby providing an invaluable basis for criticism of the structure of phallogocentrism. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the critical direction of Freud’s views on femininity as revealed in his theory of the Oedipus complex, relating it both to his reading of Oedipus Tyrannus and The Sandman, and to his account of femininity. This study critiques the intellectual functions of Freud’s misogyny, examining how Freud’s theory on femininity is the critical component of his general theory. The measure of misogyny has two poles: the negative qualities of femininity and the positive qualities of masculinity.

Keywords: phallogocentric, femininity, misogyny, Oedipus Complex