Tuesday, November 4, 2008

"The Oedipus Complex"


ACTIVITY 1


What is the "Oedipus Complex?" On a separate sheet, give a 1-2 paragraph overview of what this means. Use the link below:





ACTIVIITY 2


Modern day detectives and scholars commonly refer to the story of Oedipus Rex when talking about a child rape case. A young boy falling for his mother or a mother figure is what some people like to call the Oedipus Complex. Mary Kay Letourneau was a schoolteacher that ended up falling in love with a young student. However, the young student also had fallen for the teacher.

Instructions: “Be a Detective:”
By using these links, gather up information on the Letourneau child rape case. Answer the following questions to determine whether Vili Fualaau had an Oedipus Complex when he fell for his teacher.

1. Do you think that a thirteen year old is capable of love?

2. Do you believe that May Kay “brainwashed” Vili?

3. Include a few comments on their marriage.

http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/psychology/marykay_letourneau/1.html
http://www.courttv.com/archive/onair/shows/mugshots/indepth/letourneau/
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/05/24/earlyshow/leisure/main697489.shtml
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/13064459/



ACTIVITY 3


In activity one, you were introduced to the Oedipus Complex. In this activity, you will go more into depth about who first came up with the theory and what it really means. Click on these links to get better knowledge on the subject. Then, answer the questions below.


1. Based on what you learn about Freud and his theory, do you believe Vili Fualaau had Oedipus Complex? Explain.


2. Do you think Oedipus could have helped not falling in love with his mother if he knew it was her? Explain.

http://www.cla.purdue.edu/english/theory/psychoanalysis/freud.html
http://www.time.com/time/time100/scientist/profile/freud.html