Oedipus And The Devil's Influence In Medea

The angel on one shoulder, and the devil on the other. Each side provides a contrasting view, creating an internal conflict. A choice is to be made. The angel represents the right thing to do, and the societal influence, while the devil represents what is desired, but not necessarily the right thing to do. Sigmund Freud developed this theory, where the angel’s influence became known as one’s superego, and the devil’s influence is known as their id. While this theory wasn’t around quite yet, his theory can definitely be seen and proved through three Greek plays in Medea, Oedipus Rex, and Antigone. It is evident that one’s id and superego are the main forces that drive their actions, and when the id takes over, it creates complications resulting

Just like how Antigone valued the good of others before herself, Oedipus displays the same kind of mentality. Upon receiving the news that he was Lauis’ murderer, he states “Out of this country cast me with all speed, where I may pass without accost of men” (Sophocles 52). Oedipus clearly displays his superego driving his actions here, with the way that he demands himself to be banished from the land. He knows what has to be done so he accepts his fate and asks to be banished. As the current ruler of Thebes, he felt like it was his duty to protect the city, even if it meant him being banished. He valued the society as a whole more than himself. When Oedipus let his superego drive his actions here, no more problems resulted, and he was able to resolve the conflict of the plague of Thebes. The selflessness that Oedipus displayed shows him listening to his superego. Contrastingly, when people allow for their id to drive their actions, it is going to create much more problems. It is inevitable, that when people are given choices, some will make the wrong choice. Creon was faced with the choice to listen to Antigone and bury Polynices, or to stick with his initial ruling and leave him unburied. Upon