Role Of Duality In Oedipus The King

The duality of Oedipus could be reflecting a split or multiple personality. Oedipus could be lying about being a kind and just king or he could indeed be a person with more than one face. This is not to imply that he is two-faced in the sense of personality, but in the sense of his mentality due to a repressed childhood or the knowledge of his fate. In the play, Oedipus had no recollection of killing the king until confronted about it by Tiresias. Long ago Tiresias prophesized that Oedipus’ fate was to kill his own father. Later in his life the young protagonist had heard of the very same prophesy from a strange man who knew Oedipus’ real origin. Perhaps the knowledge of his own fate created an alternate identity in Oedipus, making him unaware
They can often function so well, especially under controlled circumstances, that family members, coworkers, neighbors, and others with whom they interact daily may not know that they are chronically dissociative” (Sidran.org, page 3). Iocaste, Choragus, and Creon may not have been aware of Oedipus’ condition for two major reasons. First off, in ancient times if a person would show symptoms of abnormal activity they were said to be possessed. Also the symptoms may not have been clear if Oedipus only had a mild form of dissociation. In page 3 of his book Sociology of Mental Disorder, William C. Cockerham explained that the problem with defining a mental disorder is further complicated by the fact concepts of any mental disorder often change and are even changing now. Usually a person with any type of dissociation thinks that there are “evil” thoughts in their heads causing them to suddenly blackout and regain primary consciousness in a car, outside, or even a place they’ve never been to. Every person has a good and evil side to their lives. Although people have a two sided personality, they must choose when to show which side. So people with MPD or DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) have a hard time separating their feelings from their actions and usually do not remember what they have
Websites, books, and magazines have a lot of information and help for people looking for ways to cope with their disorders. “Dissociative Disorders respond well to individual psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," and to a range of other treatment modalities, including medications, hypnotherapy, and art or movement therapy” (Sidran.org, page 4). Choosing the right doctor and/or therapist for ones mental health needs may seem like an overwhelming task, but finding the right doctor is an important step towards getting proper treatment. A number of different types of doctors can treat mental illness. Psychologists are trained to provide professional counseling on physiological and emotional issues. Psychoanalysts follow Sigmund Freud’s theories that painful childhood memories contained in the subconscious are the cause of emotional disturbances. These professionals specialize in the treatment of mental, emotional, or behavioral problems. Today it is a lot easier to cope with and cure these disorders before and after they hit their breaking point. Needless to say it is easier to deal with problems today than it was back