[Jones applies Sigmund Freud's techniques of psychoanalysis to Hamlet's character, asserting that the prince is ajlicted with an Oedipus Complex. This psychological disorder involves the unconscious desire of a son to kill his father and take his place as the object of the mothers love. According to the critic, Hamlet delays taking revenge on Claudius because he identifies with his uncle and shares his guilt Thus Hamlets inaction stemsfrom a"tortured conscience, " and his ajJliction is caused by "repressed"feelings. Furthermore, this theory accountsfor Hamlet's speaking to Gertrude like ajealous lover, dwelling on his mothers sexual relations with Claudius, and treating his uncle like arival. Significantly, the critic also claims that while his fathers murder evokes "indignation" in Hamlet, Gertrude's perceived "incest" awakes his "intensest horror." In addition, Jones maintains that the prince suffers from "psychoneurosis," or.....
