¹Philadelphia, PA, USA

Correspondence: Deborah Anna Luepnitz, 4247 Locust St Apt# 817, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. E-mail: babette@webtv.net

Abstract

Freud's construct of the Oedipus complex has become deeply embedded into clinical and western cultural discourses, but in a truncated form that excludes the negative Oedipal constellation. Contrary to the assumption that Freud's interest in the child's same-sex passions was of theoretical value only, a look at his case studies, and at memoirs of those analysed by Freud, suggests otherwise. This article argues against those who insist that the entire Oedipal paradigm needs to be jettisoned as heteronormative, and suggests instead a Lacanian reading of the complex. A recent Off-Broadway play titled Oedipus At Palm Springs by the Five Lesbian Brothers is cited as exemplary of a return to Freud suited uncannily for our time.