"My Oedipus Complex" by Frank O’Conner – Flashcards

Larry—the kid, main character and narrator, naive and immature. Mother—the mom of the family. Father—Larry's father, Larry's "competition" for his mother's affections. Sonny—newborn baby and Larry's brother.

Larry vs. Father.

"If another bloody baby comes to this house, I swear I will leave." As soon as Larry says those words in his father's presence, they find that they agree and start to get along.

When Larry pats his father on the back and then they get along.

There's no real theme, but Larry learns compassion for his father.

Light, casual

Funny, light

Larry prayed for his father's safe return but ended up hating him and asking God to send him back to war. Larry hated being treated like a dog, but ends up treating his younger brother like one. Larry competes with his father for his mother's affections but in reality, is a child.

Oedipus is a character from Greek mythology who kills his father and marries his mother. Oedipus complex refers to the story.