This too is an illustration of the social function of literature - encouraging the reader to question and delve deeper rather than assuming one version to be correct. .
Oedipus also is a study in ideology, paralleling itself with texts such as The Waste Land and Paradise Lost. Some ideological concerns, however, may have been altered during translation as preconceived notions and ideals often rule interpretation. The issues raised by King Oedipus such as incest, parricide, genetics, values and faith are all relative to that period in time. Subjects that may have been taboo during the ancient Greece ruling may now today be considered less offensive and socially tolerated.
Oedipus is a prime example of the social function of literature because its format and content is still a subject of fascination in this modern-day era. Particles of the text are shown in a new context, such as the popular film The Lion King where ruling lands are destroyed as a result of the King's actions. The evil character Scar bears much resemblance to Creon, Jocasta's brother who became ruler by default and brought destruction to Thebas. .
George Lukas's Star Wars also bears resemblance to certain sections of Oedipus when the main character Luke Skywalker realizes that the villain he has been trying to thwart is actually his lost father. This aspect has been parodied since in comic form in films such as Toy Story II when the character Buzz Light-year discovers his mortal enemy is actually his father. These versions, although not exactly a mirror image of Oedipus have many elements in common. Roman Polanski's Chinatown is also another offshoot of elements raised in Oedipus, illustrating social taboos and raising awareness of issues. As these films attest, much mythology still has some influence on the social function of literature and can be used in many mediums.
Much mythology raises many issues that cause the audience to look deeper into their own psychoanalysis.
