On the unique impact of Richard Strauss's Elektra.

The unique and remarkable impact of the opera Elektra is explored. This opera rests not only on its dramatic portrayal of the oedipal theme, but also on an inspired expression of archaic emotions, prelogical thought, and preoedipal concerns. This accounts for its unique impact, and serves as a warning to clinicians confronted with manifest oedipal material to be sensitive to the diagnostic implications when oedipal material is permeated with more primitive expressions, producing a curious and eerie ambience and much disquiet in the therapist.