“Oedipus in the Raw” is a provocative and controversial short story that reimagines the ancient Greek myth of Oedipus through a modern, taboo lens. Miles, an isolated 18-year-old high school senior, grapples with bullying and alienation until his mother initiates a forbidden sexual relationship. What begins as a clandestine encounter fueled by lust evolves into a twisted emotional entanglement, blurring the lines between familial bonds and carnal desire. Told in raw, explicit prose, the narrative delves into Miles' psychological turmoil, his mother’s manipulation, and the irreversible consequences of their illicit acts. The story confronts themes of power, transgression, and the dark undercurrents of the Oedipus complex, culminating in a disturbing exploration of obsession and identity. **“Oedipus in the Raw” © 2019 by Leon Avernicus is licensed under [CC BY-NC 4. 0](https://creativecommons. org/licenses/by-nc/4. 0/). **