An Introduction to the Major Components, Part 2: Dream and Symbol FREUDIAN PSYCHOLOGY An Introduction to the Major Components, Part 2: Dream and Symbol

The Beginnings of Psychoanalysis Freud coins the term “psychoanalysis” in 1896. Begins to employ the “free association technique” - patient lies on a couch / expresses whatever goes through his/her mind. Technique allowed patient to “point the way” to abreaction, necessary because the root of the problem was both unconscious and repressed. Difficult process: Memories begin to rise into consciousness  the patient becomes resistant

Tension of Opposites As infants, we have only desire (uncontrolled energy. As we grow, we need to focus and control this energy in socially acceptable ways. Freud identified this tension between what we want versus what we find acceptable as: The Pleasure Principle is the primary wish fulfillment center. It is illogical and impulsive. It gives energy to the conscious mind, but it needs to be contained in order for us to avoid danger. The Reality Principle is the secondary drive, which is controlled and which takes into account the requirements of reality. It tolerates a delay of satisfaction. The tension between these two principles is a constant in humans, but it does not necessarily create a complex or problem.

A Map of the Mind The “Iceberg” Theory The pre-conscious mind consciousness The unconscious mind (obviously, the larger part) The preconscious mind contains all the memories and ideas capable of becoming conscious (like the manifest content in dreams) The unconscious mind is made up of desires, impulses, or wishes, mostly of a sexual nature, and capable of becoming destructive.

The Interpretation of Dreams Freud believed that dreams represent a hidden “wish” fulfillment, which is often (although not always) sexual, and dreams---which occur when we sleep and our conscious minds are on “stand-by”---present evidence of the unconscious. *from Freud For Beginners

In Your Dreams Freud’s work with patients reveals that dreams are only incomplete pictures, which contain both manifest and latent content. Manifest content is that part of the dream which we remember. Latent content is the unconscious wish represented by the dream imagery. The point of psychoanalysis is to make the latent manifest (i.,e. to cause abreaction to occur). *In lit, manifest content is the surface story (plot, character, etc.) **In lit, latent content is the underlying meaning, but with a Freudian bent.

Freudian Dream Symbols Symbols in the unconscious come from repressed desires. Long, pointed, or otherwise elongated images are phallic and refer to the male aspect (power, aggression, procreation)associated with the father. Cups or other womb-like enclosures, bodies of water, and forest/garden images are yonic and refer to female aspects (nourishment, nurturing, birth/rebirth)assoc. with the mother. Note that while the symbols may have an “accepted” referent, for Freud, interpretation would ultimately depend upon the early life of the individual. Female aka yonic.