Psychoanalytic Theory (slideshow)

Question 1

What is Psychoanalysis?

Answer 1

A set of techniques based on the theories of Sigmund Freud, used as a method of treating various mental illnesses.

Question 2

SIGMUND FREUD

Answer 2

1. Founding Father of Psychoanalysis
2. Began researching the human mind in 1881
3. Published The Interpretation of Dreams in 1900

Question 3

Freud helped the world understand that the “rational” adult…

Answer 3

…who functions more or less successfully in the “real world” is only a part of the total person.

Question 4

Under the rational self is…

Answer 4

…the unconscious self that has a powerful influence on the feelings, thoughts, & health of his patients.

Question 5

Explain “the mind is an Iceberg”

Answer 5

the vast majority is submerged or hidden in the unconscious, just as the majority of an iceberg is underwater

Question 6

the unconscious plays a large part in ________ and is _______

Answer 6

1. how we act, think, and feel
2. hidden from the concious

Question 7

The best way to discover the content of the unconscious is?

Answer 7

Through our dreams.

Question 8

Freud’s Conception of the Human Psyche

Answer 8

1. Concious
2. Preconcious: SUPEREGO
3. Nonconcious: Ego (FREE-FLOATING ACROSS ALL LEVELS)
4. Unconcious: ID

Question 9

SUPEREGO

Answer 9

• the part of the unconscious that seeks to repress the demands of the id and prevent gratification of immediate needs.
• Sometimes called the ‘Morality Principle’.

Question 10

Introjection

Answer 10

the internalization of the “parent” (authority/mentor) figures and their values; leads to the formation of the superego

Question 11

Is Introjection Id, Ego, or Superego?

Answer 11

Superego

Question 12

EGO

Answer 12

• strives to deal with the demands of the ID and balance its needs with messages from the superego.
• Acts like a referee between the ID and Superego.
• Ensures needs are met, but rules aren’t broken whenever possible.

Question 13

Reality Principle

Answer 13

as a child grows, it becomes aware of the real environment and the need to accommodate to it

Question 14

Reality Principle: I, S, E?

Answer 14

EGO

Question 15

What is Psychoanalytic Literary Criticism?

Answer 15

• During psychoanalysis, Freud had his patients talk freely about their early childhood experiences and dreams.
• When we apply these same methods to our interpretations of works of literature, we engage in psychoanalytic criticism.

Question 16

Psychoanalytic Criticism Considers…

Answer 16

1. The AUTHOR: Analyze the author and their life. - Psychobiography
2. The CHARACTERS: the theory is used to analyze the characters & their behaviour and motivations.
3. THE AUDIENCE: the theory is used to explain the appeal of the work for those who read it (and what they bring to the experience).

Question 17

Psychoanalytic criticism usually treats characters as…

Answer 17

… patients, searching their dreams, past experiences, and behaviour for explanations of their fictional situations.

Question 18

Stream of Consciousness Writing

Answer 18

A literary technique that describes an individual’s point of view by giving the written equivalent of the characters’ thought processes.

Question 19

Questions Psychoanalytic Literary Theorists Ask about Literature

Answer 19

1. Social/Familal conflicts relavent to a particular historical period
2. Connection between the desires of the characters in the work, the desire of the author in writing the work, and the desire of the reader in reading the work? (The TRIANGLE)
3. Psychological states based on character behaviour and emotions? Types of personalities?
4. Dream sequences? Yes? So they offer evidence of disguised impulses?
5. Are unresolved issues evident from unconscious behaviour and language? What wounds, fears, or desires do the characters express?