Book Description

The Uncanny by Sigmund Freud, David McLintock, et al.: The Uncanny is a seminal work by Sigmund Freud, expertly translated and analyzed by David McLintock and others. In this influential psychological study, Freud explores the concept of the uncanny—the feeling of something strangely familiar yet unsettling. Through case studies, literary analysis, and psychoanalytic theory, Freud delves into the intricacies of the human psyche and the uncanny's relation to the unconscious, repression, and the uncanny in literature and art. Key Points: The Uncanny in Literature and Art: Freud examines how the feeling of the uncanny is evoked in literature, art, and cultural phenomena. He explores how elements such as doubles, repetition, the return of the repressed, and eerie coincidences contribute to the sense of the uncanny. Freud's analysis of famous works, including E.T.A. Hoffmann's The Sandman and Poe's tales, sheds light on the power of the uncanny in storytelling and its resonance with human psychology. Repression and the Return of the Repressed: The book delves into the relationship between the uncanny and repressed desires, fears, and traumatic experiences. Freud argues that the uncanny often arises when repressed content from the unconscious mind resurfaces, causing discomfort and anxiety. Through in-depth analysis, Freud explores the connection between the uncanny and the human psyche's intricate mechanisms of repression and expression. Psychoanalysis and the Unconscious: The Uncanny contributes to the field of psychoanalysis by providing insights into the workings of the unconscious mind. Freud delves into the role of the unconscious in shaping human experience and perception of the uncanny. The book explores the influence of early childhood experiences, dreams, and repressed memories in manifesting the uncanny, offering readers a deeper understanding of the human psyche and its complexities.