Freud’s Value to Interpreters Today

SIGMUND FREUD – 1856-1939

“The mind is like an iceberg, it floats with one-seventh of its bulk above water” (S. Freud)

Sigmund Freud theory on Oedipus from the Boy’s Perspective

This theory derives from the ancient Greek story of King Oedipus; he accidentally murdered his father and married his mother. It is about childhood for both male and female. Both sexes look at the father as the enemy or rival and compete for the mother’s love. When we are born both boy and girl form a natural love bond with our mother first. Dad is seen as competition. AS young boys and girls grow they begin to discover the physical differences between them, specifically the genitalia. At some point the boy recognizes where he is on the Arche level, usually around the same time of discovery of the penis that all boys have and vagina that all girls have. As the boy grows he believes that he is superior to girls because he has a penis and girls have nothing. Boys are usually embarrassed with their privates and begin to understand how the penis relates to a vagina. This is when the boy realizes the father is a greater man. He idolizes him and wants to be like him.

Theories of Sigmund Freud

Besides interpretation of dreams Sigmund Freud ‘s studies and accomplishments include the Oedipus complex, defense mechanisms, dream symbolism/ meanings, Freudian slips and hypnosis for the treatment of hysteria. He was an Austrian psychiatrist who received his medical degree from the Univ. of Vienna in 1881. Sigmund spent most of his life in Vienna. He then moved onto Paris where he began his study of hypnosis in the treatment of hysteria under J. M. Charcot in Paris in 1893. Freud is synonymous with “the father of psychoanalysis” Sigmund’s extensive research and conclusive studies on the theory of transference and how they connect with the symbols of dreams as a source into unconscious wishes.

Family History of Sigmund Freud

Sigmund’s family circumstances were a little different that the typical family. He had 2 half brothers Philipp and Emmanuel. His mother and 2 half brothers were nearly the same age. Emmanuel had a son named John who was almost the same age as Sigmund, Freud being slightly younger. Theorists today think that this may have been the basis for Sigmund’s fascination in families which ultimately lead to his theory on Oedipus complex. His dad was a wool merchant that was Jewish. Sigmund was always interested in family and was an avid reader. When he was 8 he was very interested in reading Shakespeare. He became very interested in “Goethe’s essay”. It is believed this had a dramatic effect on shaping the future for him. In 1877 he shortened his name to Sigmund Freud .

The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud

The Three Fates

“Tired and hungry after a journey, I went to bed and had the following dream:

I went into a kitchen in search of some pudding. Three women were standing in it; one of them as the hostess of the inn and was twisting something about in her hand, as though she was making dumplings. She answered that I must wait till she was ready…

“In connection with the three women I thought of the three Fates who spin the destiny of man, and I knew that one of the three women was the mother who gives life, and furthermore gives the living creature its first nourishment… When I was six years old and was given my first lessons by my mother, I was expected to believe that we were all made of earth and must therefore return to earth. This did not suit me and I expressed doubts of the doctrine. My mother thereupon rubbed the palms of her hands together – just as she did in making dumplings – and showed me the blackish scales of epidermis produced by the friction as a proof that we were made of earth. My astonishment at this ocular demonstration knew no bounds and I acquiesced in the belief that we all ‘owe nature a death’. So they really were Fates that I found in the kitchen when I went into it – as I had so often done in my childhood when I was hungry, while my mother, standing by the fire, had admonished me that I must wait till dinner was ready.”

It has been a curiosity of the human race throughout history to learn more about what dreams mean. When we have a distinct new dream we often turn to the interpretation of dreams and Sigmund Freud has done in depth analysis on new dreams. The Dream symbols and theories of Freud were brought (translated) to old Japan in 1930. Dream theory control and literary theory are primary components of a dream interpreter. The German interpreter (Freud) has theory training found in Freud books, e.g. The Interpretation of Dreams” that is of tremendous value to interpreters today.

My Father is my Hero

I am not sure what has prompted me to write about my dad right now. Maybe that midlife menopause thing, maybe the inspiration I have received over the last 45 years? Whatever the reason I feel compelled to write about him.

My Father

Has been there for me through thick and thin

The bad, the terrible, the good, the nice

For my father I have never looked twice

Suddenly my world is falling

I can hear my father calling

Son it isn’t what it seems

Learn the way to live your dreams

Words of wisdom from the voice of reason

-Robert Kennedy