Paper Summary:

This paper explores the impact of Sigmund Freud's theory of psychoanalysis on literary criticism. A brief history and description of psychoanalysis is given. The author further expands on how our interpretations of literature are shaped by social contexts. According to the author, some aspects of psychoanalysis are deemed outdated, and may result in literary readings that are simplistic. The author concludes that new psychological theories should be developed that are inclusive and respectful .

From the Paper:

"The way that we read and analyze literature is always shaped by social contexts. As our understanding of ourselves and our world progresses, the possibilities in literary study broaden. Knowing what to look for makes different components in literature apparent to us when they had not been before. In this sense, it is because of psychoanalysis that we can critically analyze literature to the depth that we do today. Freud took literary study into new realms by studying human behavior so closely and considering it an extension of the mind and its depths."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Freud, Sigmund. "The Interpretation of Dreams." Literary Theory: An Anthology. Ed. Julie Rivkin and Michael Ryan. Malden: Blackwell, 2004. 397-414.
• Freud, Sigmund. "The Uncanny." Literary Theory: An Anthology. Ed. Julie Rivkin and Michael Ryan. Malden: Blackwell, 2004. 418-430.
• Rivkin, Julie and Michael Ryan. "Strangers to Ourselves." Literary Theory: An Anthology. Ed. Julie Rivkin and Michael Ryan. Malden: Blackwell, 2004. 389-396.

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