Woolfe and Freud

Paper Summary:

This paper describes and discusses the teachings of Sigmund Freud and Virginia Woolfe. The paper then compares Freud and Woolfe's views about women. The paper argues that Woolfe's views on women are much more realistic than Freud's are. The paper cites examples to support its argument and describes the writer's reaction to the theories.

From the Paper:

"Freud's theory of the "oedipal conflict" does nothing to reduce the tension between men and women. In fact, as an explanation, it sustains the tension and conflict between the sexes because it makes it unavoidable. According to Freud, we are human beings who must go through certain stages of development. All children must fall in love with their mothers and want to kill their fathers and must work through their feelings of guilt, anger, and envy. Virginia Woolfe, on the other hand, points out the inequality that women are subjected to in "a man's world," and the unfairness of society in keeping women from realizing their highest potentials. Society can do something about these things. Opportunities can be made for women to get education and to do great things. Woolfe offers hope. Freud does not. For women, then, what Woolfe has to say is more relevant."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Boeree, C. G. (2005). Sigmund Freud, 1856-1939: http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/Freud.html. Retrieved 7 March 2007.
• Cox, M. w. (1999). Sophecles' 'Oedipus the King.' The Explicator, 57 (2) 67-70. Retrieved 8 March 2007 from Expanded Academic ASAP database.
• Nassaar, C. S. (1997). Sophocles' 'Oedipus the King.' The Explicator, 55 (4), 187-190. Retrieved 8 March 2007 from Expanded Academic ASAP database.
• Sigmund Freud web site: http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/freud.htm.

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