Uncanny

Definition

The uncanny refers to a psychological experience that combines elements of the familiar and the strange, evoking feelings of unease and discomfort. This term connects to themes such as repression, the return of the repressed, and the unsettling aspects of human experience, often surfacing in literature to explore deeper psychological conflicts and fears.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'uncanny' was popularized by Sigmund Freud in his 1919 essay 'The Uncanny', where he examined its psychological implications.
2. Literary texts often use the uncanny to reveal hidden fears or desires, making the reader confront uncomfortable truths about themselves.
3. The uncanny can manifest in literature through motifs such as doubles, ghosts, and the blurring of reality and illusion.
4. Characters or situations that embody the uncanny often provoke a sense of estrangement, prompting readers to reconsider their own perceptions of reality.
5. The uncanny serves as a lens through which authors can critique social norms, exploring how repression shapes individual and collective identities.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of the uncanny relate to themes of repression in literary texts?
  • The concept of the uncanny is deeply intertwined with themes of repression, as it often reveals what has been suppressed within the psyche. In literature, characters may encounter situations or images that evoke an eerie familiarity, signaling repressed fears or desires resurfacing. This interplay encourages readers to reflect on their own repressed thoughts and emotions while highlighting the conflict between what is known and what is hidden.
• Discuss how authors utilize elements of the uncanny to challenge readers' perceptions of reality.
  • Authors employ elements of the uncanny to disrupt readers' comfort with familiar narratives and challenge their perceptions of reality. By introducing unsettling occurrences or characters that mirror aspects of the self, writers compel readers to confront uncomfortable truths about identity and existence. This manipulation creates a space where the boundaries between reality and illusion blur, prompting critical engagement with personal beliefs and societal norms.
• Evaluate the significance of the uncanny in understanding human psychology as portrayed in literature.
  • The significance of the uncanny in literature lies in its ability to illuminate complex aspects of human psychology. By exploring themes related to fear, desire, and repression, authors tap into deep-seated anxieties that resonate with readers on a subconscious level. Through this exploration, literature serves as a mirror reflecting individual and collective struggles with identity, morality, and societal expectations, ultimately revealing the multifaceted nature of human experience.

Related terms

repression: A defense mechanism in which undesirable thoughts, memories, or impulses are unconsciously excluded from awareness.

the familiar: Elements or experiences that are well-known and comfortable, creating a sense of security before being disrupted by uncanny events.

Freudian theory: The psychological framework developed by Sigmund Freud that emphasizes the unconscious mind's role in shaping thoughts, behaviors, and experiences.