The uncanny

Definition

The uncanny refers to a psychological phenomenon where something familiar becomes strange or unsettling, evoking feelings of eeriness and discomfort. This concept often manifests in literature through themes of doppelgängers, the return of the repressed, or the blurring of reality and imagination, creating a sense of disorientation and unease that can deeply affect readers' perceptions of space and identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The uncanny is often linked to Sigmund Freud's essay 'Das Unheimliche,' where he explores how the familiar can evoke fear when it becomes distorted.
2. Literary works that incorporate the uncanny frequently challenge the boundaries between reality and fiction, prompting readers to question their understanding of normality.
3. Common motifs of the uncanny in literature include haunted houses, eerie dolls, and characters who seem to be out of place, amplifying feelings of disquiet.
4. The uncanny can serve as a tool for authors to critique societal norms and explore deeper psychological fears, allowing for richer character development.
5. The concept influences various genres, particularly Gothic literature, horror, and surrealism, creating an atmosphere that provokes emotional responses and deep reflection.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of the uncanny manifest in literary works, and what effects does it have on the reader's experience?
  • The concept of the uncanny manifests in literary works through elements that evoke a sense of eeriness and discomfort. This might include familiar settings that suddenly feel alien or characters who embody duality. These unsettling experiences compel readers to engage deeply with the text, challenging their understanding of reality and prompting reflections on their own fears and anxieties.
• Analyze how the use of doppelgängers in literature contributes to themes of identity and the uncanny.
  • Doppelgängers serve as powerful symbols in literature that enhance themes of identity by revealing hidden aspects of characters. They create a sense of unease by reflecting both familiarity and strangeness, highlighting internal conflicts. This duality often leads characters—and readers—to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves, amplifying the uncanny sensation throughout the narrative.
• Evaluate the role of space in evoking feelings of the uncanny within literary works and its implications for character development.
  • Space plays a crucial role in evoking feelings of the uncanny as it transforms familiar environments into unsettling realms. For instance, a once-comfortable home can become a source of dread due to unexpected changes or supernatural elements. This shift not only alters characters' perceptions but also drives their development as they navigate these altered realities, ultimately reflecting broader themes about human psychology and societal norms.

Related terms

Unheimlich: A German term meaning 'unhomely,' which is directly associated with the uncanny, emphasizing the alienation felt in familiar settings.

Familiarity: The quality of being well-known or easily recognized, which contrasts with the feelings of strangeness inherent in the uncanny.

Doppelgänger: A character that is a double or counterpart of another character, often representing hidden aspects of identity and invoking uncanny feelings.