1.2.2 Symbolic Nature Of Dreams (PD)

Question 1

Why are unconscious desires disguised and expressed symbolically?

Answer 1

It would be emotionally damaging for us to dream about our unconscious desires

Question 2

What is manifest content?

Answer 2

The dream we report on waking up, the censored and symbolic version of the dream

Question 3

What did Freud believe about the meaning of dreams?

Answer 3

All dreams possess meaning and logic, no matter how absurd the dream may be, the meaning is just disguised

Question 4

Give an example of symbolism and the meaning in dreams:

Answer 4

Mountains - breasts

Question 5

What did freud say about their not being meaning to dreams?

Answer 5

“Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar” - sometimes dreams have no hidden meaning

Question 6

What is another form of symbolic disguise?

Answer 6

Opposites- e.g. A dream of hugging someone may express a wish to hurt or harm someone

Question 7

What are some problems of using symbols to assign meaning to dreams:

Answer 7

• can have no symbolic meaning Freud said sometimes a cigar is just a cigar
• dream can be misinterpreted it could be assumed there are underlying unconscious issues could result in psychological harm

Question 8

Unconscious desires are not gratified directly in a dream so their meaning has to be…

Answer 8

Disguised and expressed symbolically