If you are writing a paper, essay, book, article, thesis, doctorate in the literary theory discipline and are referencing Freud in any way that is not dismissive of Freud as a reference in literary theory, you should immediately walk down the stairs of the ivory tower, step outside and take off your shoes to walk barefoot in the grass. Let’s take this whole Literary Theory thing back to humanity, shall we? Modern humanity.
Seriously, it is the equivalent of referencing Newton if you are making an analogy to physics or Linnaeus Classification if you are referencing biology. Many of Freud’s theories are just wrong and the rest unprovable. Why would you not look to modern science in the field of psychology to understand the narratives we create? Visit the Psychology Department on campus. Go to a conference. Get a copy of the most recent DSM. Think of all the mind blowing essays you can write by revisiting all the canonical classics with a new perspective!
I used Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to understand the 40 years of German literature after World War II. It was fantastic! The literature fit frighteningly well into the stages outlined in PTSD recovery maps.
Freud was great for his time, but you are insane if you think he is going to reveal any new insights into our literature or art. It is just plain wrong.
Max Halberstadt[1] (1882-1940)[see page for license], via Wikimedia Commons
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