Freudian Slip in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of Freudian Slip

The term “Freudian slip” originates from the name of the renowned Austrian neurologist and psychoanalyst, Sigmund Freud. It refers to an unintentional error in speech, memory, or behavior that reveals unconscious thoughts, desires, or emotions.

Freud’s pioneering work in psychoanalysis highlighted the significance of such slips as manifestations of the unconscious mind, which could provide insights into an individual’s hidden motives or unresolved conflicts. The term “Freudian slip ” has since become a widely recognized concept in psychology and popular culture, denoting the revealing nature of seemingly accidental mistakes.

Meanings of Freudian Slip

Meaning of Freudian Slip	Description
Literary Usage of Freudian Slip	– Character Development: In literature, Freudian slips reveal hidden aspects of characters’ psyches or inner conflicts, providing insights through dialogue, actions, or inner monologues. – Plot Device: Authors use Freudian slips to advance narratives and introduce unexpected twists by having characters accidentally disclose secret desires or motives. – Symbolism and Subtext: Freudian slips can serve as symbolic elements or subtext, adding layers of meaning and complexity to the narrative.
Freudian Slip in Literary Theory	– Psychoanalytic Literary Theory: In literary theory, Freudian slips align with psychoanalytic approaches, allowing scholars to analyze characters’ verbal or behavioral errors to uncover hidden psychological conflicts, desires, and repressed thoughts. – Unconscious Motivations: Freudian slips in literature offer insights into the workings of characters’ unconscious minds, contributing to discussions about psychological depth in literary figures. – Reader Engagement: Freudian slips engage readers in exploring character psychology, inviting them to decipher subtext and delve into the layers of meaning within a text, fostering discussions about human complexity in literature.

Definition of Freudian Slip as a Theoretical Term

A Freudian slip, as a theoretical term, refers to an unintentional error or slip of the tongue in speech or behavior that reveals repressed thoughts, desires, or emotions from an individual’s unconscious mind.

It is a concept derived from Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, suggesting that such slips provide a window into the hidden layers of the psyche, often uncovering unresolved conflicts or latent wishes.

Within the realm of psychoanalysis and literary theory, Freudian slips are examined as manifestations of the unconscious, offering insights into the inner workings of the human mind, both in real-life communication and in fictional characters’ actions and dialogue.

Freudian Slip: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists:

• Sigmund Freud: The concept of the Freudian slip is closely associated with the pioneering work of Sigmund Freud, the Austrian neurologist and psychoanalyst. Freud’s theories on the unconscious mind and the role of repressed thoughts and desires in human behavior laid the foundation for understanding and interpreting Freudian slips.

Key Works:

• The Psychopathology of Everyday Life (1901): In this seminal work, Freud delves into the intricacies of everyday errors in speech and actions. He examines how these seemingly trivial lapses can reveal deeper psychological meanings, often related to unconscious motivations, desires, and conflicts.
• The Interpretation of Dreams (1899): In this groundbreaking text, Freud explores the significance of dreams and, by extension, the Freudian slip. He discusses how dreams and slips offer insights into the unconscious mind, particularly in the context of repressed wishes and thoughts.

Arguments and Contributions:

• Unconscious Manifestation: Freud’s central argument is that Freudian slips are not mere accidents but rather manifestations of unconscious content. These slips provide a unique glimpse into an individual’s hidden desires, fears, and unresolved conflicts that may not be accessible through conscious introspection.
• Psychological Analysis: The concept of the Freudian slip has been pivotal in the practice of psychoanalysis. Therapists use Freudian slips as valuable tools for probing and interpreting the psychological issues that underlie an individual’s behavior and communication.
• Literary and Cultural Impact: Beyond the realm of psychoanalysis, Freud’s concept of the Freudian slip has had a profound influence on literature, film, and popular culture. It has become a versatile tool for analyzing characters and narratives in various artistic forms, enriching the interpretation of human behavior and motivation in creative works.

This detailed overview highlights the significance of Freud’s contributions to our understanding of the Freudian slip and its far-reaching implications in both psychological analysis and artistic interpretation.

Freudian Slip and Literary Theories

1. Psychoanalytic Literary Theory: The most obvious connection exists within psychoanalytic literary theory itself. Scholars in this field employ Freud’s ideas, including the concept of the Freudian slip, to analyze characters’ actions, speech, and subconscious motivations in literary works. Freudian slips are seen as windows into the characters’ hidden desires, repressed thoughts, and unresolved conflicts, enriching the interpretation of character psychology.
2. Reader-Response Theory: Freudian slips can engage readers in a unique way, as they require readers to actively participate in deciphering the subtext of a text. Reader-response theorists may explore how readers interpret and respond to these slips, highlighting the interactive nature of literary interpretation.
3. Narratology: Within narratology, the Freudian slip can be examined in terms of narrative structure and its impact on the development of a story. Scholars may analyze how a character’s slip influences the plot, affects other characters, or contributes to thematic development.
4. Psychoanalytic Critique: Beyond psychoanalytic theory, the Freudian slip serves as a valuable tool for psychoanalytic critique. It allows scholars to interpret characters’ behaviors, interactions, and motivations, shedding light on the author’s intentions and the socio-cultural context in which a work was created.
5. Character Studies: Literary theorists and critics often conduct character studies, and Freudian slips can be a focal point of such analysis. These slips provide textual evidence of a character’s inner turmoil and psychological complexities, allowing for a deeper exploration of character development and motivation.
6. Sigmund Freud’s Influence on Literature: Freud’s broader influence on literature is also relevant. Many authors have incorporated Freudian ideas, including the concept of the Freudian slip, into their works, making the understanding of these slips essential for appreciating and interpreting literature influenced by psychoanalytic thought.

In essence, the Freudian slip serves as a multifaceted tool for understanding and analyzing literature from various theoretical perspectives, enhancing the depth of character analysis and contributing to discussions about the complexities of human psychology in literary works.

Freudian Slip in Literary Criticism

1. Example from The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud:
   • Reference: The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud, Chapter 2.
   • Explanation: In Freud’s own work, he discussed a personal Freudian slip when he meant to write “Vienna” but mistakenly wrote “Venice.” Freud interpreted this slip as revealing his unconscious desire to escape the pressures of his professional life in Vienna and indulge in a more pleasurable and relaxed environment like Venice. This self-analysis illustrates how Freudian slips can provide insights into hidden desires and motivations.
2. Example from Hamlet by William Shakespeare:
   • Reference: Act 4, Scene 7 of Hamlet by William Shakespeare.
   • Explanation: In this scene, Queen Gertrude speaks to Laertes about Ophelia’s death, but she accidentally picks up a flower and says, “There is a willow grows slantingly over a brook.” The word “willow” is a Freudian slip for “will,” and it suggests her guilt and remorse regarding King Hamlet’s death. This slip indicates her subconscious awareness of her involvement in the events of the play.
3. Example from Ulysses by James Joyce:
   • Reference: Ulysses by James Joyce, Episode 3: “Proteus.”
   • Explanation: In Joyce’s novel, the protagonist, Leopold Bloom, has a Freudian slip when he thinks about his wife Molly’s infidelity. He mistakenly thinks of the word “penis” while trying to recall a specific term related to her affair. This slip reveals his repressed anxieties and jealousy about Molly’s unfaithfulness, showcasing how Freudian slips can unveil hidden fears and desires.
4. Example from The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger:
   • Reference: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Chapter 9.
   • Explanation: In Salinger’s novel, the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, frequently uses the word “phony” to describe people he finds insincere or inauthentic. However, he has a Freudian slip when he accidentally says “phony” instead of “funny.” This slip suggests that Holden’s disdain for phoniness may be linked to his underlying feelings of sadness and alienation, revealing a deeper layer of his character.

These examples illustrate how Freudian slips can be found in literature, revealing characters’ subconscious thoughts, desires, anxieties, and motivations. They serve as powerful literary devices for exploring the complexities of human psychology and enhancing the depth of character development in literary works.

Suggested Readings

1. Freud, Sigmund. The Psychopathology of Everyday Life. Translated by Anthea Bell, Penguin Classics, 2003.
2. Lacan, Jacques. The Seminar of Jacques Lacan, Book 2: The Ego in Freud’s Theory and in the Technique of Psychoanalysis, 1954-1955. Edited by Jacques-Alain Miller, Norton, 1991.
3. Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. Little, Brown and Company, 1951.
4. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Harold Jenkins, Arden Shakespeare, 2002.
5. Stevenson, Robert Louis. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Dover Publications, 1991.
6. Strachey, James. The Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud. Hogarth Press, 1957-1974.
7. Zizek, Slavoj. How to Read Lacan. W.W. Norton & Company, 2006.