Sigmund Freud conceptualised in 1896 that some memories, particularly those that were traumatic, can be blocked out by the brain.
Freud's theory on the "return of the repressed" is the idea that previous experiences or thoughts are preserved in the unconscious, end up reappearing or reoccurring without said person being fully aware.
This relates to horror because many of these experiences may be traumatic or horrific to the subject, being scary and all.
This relates to horror because many of these experiences may be traumatic or horrific to the subject, being scary and all.
Above is Sigmund Freud coloured in pink in order to make a pun.
A pun, but not a Freudian slip!
ReplyDeleteFreud thought we all have to repress some of our most primitive desires and emotions in order to take our place in society. So infant rages etc are repressed (we cannot recall our early childhood). Does horror allow us to experience these things again, in a safe context?