Problem 12 - An Introduction to Theories of Personality

Question

A young woman dreams that she rushes to catch a train but gets to the station too late, the train leaves without her, and there are no more trains to her destination for several weeks. On the surface, it appears that the dreamer has been disappointed. How might this dream be interpreted to support Freud's belief that virtually every dream fulfills some wish of the dreamer?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

From a Freudian perspective, the dream could be interpreted as a wish for progress, change or movement in some area of the woman's life. Though the missed train suggests frustration about delays in reaching her goals, it symbolizes her desire to move towards change. The fact that there are no more trains for several weeks might further emphasize her impatience for this change or growth.

Step 1: Understand the Dream's Literal Meaning

The first step is to understand the literal meaning of the dream. The woman didn't make it to the train in time and therefore she feels disappointed. The notion of trains not being available for several weeks to her destination could suggest she will be stuck where she is, which might cause feelings of frustration or even panic.

Step 2: Discuss Freud's Theory of Dreams

Freud believed that dreams are the results of repressed desires or wishes. The trick is to understand the way the dreams represent these wishes. They are often symbolic or metaphorical and could represent issues from our subconscious mind that we are not addressing or confronting in our waking lives.

Step 3: Analyze the Symbolism of the Dream Elements

According to Freud, in dreams certain things often symbolize specific things. Trains can represent a journey or transition period, while missing it might suggest feeling unprepared or fear of change. Being stuck at the station could symbolize stagnancy.

Step 4: Link Symbols to Possible Wishes

If these symbols indicate the woman's fear of change and feeling unprepared or stagnated, her wish could be for some form of movement or progress. This could be in terms of her career, personal development, a relationship, etc. The dream then could be interpreted as a wish for change or progress and the frustration that it is currently out of reach or seems to be delayed.