Why Do Dreams Occur

Taking a Closer Look at Dreams

Sigmund Freud and Franz Kafka

By:

Billy Ray Hargrove

3/10/09

For:

Dr. Chip Stansbury

Kaplan University

Psychology 220

Introduction to Psychology

Winter 2009

Taking a Closer Look at Dreams (Sigmund Freud and Franz Kafka)

ABSTRACT

Have you ever wondered why you dream the things you dream about? Have you thought about how dreams occur? I’m sure you have heard of many tales as explanations. Some would say that is a supernatural gift that some of us have in order to warn others or tell of future events before they happen. Others would dare to explain it as a sign of some deep hidden problem or issue we are subconsciously dealing with. Then, there are still those who dare to say it is connected to our diets. Nevertheless, whatever your preconceived ideas may be, this paper will share yet another perspective.

Sigmund Freud is one of the pioneers in behavioral psychology. He has done extensive research and observations to develop some quite interesting theories on why we are the way that we are and why we do the things that we do. His views on dreams will present an interesting twist to what dreams are all about or rather what they are not. His theory will be compared with examples from Franz Kafka’s work, The Metamorphosis.

The purpose of this paper is to give information for another perspective and explanation to understand dreams. Even if you are not totally convinced, then you should definitely give it some credit for thought as we take a closer look at dreams.

Taking a Closer Look at Dreams (Sigmund Freud and Franz Kafka)

There have been so many explanations and interpretations of dreams. Dreams have somehow carried a sense of “awe” having a supernatural power; to either predict the future or explain the past. Some are even inclined to believe that dreams are merely a product of the foods we eat. Nevertheless, it remains something like a phenomenon. In this paper,...