Text: Dora, An Analysis of a Case of Hysteria
Page 38

“How many fewer miraculous cures and spontaneous disappearances of symptoms should we physicians have to register in cases of hysteria, if we were more often given a sight of the human interest which the patient keeps hidden from us!�

In this quote, Freud claims that physicians would be able to know the causes of the symptoms more if they were “given a sight of the human interest.� In other words, if the patient just said everything without hiding any piece of the story, perhaps the root of the symptoms would be easily pin-pointed. When the patient only relays pieces of his or her story, the doctor can only work with what is given. For example, Freud interprets Dora’s anger toward Herr K. based on hearing what Dora told him of Herr K.’s proposal. However, towards the end of the treatment, Dora confesses she did not tell Freud one part, the part that was the reason for being so upset by Herr K.. Dora tells Freud about the young governess Herr K. proposes to and from there Freud was able to see Dora’s reason for anger and related this back to her dreams.
A similar situation is shown in “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,� where everyone is not telling the entire story and Poirot claims everyone has a secret.
But this also led me to think the reason for keeping some things unsaid. At both of these time periods, some things were just not said because of social reasons; it would be improper and not “normal.� The “norms� and pressures of society keep things hidden, or “repressed,� covering up the core of the problem.

"I have restored what is missing, taking the best models known to me from other analyses: but like a conscientious archaeologist I have not omitted to mention in each case where the authentic parts end and my constructions begin".

The use of the word "archaeologist" is what is principally interesting about this sentence. "Archaeologist" brings to mind dig sites and trips to Egypt, but it is also a congrouous term to what Freud does during his sessions with Dora. He's slowly, delicately lifting away layers of repression off of Dora's neurotic mind to try and discover what's hidden underneath. Freud also acknowledges a debt here to other psychologists, those who wrote "the best models" from which Freud was inspired in how he wrote his study of Dora. He describes himself as "conscientious" in determining where the "authentic parts"- the parts from other studies that have been authenticated and validated over time- end and his own ideas begin. The idea of Freud as "conscientious", with his prying and invasive methods of opening up an individual's darkest secrets, however, is quite a paradox to the modern mind

I found this quote particularly interesting because Freud is acting humble and is explaining himself as to the length of Dora. This is at a time when he is attempting to make a name for himself and is in the process of popularizing his various ways of treatment. I find it peculiar that he is almost trying to hard to seem humble by negating “attitude of superiority.� Freud is also expressing how hysteria affects him, as a physician and investigator, which I find amusing since the length of an academic work usually relies on how something affects the subject.

“This first account may be compared to an unnavigable river whose stream is at one moment choked by masses of rock and at another divided and lost among shallows and sandbanks. I cannot help wondering how it is that the authorities can produce such smooth and exact histories in cases of hysteria.�
Pg. 10- Dora: An Analysis of a Case of Hysteria

I found this quote to be very intriguing because it sums up what makes Freud’s studies or any mystery really, interesting and worth the time to take a deeper look. Freud is referring to how when he first questions Dora about her life and illness, he does not steer or direct her flow of thought but lets it run its course so to speak. The “choked� moments he mentions are referring to her repressions she’s made, so far buried in the inner conscience that they are seemingly lost at the beginning of treatment. The “shallows� he speaks of is actually irony because instead of appearing not intellectually profound while first speaking, Freud can see something deeper, something that Dora cannot see. His theory on authorities holds true in all the mysteries we have read and why the authorities are often unsuccessful in solving mysteries. “Exact," or suitably necessary answers are what the authorities produce to conclude, whereas Freud the detective takes the time to find a “smooth,� or being free from trouble or difficulty answer to the problem, the case of hysteria, at hand.

“Transference is the one thing the presence of which has to be detected almost without assistance and with only the slightest clues to go upon, while at the same time the risk of making arbitrary inferences has to be avoided.�

Transference is when a patient’s feeling for some person is transferred to the doctor. In this case, it would be Dora’s feelings of perhaps for Herr K. and her father transferred to Freud throughout the analysis. When Dora mentions to Freud that she smells smoke whenever her first dream occurs, Freud deduces that Dora must have once had an urge to kiss him. He made this connection by thinking that Dora’s kiss with Herr K., who was a smoker, made her think of smelling smoke and since Freud was also a smoker, there was transference to him (pg. 66). This idea of “transference� seems to contradict Freud’s desires for conclusions to be made based on fact (pg. 43); however, instead of analyzing too much on his contradiction, I thought I would mention his thought process with transference reminded me of his detective skills. In a sense, it is much like Holmes. He is detecting slight clues, almost trifles, and from there he is trying to figure out the “how� and “why� of Dora’s case. Both Holmes and Freud walk on a fine line of the facts and imaginations in the eyes of most. Many might assume they are making up their own facts to confirm their theories. But they both observe keenly and try to pinpoint the important details of the case in a very methodological manner.

"My expectations were by no means disappointed when this explaination of mine was met by Dora with a most emphatic negative". (page 51)

I think that this short phrase is a prime example of what I find so exasperating about Freud. He developed some very concrete theories about how the human mind works and reacts, which were and still are revolutionary and unique, and for this he is to be admired and respected. However, I believe that Freud became so convinced that his ideas were the only correct ones that he began twisting evidence to suit his particular theories, and ignoring any evidence that didn't fit into his previously constructed template.

Freud listens to Dora's descriptions of her experiences, and of course delves into what he believes is behind her feelings and symptoms- mostly repressed sexual feelings and memories. Dora of course denies these insinuations, but it doesn't deter Freud. In fact, as the line about says, he has "expectations" about Dora's case. He's formulated an idea of what he wants Dora's case to turn out as, and no evidence to the contrary is going to sway him from his path. For a man so celebrated for listening to his patients, Freud isn't doing too good of a job at this point.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with having theories or opinions on something or someone, but it is necessary that those theories don't get in the way of actually gathering evidence from a patient. I think that Freud's entire account of Dora's case can be thrown into question from his evident bias towards himself and his ideas.

"But the question of where her knowledge came from was a riddle which her memories were unable to solve." pg. 24 of "Dora"

While reading the book this line caught my attention. I really like the way it is written. Compared to all of the other lines filled with scientific lingo, this one seemed more philosophical and meaningful, and I think that it is one that is important to the story. The word riddle, which means a puzzling thing or person, seems to be a perfect one to describe both Dora’s thoughts and herself. Claiming that “where her knowledge came form was a riddle,� gives readers insight to Dora’s entangled mind and allows them to get a feeling of what her “condition� is like as opposed to simply hearing it described by Freud. It gives a better picture of Dora than Freud’s constant diagnoses. The use of “riddle� and “unable to solve� also gives the quote a mystery-like feeling which entices readers to want to know more, as if they were reading a mystery novel. Readers want to have a solution to the riddle.

"Now you won't see me, you won't see
my agonies or my crimes
but in endless darkness, always, there you'll see
those I never should have seen.
And those I should have known were my parents, father and mother-
these eyes will never see their faces in the light.
These eyes will never see the light again, never."

These words erupt from Oedipus's mouth as he blinds himself with the dead Jocasta's brooches, and are directed to his eyes. However, they require closer examination to understand their full meaning, and even then his words can be puzzling. Before the revelation of his parentage, for instance, Oedipus had two working eyes and he couldn't see "[his] agonies or [his] crimes". Why, therefore, was it necessary to destroy his eyes?

The last line of his outburst, however, is less confusing, and explains his motives better: "These eyes will never see the light again, never". Before Oedipus knew who his parents were, he was metaphorically in the dark- out of the light. The unveiling of the play's central mystery sheds the veil of darkness from Oedipus's eyes, and what he sees in the light is more than he can stand. The desire to remain in complete darkness after such a revelation is therefore understandable.

The choice of words in this passage becomes very interesting especially if in the same context as “revelation,� which usually has a positive meaning. The repetition of “doomed� and D’s (down, blood) adds to the drama of the text, as do the words, “torment,� evil,� and “horror.� Oedipus also uses the terms “me/my� which in this case, deals not with his reputation as King, mighty leader who saves his people, but a “me� that is unraveled, impeached by his own fate. His picture, in this passage, his reputation is almost tarnished because of his situation. “Where the sun pours down,� is a phrase as negative as they get, alluring to darkness and unforgiving places of doom.

Oedipus the King
Lines 1492-1496

“LIGHT LIGHT LIGHT
never again flood these eyes with your white radiance, oh gods, my eyes. All, all
the oracles have proven true. I, Oedipus, I
am the child
of parents who should never have been mine- doomed, doomed!�
-Oedipus, looking up at the sun

The word “light� is in all capital letters at the beginning of Oedipus’ cry. It is also repeated three times, showing great emphasis on the already stressed word. “Light� is mentioned at least three times throughout the play. (Lines 177, 880, 987) In most cases, someone is asking for the light to reveal it all; they want to know. It is ironic that Teiresias, the blind prophet, is in physical darkness yet he is the only one in mental “brightness.�
Even before this point of the play, Oedipus says “light� three times, but the letters are not capital letters (Line 987). This doesn’t catch the reader as intensely as the line above, yet it is interesting to notice that when the situation is finally clear to Oedipus, he repeats the word. In any other case, for example when he’s asking for the light for clarity and truth, he does not beg for it by constantly repeating the word. When he encounters the truth of it all, he speaks to the light, cursing and screaming at it. This instantly reminded me of Dr. Sheppard when he asks his sister if she is sure it is the truth she wants. Is it?

"You, it's you. What plagues the city is you. The plague is you."
-Teiresias pg. 39

I liked this quote because it was the first to give readers the idea that there was a twist in the story. It was the point when we realize that there is more to Oedipus's life than meets the eye. I thought that it was interesting how the word "you" is used four times in the quote. I think that it was used multiple times to solidify the fact to Oedipus that it is possible that he really was the murderer. The fact that he keeps hearing himself being accused is, in my opinion what gets into his head and makes him think twice about his kingship and the way in which he came to be what he is. Also "plague," which means to torment or an epidemic, is used twice. The repetitiveness is very important to the quote because it forces both the readers and Oedipus to really think about the words and the possibility that they are the truth. Oedipus becomes very defensive during this accusation which shows even further that he has some doubts about who he really is, even if it is just a subconscious feeling.

“It’s clear you hate to yield, clear you yield only under pressure, only when you’ve worn out the fierceness of your anger.�
Pg. 54 Lines 890-892

Oedipus The King

At the end of the argument between Kreon and Oedipus, Kreon makes an audacious statement in the heat of the moment which couldn’t burn closer to the truth. Yielding in this sense is surrendering to the argument, persuasion, or influence of another. It is also a yielding of power, giving in to something greater, sacrificing oneself. Pertaining to this argument, Oedipus won’t admit that Kreon is right, and wants to blame him for the murder of Laios. This is dramatic irony because indeed Oedipus murdered Laios on the road just because Laios’ chariot failed to yield to Oedipus’ passing. Oedipus is stubborn, and will only yield (submit) when the pressure becomes too great for him, a man, to handle. It is a submission that Kreon says only comes about after a great fight. Oedipus has a short temper, seen in this scene, which depicts ferocity, and often brings about rash thoughtless action. Clarity is thus another key part of the statement because Kreon, as well as all the characters and readers, can see without obstruction the truth and want Oedipus to be not be obscured any longer, and to calmly let go of the past to move into a new light, the light of truth.

Spoken by Holmes to Watson:

“‘But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they have established a very serious case against the son of the murdered man.’�

When something is “featureless� or “commonplace,� it is often associated with being very obvious. But to Holmes, it is because the issue is so plain and obvious that makes it even more difficult to solve. “Singularity� is something unusual or peculiar. Singularity is what makes an object stand out, making it the first place to start and using that to derive the answers; however, a “featureless and commonplace� item almost has a mask of obviousness. It is so obvious to the naked eye, yet hidden. Obvious bits and pieces often block the mind from being able to form other ideas. The mind is so easily taken by what it can see upfront. This concept of something being so obvious it is hidden to all relates back to Poe’s “The Purloined Letter.�

"And was it only fancy which induced me to believe that, with the increase of my own firmness, that of my tormentor underwent a proportional diminution? Be this as it may, I now began to feel inspiration of a burning hope, and at length nurtured in my secret thoughts a stern and desperate resolution that I would submit no longer to be enslaved."

Page 355, "William Wilson"

Here William Wilson feels a small sense of power. He has found a method to overthrow the second William Wilson. He no longer wants to be under William II's reign. William is controlled by William II's low whispers and irritating pieces of advice. There is a power struggle happening. William tries to look at the situation logically and mathematically. As he increases, perhaps William II will decrease. This is defnitely about a battle raging from inside. It is amazing to see how a fight with oneself can be so fierce and effective at degrading the state of mind.

"He makes in silence, a host of observations and inferences. So, perhaps, do his companions; and the difference in the extent of the information obtained lies not so much in the validity of the inference as in the quality of the observation."
Poe's "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" (Pg. 399)

Dupin's detective style is marked by a multitude, or host, of close observations of the situation at hand. Of course, the police are also making several observations, but they are concluding with induction by broad assumptions, rather than deduction. Dupin's observations are sound, seeing the whole picture- what appears to be there and what really is there. This is what causes him to see such detail as the broken nail, which was easily overlooked by the police investigation. Silence is another key factor as Dupin takes time to absorb the situation, using all his senses to solve the mystery. This quote is the key to solving the murders but also to figuring out life, one situation at a time.