Freud's Theory of Psychoanalysis in Shutter Island Nathan Young College

Freud’s introduction to the concept of psychoanalysis was one that provided an explanation as well as a potential solution to an issue that was otherwise untreated: hysteria. Although Freud’s theory was met with heavy skepticism, it is a theory that had enough merit to still be used in today’s psychological field. Freud acknowledged his theory’s incompleteness but claimed that it was better than the alternative, for if someone provided a complete and thorough theory, it would be a product of pure speculation (Freud 5). What makes Freud’s theory of psychoanalysis so valuable is that it is effective. Not only as a treatment, but as an explanatory text regarding trauma and hysteria. A prime example of Freud’s concepts of psychoanalysis and hysteria may be found in the novel Shutter Island. Edward “Teddy” Daniels, the protagonist of Shutter Island suffers from the symptoms of repression and trauma, and his repressed object is attempting to surface from his unconscious through the trials in which Daniels undergoes throughout the novel.

As aforementioned, Freud’s theory of psychoanalysis was largely incomplete and was thus met with objection. His test subjects were very similar in their upbringing and nature, and it was also an...