Sigmund Freud: Criminals From a Sense of Guilt

Sigmund Freud: Criminals From a Sense of Guilt Sigmund Freud: Criminals From a Sense of Guilt Introduction The article I have chosen for my critical analysis is Criminals from A Sense of Guilty by Sigmund Freud (1914-1916). This critical review will look at the theory of Freuds psychoanalytic ideas of the relationship between the individual behaviours and the social world in connection with a crime. This reading is about the notion of unconscious and sense of guilty. Freud introduces a distinctive, an important feature in the social theory which is Psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis is a psychological perspective which investigates the interaction of the conscious and unconscious elements in mind. Freud offered explanations of how unconscious thoughts internalised as well as he talked about the rationality and irrationality in the human actions what is going on in their minds. This topic is quite distinctive from the rest of the previous topic we learnt so far which were theories of social life, society and sociological perspective as well as ideology. This topic focuses on irrationality and the guilty consciousness/ unconscious. Freud explains this subject as that the existence of feeling guilt conscious in the mind of the individual is present all the time. Freud tried to understand in his proficiency on the continuity of human mind in distinctive ways. It also looks at the different behaviours of individuals and how individual are prone to criminals due to their sense of guilt. Main body In the first passage, Freud states that his patients, those committed crimes were struggling from an oppressive feeling of guilt. Freud initiated on his article to talk about his regular observation of his patients in his care, and how often they provide their transgression of prohibited misdeeds they committed while in his care and afterwards. The short coming of this text is the author depends on his experience of his clients, instead of providing an empirical data. For stance, in the first paragraph, he indicated that early as before and after puberty, those in his care were committing misdeeds, but did not give exact age groups neither categories. He did not provide the number of people he treated and observed. Therefore, he did not offer a date to support the validity of piece. It is also not clear if he was given consent from his patients to share this information due to confidentiality reasons. This is because he does not discuss confidentiality and anonymity in his article. According to him, these crimes were committed by his patients while they were quite young in some cases. Offences committed at the time were theft, fraud and arson. He stressed that crime is committed due to its nature of prohibition, which he believes it gives mental relief to the individuals. Freud also believes some of this individual are suffering the burden of guilt and the oppressed feeling inside them from childhood, therefore, perfuming such misdeed is assigned to something deep (p. 332). This lacks clarification of the sense of feeling Guilt and what caused them to feel this guilt was limited in his explanation. I do not agree with Freuds claims that individuals feel a sense of guilt before they commit a crime. Whereas, I believe an individual can have sense of guilt after committing a crime because the individual know the consequences that comes with committing a crime. From the humiliation and isolation that comes along with the punishment. However, I do agree with Freuds claims that guilt is an internal feeling. Nonetheless, it is only after an incident takes place which could be subjected to fine or imprisonment. This is because these punishments make individuals worry about their actions which could then lead to a sense of guilt. In my opinion, I can feel guilty when I failed to follow the absolute law or commit crime/ sin, or any disobedience which is punishable. Therefore, I believe that the idea of guilt should relate to a violation of rights. Freuds theory talks about the development of criminal personality can be due to the way of a child had been brought up from an early age. The experience of early childhood could be one of the reasons that many children lead to developing a criminal personality when they become older. Therefore, Freud emphasised his patients had a past emotions manifested deep in their minds. I may agree to some extent. However, many children grew and develop their mental capacity and get over their past experiences, and some may affect them badly. Furthermore, in his period people may did have the sources and service that is available for many people today. The second elements of the reading on the fourth passages, obscure of a sense of guilt drived from Oedipus complex (p. 332). He claims the consequence of investigative work of human sense of guilt in general as a result is derived from the Oedipus complex and was a reaction to the two great criminal intentions of killing the father and having sexual relations with the mother (p. 332-333). This indicates how the child perceives the father as punishment figure inside him. The childs anxiety develops and his anger toward the father. Its way of showing a sense of strain within the household and the power of the father. Therefore, the pressure is already present in the house before thinking the social constraint in general. As a result of the sense of guilt is derived from here and this is the fundamental morality of humankind. Likewise, Freud had no evidence to back up his study. His claim is vague to me on how a child can have that capacity of a hate or love. Furthermore, children cannot develop sense of sexuality at this early stage particularly towards their parental mother. Freud was educating us about the psychological perspectives and its factors which drives individuals to commit crimes. However, in his observation it showed significant elements of psychological factors link with early delinquencies experiences. However, there is not enough evidence to back his claims of the factors which drive individuals to commit crimes. This is because he does not talk about the therapy treatment in which his patients had undergone. He also did not pinpoint nor highlight the prevention strategies in his article which could prevent them to commit such crimes. In conscious phantasy, because they already feel they are attacked and got hurt in their mind, and they use their mechanism defence, and what aver action is taking by these people to hurt others make them feel relieved. Therefore, this burden of guilt inside them, got them relieved by acting out this phantasy. According to Freud, the real punishment which is already inside them is agonising them before acting out. The third significant claim in the text is Pale criminality. Freud sat out the psychoanalysis interpretation of pale criminal (p.333), it is the principle of unconscious phantasy, the mental thinking and activity which is unique for those who have sense of guilt and drives to commit crime and desire for a punishment. However, they got relieved by acting out. Furthermore, he concluded his piece saying; Let us leave it to leave it to future research to decide (p.333), this undermines the value of his work and shows he had a sense that his study needed improvement and correction of his misrepresentation. Nonetheless, the author seems he did not fully achieve his intended goal as he left it for future. The samples and categories are not clear and the method used to arrive such conclusions. This shows his study is not broad. It is only in his clients which even lacks the number of people he treated. Furthermore, it is what his patients informed him its not shown if he conducted a academic research. In the absence of adequate detail, Freud lacks the depth in its explanation of this article. It is extremely difficult to assess the reliability of his studies and outcome. There is some ambiguity regarding the validity of his research, and some of the cases he observed as well as the conclusions he reached. Not only had he talked about childhood experiences and how past emotion drove people. Freud also explained human mind is so simple which lacks concrete. Conclusion To conclude that Freuds theory is known the unconscious mind, and his intention was to represent the criminal from sense of guilt. Some of the cases Freud investigates didnt specify how he carried out his research. Some of them informed about their misdeed and their sense of which driven to commit a crime, which didnt have conscious. Even though young people grew and leave some infantile sentiment behind, and some grew with the emotionals. As people grew older they develop mental capacity and throughout they learn from wrong and right. However, some people may commit crime for different reasons; due to being a hedonistic or mental disorder. Therefore, the people he treated was not clear what type of people and what condition they were suffering, was it some sort of mental disorder which either be treatable or section for public protection. My suggestion on this piece is it needs more research to be done based on the sense of guilt cause of the crime. Even though, Freuds experiments based on only some cases, however, psychoanalysis created useful elements which are useful in the criminal justice system to some extent which is prominent even though is helpful but yet not reliable hundred percent.

Individual vs. the Society in “The Scarlet Letter” Essay

In The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the theme of the individual versus society is prevalent. One of the most intriguing characters in the novel is Hester Prynne, who is ostracized by the society around her. Hawthorne uses symbols to accentuate how Hester chooses to accept her branded punishment as a moral obligation rather than a mark of shame. Her individualism is achieved through a clear conscience and accepting the fact that she is unique, distanced from the Puritans surrounding her. Immediately, The Scarlet Letter sets up a clear contrast between Hester and the other ladies in Boston, Massachusetts. Hester emerges from the prison as a gorgeous woman who was, â€Å"tall, with a figure of perfect elegance on a large scale. She had dark and abundant hair, so glossy that it threw off the susnhine with a gleam, and a face which ,beside being beautiful from regularity of feature and richness of complexion†¦ was ladylike, too, after the manner of the feminine gentility of those days; characterized by a certain state and dignity.† (Narrator, p. 46-47) Meanwhile, the other women in Boston are portrayed as gossiping quacks who ridicule Hester out of jealousy and spite. Hester is further distanced from the mob throng through her elegant garb and her skill of needle-work. While on the scaffold, and later when she moves into a cottage distanced from everyone else, Hester remains defiant. She asserts her quasi rebellious personality by not wavering amid the penetrating stares of the townspeople. In addition, she chooses to stay in Boston rather than take the opportunity to escape and start a new life. By running away, Hester would be acknowledging society’s power of her. Instead, she desires to establish her own identity and not have society determine it for her. If Hester were to succumb to outside pressure, it would further undermine what little integrity the townspeople see in her. However, the cruel taunts are meaningless to her, because Hester is adamant in her convictions; she has a genuine purpose in life. Her daughter Pearl is an important part of Hester’s life. Much more than a living embodiment of the sin that Hester is reminded of through the scarlet letter, Pearl allows Hester to have a reason to live and a reason to stay. Pearl acts as a reality check, for she daily reminds her mother of her sin. Yet, Pearl is a miracle child, by proving that beauty can spring from sin. She offers Hester a mirror of herself, and an enduring obligation for which to uphold. In addition, Hester feels an obligation to stay in New England because she feels morally bound to stay with Pearl’s father. The scarlet letter in a sense defines who Hester is. Lavishly decorated â€Å"in fine red cloth surrounded with an elaborate embroidery and fantastic flourishes of gold thread,† (Narrator, p. 46) the letter â€Å"A† binds Hester to serve her due atonement for the wrongs she has committed. However, her brilliant skills at needle-work and uniqueness of individuality are frowned upon by the society. Out of malice and jealousy, they verbally abuse both her and Pearl, degrading them to worthless figures while they themselves are hypocrites in their own right. Ironic takes its finest form when the skillful works of Hester are adorned by those highest officials that are punishing her. Despite the ridicule, Hester stands tall. She knows the expectations that are placed on her, and that the shame incurred by her will extend for possibly generations to come. Hester is not willing to mold herself to the eager hands of others so that they may satiate their cruel desire to see her torture in her mental prison. She strives for compassion and well-being amid all the harsh words. This is evidenced in her treatment of Pearl, who is exalted far beyond the other children. She is dressed in the most extravagant attire, while being taught heavenly virtues. Motherly love defies all pressures, and Hester’s undeniable love for Pearl is the quintessence of this. In the strict morals of Puritan society that are delineated in The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne undergoes many tribulations. Her wrongdoing helps provoke the angry sentiments of the townspeople, who are determined to see her suffer to the fullest extent. However, Hester’s attitude is one of moral obligation and compassionate defiance. She retorts with nothing but love, as beautifully demonstrated in her treatment of Pearl. Hester is unique, and so  is her unwavering attitude regardless of what the rest of society thinks of her. She answers to a higher order and never relents her conscience to the greedy hands of others.

Acid Rain Scourge From The Skies Essay - 1011 Words

Acid Rain: Scourge from the Skies nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;â€Å"North Americans have been smelting ore and burning fossil fuels for generations. In the past, the gases went up ordinary chimneys or small smoke stacks, to descend upon near by areas and pollute them,† states author, Robert Collins. Almost everyone knows what acid rain is and has a vague idea of the consequences that exist as a cause of it. Most people however do not realize the severity of acid rain. The essay â€Å"Acid Rain: Scourge from the Skies† by Robert Collins was very effective in showing the true severity of acid rain. By using excellent developmental devices, Robert Collins was able to write an effective essay that is appealing to today’s society, as well as†¦show more content†¦nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Secondly, essays written about important subjects like acid rain which effect society everyday have consist of a great deal of personal appeal for readers. Essays that appeal to a large amount of readers are effe ctive because they are relevant to many different types of people. Acid rain doesn’t effect only one group of people and that is why the subject of acid rain is effective. Farmers, livestock breeders or anyone else who is constantly working with the land would be interested in this essay because acid rain is a very significant subject for them. If the effects of acid rain worsen, their jobs and lives could change considerably. Furthermore, scientists and biologists who are trying to find ways of preventing acid rain would find this essay appealing. The essay gives many ideas as to the ways of preventing the emission of sulphur dioxide into the air. â€Å"Acid Rain: Scourge from the Skies† deals with a subject that is relevant to scientists and might be able to help them further their research. Correspondingly, people who are researching the topic of acid rain for school, work or just for curiosity would find this essay appealing because it answers a lot of the possible questions that they might have. For example, if someone wanted to know how acid rainShow MoreRelatedOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Ex plain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pageslittle significance. But there is little agreement over when the twentieth century c.e. arrived, and there were several points both before the year 2000 (the collapse of the Soviet Union, the reunification of Germany, the surge of globalization from the mid-1990s) and afterward (9/11, or the global recession of 2008) when one could quite plausibly argue that a new era had begun. A compelling case can be made for viewing the decades of the global scramble for colonies after 1870 as a predictable

An Analysis of Arnolds Essay, The Function of Criticism...

Introduction The first thing to start with is the title. In order to understand Arnold’s essay we should first understand the title of the essay. As we notice that Matthew Arnold associates criticism with one function not many functions, but which function? He also mentions that this function of criticism is limited within a specific and particular time which is the present time and the past or the future time. Therefore, answering the questions of function and time of criticism goes with analyzing Matthew Arnold‘s essay through my reading of his essay. It becomes clear that Arnold defends the importance of criticism. That’s to say he tries to display that the critical mind is of a paramount importance as well as the creative mind. A†¦show more content†¦The creative mind was considered as the peak of creativity and inspiration whereas the critical mind was considered of less importance. William Wordsworth, the most famous opponent of the critical mind considers criticism as a waste of time. He was one of those who criticized Arnold Matthew because he gives much importance to the critical effort over the creative effort. Wordsworth states that critics would be employed in original composition his reasoning behind this statement is injury to the mind of others. That criticism can cause in contrast to the harmlessness of prose or verse. As a reaction against Wordsworth, Matthew Arnold questions whether criticism in injurious to minds. For Arnold Matthew, Wordsworth judgment on criticism has a sense of exaggeration and this is due to the severe criticism which was received by Wordsworth from critics. More importantly, Arnold tries to refute the idea that the critical power is of lower importance than the creative power. Both creative power and critical power are complementary and of equal importance, because man finds his true happiness within the creative process, however this creative process can not be limited to great works of literature. Well-doing, learning or even criticizing according to Arnold can be a creative project that they can be just as fulfilling as great works of literature, and then criticism can be one of those fields in which one can experience happiness far from Wordsworth. Matthew ArnoldShow MoreRelatedArnolds Epochs of Expansion and Epochs of Concentration2228 Words   |  9 Pagesdefinition of criticism: a disinterested endeavor to learn and propagate the best that is known and thought in the world; (Leitch 824) said the Victorian poet and critic Matthew Arnold. Matthew Arnold, an English poet and critic whose work was both a representative of the Romant ic ideas and of the Victorian intellectual concerns later on was the primary literary critic of his age. Arnolds critical theories is highlighted mainly through his most important critical prose The Function of Criticism at theRead More Matthew Arnold versus Aristotles Poetics Essay examples3833 Words   |  16 PagesThe value of imitation: a vision of Aristotles Poetics Aristotle wrote his Poetics thousands of years before Matthew Arnolds birth. His reasons for composing it were different from Arnolds reasons for using it as an element of his own poetic criticism. We can safely say that Arnold was inclined to use the Poetics as an inspiration for his own poetry, and as a cultural weapon in the fight for artistic and social renewal. Aristotle, by contrast, was more concerned with discovering general truths