Difference between revisions of "Condensation"
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[[Condensation]] is an essential aspect of the workings of the [[unconscious]] and especially of [[Dream Work|dream-work]], as described by [[psychoanalysis]]. | [[Condensation]] is an essential aspect of the workings of the [[unconscious]] and especially of [[Dream Work|dream-work]], as described by [[psychoanalysis]]. | ||
| − | [[Condensation]], along with [[displacement]], is an essential process in [[Dream Work|dream work]] and more generally in [[primary process|primary-process]] thinking. | + | [[Condensation]], along with [[displacement]], is an essential [[process]] in [[Dream Work|dream work]] and more generally in [[primary process|primary-process]] [[thinking]]. |
==More== | ==More== | ||
[[Condensation]] is one of the methods by which the [[repression|repressed]] [[return]]s in hidden ways. | [[Condensation]] is one of the methods by which the [[repression|repressed]] [[return]]s in hidden ways. | ||
| − | For example, in [[dream]]s multiple dream-thoughts are often combined and amalgamated into a single element of the [[manifest]] dream (e.g. [[symbol]]s). | + | For example, in [[dream]]s multiple dream-[[thoughts]] are often combined and amalgamated into a single element of the [[manifest]] dream (e.g. [[symbol]]s). |
| − | According to [[Freud]], every situation in a [[dream]] seems to be put together out of two or more impressions or experiences. | + | According to [[Freud]], every [[situation]] in a [[dream]] seems to be put together out of two or more impressions or experiences. |
| − | One need only think about how people and places tend to meld into composite figures in our dreams. | + | One [[need]] only [[think]] [[about]] how [[people]] and places tend to meld into composite [[figures]] in our [[dreams]]. |
The same sort of [[condensation]] can occur in [[symptom-formation]]. | The same sort of [[condensation]] can occur in [[symptom-formation]]. | ||
| − | The other method whereby the [[repression|repressed]] hides itself is [[displacement]]. | + | The [[other]] method whereby the [[repression|repressed]] hides itself is [[displacement]]. |
==More== | ==More== | ||
| − | In a [[dream]], a single idea or [[image]] may represent the | + | In a [[dream]], a single [[idea]] or [[image]] may [[represent]] the nodal point at which a [[number]] of chains of [[associations]] or [[ideas]] intersect, and can thus be a [[condensation]] of both their multiple [[unconscious]] [[meaning]] and their quota of [[affect]] or [[emotion]]al charge. |
==More== | ==More== | ||
| − | The mechanism of [[condensation]] explains why the [[manifest content]] of a [[dream]] is often so laconic or [[fragmentation|fragmentary]]: it is an abridged translation of the [[latent content]]. | + | The [[mechanism]] of [[condensation]] explains why the [[manifest content]] of a [[dream]] is often so laconic or [[fragmentation|fragmentary]]: it is an abridged [[translation]] of the [[latent content]]. |
The second basis mechanism of the [[Dream Work|dream-work]] is [[displacement]]. | The second basis mechanism of the [[Dream Work|dream-work]] is [[displacement]]. | ||
| − | Both mechanisms can be observed in other [[unconscious]] formations, and notably in [[symptom]]s of [[hysteria]] and [[neurosis]]; they are also important features of [[jokes]]. | + | Both mechanisms can be observed in other [[unconscious]] [[formations]], and notably in [[symptom]]s of [[hysteria]] and [[neurosis]]; they are also important features of [[jokes]]. |
Following [[Jakobson]], [[Lacan]] likes [[condensation]] and [[displacement]] to the [[linguistics|linguistic]] mechanisms of [[metaphor]] and [[metonymy]]. | Following [[Jakobson]], [[Lacan]] likes [[condensation]] and [[displacement]] to the [[linguistics|linguistic]] mechanisms of [[metaphor]] and [[metonymy]]. | ||
==More== | ==More== | ||
| − | We tend to view it as a way of attributing, to a person or representative [[object]], characteristics and properties that, from the point of view of latent thoughts, belong to other persons or objects. | + | We tend to view it as a way of attributing, to a person or [[representative]] [[object]], characteristics and properties that, from the point of view of latent thoughts, belong to other persons or [[objects]]. |
| − | In [[reality]], if we go by Freud's text in ''[[The Interpretation of Dreams]]'',<ref>1900a</ref> [[condensation]], like [[displacement]], does not proceed directly by modifying the content of a [[representation]]. | + | In [[reality]], if we go by Freud's [[text]] in ''[[The Interpretation of Dreams]]'',<ref>1900a</ref> [[condensation]], like [[displacement]], does not proceed directly by modifying the [[content]] of a [[representation]]. |
| − | All [[dream]]s are made up of [[latent]] dream thoughts, each of which corresponds to one or several chains of associations, with each link being initially charged with a psychic intensity. | + | All [[dream]]s are made up of [[latent]] dream thoughts, each of which corresponds to one or several chains of associations, with each link [[being]] initially charged with a [[psychic]] intensity. |
| − | [[Dream Work|Dream work]] consists in changing the location of these fragmentary intensities without either increasing or reducing their global value. | + | [[Dream Work|Dream work]] consists in changing the location of these fragmentary intensities without either increasing or reducing their [[global]] [[value]]. |
==More== | ==More== | ||
| − | In [[displacement]], one assigns to link A in a chain of associations the intensity initially associated with link B. | + | In [[displacement]], one assigns to link A in a [[chain]] of associations the intensity initially associated with link B. |
[[Condensation]], in contrast, operates by bringing intensities together. | [[Condensation]], in contrast, operates by bringing intensities together. | ||
| − | When two chains of association intersect, it assigns to the common link the sum of the intensities of the two intersecting chains. | + | When two chains of [[association]] intersect, it assigns to the common link the sum of the intensities of the two intersecting chains. |
| − | This nevertheless indirectly alters the [[representation]] because, in the [[manifest content]] of the [[dream]], a link will not figure if it does not retain an intensity. | + | This nevertheless indirectly alters the [[representation]] because, in the [[manifest content]] of the [[dream]], a link will not [[figure]] if it does not retain an intensity. |
By displacing the intensities of several chains to their common link, [[condensation]] makes it possible to represent all of the chains by a single link. | By displacing the intensities of several chains to their common link, [[condensation]] makes it possible to represent all of the chains by a single link. | ||
| − | Hence, there is an economy of means that contributes to [[censorship]]. | + | Hence, there is an [[economy]] of means that contributes to [[censorship]]. |
| − | As a result, when one link takes the place of several chains, this makes it more difficult to read through to the wish corresponding to those chains. | + | As a result, when one link takes the [[place]] of several chains, this makes it more difficult to read through to the wish corresponding to those chains. |
==More== | ==More== | ||
[[Condensation]] thus has an indirect effect on the figural content of representations. | [[Condensation]] thus has an indirect effect on the figural content of representations. | ||
| − | It does not create chimeras that bring together in one element the attributes of others. | + | It does not create chimeras that bring together in one element the attributes of [[others]]. |
| − | Nor does it engage in [[metonymy]], in which one of the links represents one or several chains of association. | + | Nor does it engage in [[metonymy]], in which one of the [[links]] represents one or several chains of association. |
| − | It is a process that operates by displacing intensity, but when the intensity of several chains is brought to bear on their common link, [[condensation]] seeks to represent them all. | + | It is a process that operates by displacing intensity, but when the intensity of several chains is brought to bear on their common link, [[condensation]] seeks to represent [[them]] all. |
==More== | ==More== | ||
When explaining the effect of condensation, [[Freud]] used the [[metaphor]] of italics. | When explaining the effect of condensation, [[Freud]] used the [[metaphor]] of italics. | ||
| − | A representative link whose intensity has been reinforced by condensation has a status comparable to that of a word in italics in a text. | + | A representative link whose intensity has been reinforced by condensation has a status comparable to that of a [[word]] in italics in a text. |
This metaphor calls for two remarks. | This metaphor calls for two remarks. | ||
First, the intensity added to a fragment of a [[representation]] through condensation makes it possible, like italics, to stress the importance of the representation. | First, the intensity added to a fragment of a [[representation]] through condensation makes it possible, like italics, to stress the importance of the representation. | ||
This added intensity indicates at the manifest level that the representation stands for the different latent chains intersecting at the link. | This added intensity indicates at the manifest level that the representation stands for the different latent chains intersecting at the link. | ||
| − | Second, typographical emphasis warps the texture of a text and invites us to look for links other than those offered by successive statements. | + | Second, typographical emphasis warps the [[texture]] of a text and invites us to look for links other than those offered by successive statements. |
| − | Typographical emphasis is an invitation to abandon linearity and search for the dreamer's associations. | + | Typographical emphasis is an invitation to abandon linearity and [[search]] for the dreamer's associations. |
==More== | ==More== | ||
| − | The notion of intensity is complex. | + | The [[notion]] of intensity is [[complex]]. |
| − | The term indicates the psychic interest of a particular idea. | + | The term indicates the psychic interest of a [[particular]] idea. |
| − | But we may well ask whether this interest should not be extended to the affect associated with each chain of associations or the instinct that determines each association. | + | But we may well ask whether this interest should not be extended to the affect associated with each chain of associations or the [[instinct]] that determines each association. |
==More== | ==More== | ||
| − | Although [[Freud]] studied [[condensation]] particularly in relation to [[dream]]s, especially in ''[[The Interpretation of Dreams]]'', he also describes the effect of this process in other manifestations of [[primary process|primary-process]] thinking, such as [[jokes]], forgetting names, [[slips of the tongue]], and [[symptom]]s. | + | Although [[Freud]] studied [[condensation]] particularly in relation to [[dream]]s, especially in ''[[The Interpretation of Dreams]]'', he also describes the effect of this process in other manifestations of [[primary process|primary-process]] thinking, such as [[jokes]], [[forgetting]] names, [[slips of the tongue]], and [[symptom]]s. |
In these latter domains, however, it is sometimes quite difficult to distinguish between [[condensation]] and [[overdetermination]]. | In these latter domains, however, it is sometimes quite difficult to distinguish between [[condensation]] and [[overdetermination]]. | ||
| − | In both cases, as the result of a transformation, a representation substitutes for more elaborate thought content. | + | In both cases, as the result of a transformation, a representation substitutes for more elaborate [[thought]] content. |
| − | Both processes seem to proceed by increasing intensity, that is, by economic modification, and this results in the reorganization of the thought content. | + | Both [[processes]] seem to proceed by increasing intensity, that is, by [[economic]] modification, and this results in the reorganization of the thought content. |
But whereas condensation can be viewed as a sum of intensities relative to forces acting in the same direction, overdetermination appears more as an appropriation of content by [[heterogeneity|heterogeneous]] if not [[antagonism|antagonistic forces]]. | But whereas condensation can be viewed as a sum of intensities relative to forces acting in the same direction, overdetermination appears more as an appropriation of content by [[heterogeneity|heterogeneous]] if not [[antagonism|antagonistic forces]]. | ||
==More== | ==More== | ||
| − | In fact, the content of an overdetermined representation acts as a fulcrum for opposing logics and conflicting systems (such as the [[preconscious]] and the [[unconscious]]). | + | In fact, the content of an overdetermined representation [[acts]] as a fulcrum for opposing logics and conflicting systems (such as the [[preconscious]] and the [[unconscious]]). |
| − | A [[thought content]] (or [[representation]]) resulting from the interaction of forces pushing for the fulfillment of an [[unconscious]] [[wish]] and forces opposing it (the [[censorship|censor]]) is a good example of [[overdetermination]] but not of [[condensation]], since the censor is not part of the latent dream thoughts. | + | A [[thought content]] (or [[representation]]) resulting from the interaction of forces pushing for the fulfillment of an [[unconscious]] [[wish]] and forces opposing it (the [[censorship|censor]]) is a [[good]] example of [[overdetermination]] but not of [[condensation]], since the [[censor]] is not part of the [[Latent Dream Thoughts|latent dream thoughts]]. |
| − | However, as soon as the signifying element begins to represent conflict (as in the case of a [[symptom]]), the difference between condensation and overdetermination is more difficult to establish. | + | However, as soon as the signifying element begins to represent [[conflict]] (as in the [[case]] of a [[symptom]]), the [[difference]] between condensation and overdetermination is more difficult to establish. |
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
| Line 100: | Line 100: | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
| − | # Freud, Sigmund. (1900a). The interpretation of dreams. SE, 4: 1-338; 5: 339-625. | + | # [[Freud, Sigmund]]. (1900a). The [[interpretation]] of dreams. SE, 4: 1-338; 5: 339-625. |
| − | # ——. (1905c). Jokes and their relation to the unconscious. SE, 8: 1-236. | + | # ——. (1905c). [[Jokes and Their Relation to the Unconscious|Jokes and their relation to the unconscious]]. SE, 8: 1-236. |
| − | # ——. (1916-1917a [1915-17]). Introductory lectures on psycho-analysis. SE, 15: 9-239; 16: 243-463. | + | # ——. (1916-1917a [1915-17]). Introductory lectures on [[psycho]]-[[analysis]]. SE, 15: 9-239; 16: 243-463. |
| − | # PAGE 43 HOMER, CONDENSATION (71) CD | + | # PAGE 43 [[Homer|HOMER]], CONDENSATION (71) CD |
| − | + | [[Category:Psychoanalysis]] | |
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[[Category:Jacques Lacan]] | [[Category:Jacques Lacan]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Linguistics]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Dictionary]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Language]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Symbolic]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Concepts]] | ||
[[Category:Terms]] | [[Category:Terms]] | ||
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Latest revision as of 20:47, 27 May 2019
Condensation is an essential aspect of the workings of the unconscious and especially of dream-work, as described by psychoanalysis.
Condensation, along with displacement, is an essential process in dream work and more generally in primary-process thinking.
Contents
More
Condensation is one of the methods by which the repressed returns in hidden ways.
For example, in dreams multiple dream-thoughts are often combined and amalgamated into a single element of the manifest dream (e.g. symbols).
According to Freud, every situation in a dream seems to be put together out of two or more impressions or experiences.
One need only think about how people and places tend to meld into composite figures in our dreams.
The same sort of condensation can occur in symptom-formation. The other method whereby the repressed hides itself is displacement.
More
In a dream, a single idea or image may represent the nodal point at which a number of chains of associations or ideas intersect, and can thus be a condensation of both their multiple unconscious meaning and their quota of affect or emotional charge.
More
The mechanism of condensation explains why the manifest content of a dream is often so laconic or fragmentary: it is an abridged translation of the latent content.
The second basis mechanism of the dream-work is displacement.
Both mechanisms can be observed in other unconscious formations, and notably in symptoms of hysteria and neurosis; they are also important features of jokes.
Following Jakobson, Lacan likes condensation and displacement to the linguistic mechanisms of metaphor and metonymy.
More
We tend to view it as a way of attributing, to a person or representative object, characteristics and properties that, from the point of view of latent thoughts, belong to other persons or objects.
In reality, if we go by Freud's text in The Interpretation of Dreams,[1] condensation, like displacement, does not proceed directly by modifying the content of a representation.
All dreams are made up of latent dream thoughts, each of which corresponds to one or several chains of associations, with each link being initially charged with a psychic intensity.
Dream work consists in changing the location of these fragmentary intensities without either increasing or reducing their global value.
More
In displacement, one assigns to link A in a chain of associations the intensity initially associated with link B.
Condensation, in contrast, operates by bringing intensities together. When two chains of association intersect, it assigns to the common link the sum of the intensities of the two intersecting chains.
This nevertheless indirectly alters the representation because, in the manifest content of the dream, a link will not figure if it does not retain an intensity.
By displacing the intensities of several chains to their common link, condensation makes it possible to represent all of the chains by a single link.
Hence, there is an economy of means that contributes to censorship. As a result, when one link takes the place of several chains, this makes it more difficult to read through to the wish corresponding to those chains.
More
Condensation thus has an indirect effect on the figural content of representations.
It does not create chimeras that bring together in one element the attributes of others.
Nor does it engage in metonymy, in which one of the links represents one or several chains of association.
It is a process that operates by displacing intensity, but when the intensity of several chains is brought to bear on their common link, condensation seeks to represent them all.
More
When explaining the effect of condensation, Freud used the metaphor of italics. A representative link whose intensity has been reinforced by condensation has a status comparable to that of a word in italics in a text. This metaphor calls for two remarks. First, the intensity added to a fragment of a representation through condensation makes it possible, like italics, to stress the importance of the representation. This added intensity indicates at the manifest level that the representation stands for the different latent chains intersecting at the link. Second, typographical emphasis warps the texture of a text and invites us to look for links other than those offered by successive statements. Typographical emphasis is an invitation to abandon linearity and search for the dreamer's associations.
More
The notion of intensity is complex. The term indicates the psychic interest of a particular idea. But we may well ask whether this interest should not be extended to the affect associated with each chain of associations or the instinct that determines each association.
More
Although Freud studied condensation particularly in relation to dreams, especially in The Interpretation of Dreams, he also describes the effect of this process in other manifestations of primary-process thinking, such as jokes, forgetting names, slips of the tongue, and symptoms. In these latter domains, however, it is sometimes quite difficult to distinguish between condensation and overdetermination. In both cases, as the result of a transformation, a representation substitutes for more elaborate thought content. Both processes seem to proceed by increasing intensity, that is, by economic modification, and this results in the reorganization of the thought content. But whereas condensation can be viewed as a sum of intensities relative to forces acting in the same direction, overdetermination appears more as an appropriation of content by heterogeneous if not antagonistic forces.
More
In fact, the content of an overdetermined representation acts as a fulcrum for opposing logics and conflicting systems (such as the preconscious and the unconscious). A thought content (or representation) resulting from the interaction of forces pushing for the fulfillment of an unconscious wish and forces opposing it (the censor) is a good example of overdetermination but not of condensation, since the censor is not part of the latent dream thoughts. However, as soon as the signifying element begins to represent conflict (as in the case of a symptom), the difference between condensation and overdetermination is more difficult to establish.
See Also
- Dream
- Dream work
- Identification
- Jokes
- Metaphor
- Primary process
- secondary process
- Representability
- Slips of the tongue
- Unconscious formations
- Unconscious
- Work
References
- ↑ 1900a
- Freud, Sigmund. (1900a). The interpretation of dreams. SE, 4: 1-338; 5: 339-625.
- ——. (1905c). Jokes and their relation to the unconscious. SE, 8: 1-236.
- ——. (1916-1917a [1915-17]). Introductory lectures on psycho-analysis. SE, 15: 9-239; 16: 243-463.
- PAGE 43 HOMER, CONDENSATION (71) CD
