Freud’s "The Uncanny" (essay)

Freud’s "The Uncanny" explores the feeling of eeriness when something familiar becomes suddenly strange or unsettling. He suggests this illusion arises from repressed fears or memories that resurface unexpectedly, creating discomfort. For example, dolls, doubles, or old childhood objects can evoke this uncanny feeling because they blend known familiarity with strange or unsettling elements. Freud analyzes how this mix of the familiar and unfamiliar taps into deep-seated psychological tensions, revealing unconscious fears and desires. Ultimately, he sees the uncanny as a powerful psychological experience that uncovers hidden aspects of our mind, especially related to repression and the return of suppressed thoughts.