Free association (psychology) in the context of "Un Chien Andalou"

Psychoanalytic theory is the theory of the innate structure of the human soul and the dynamics of personality development relating to the practice of psychoanalysis, a method of research and for treating of mental disorders (psychopathology). Laid out by Sigmund Freud in the late 19th century (s. The Interpretation of Dreams), he developed the theory and practice of psychoanalysis until his death in 1939. Since then, it has been further refined, also divided into various sub-areas, but independent of this, Freuds structural distinction of the soul into three functionally interlocking instances has been largely retained.

Psychoanalysis with its theoretical core came to full prominence in the last third of the twentieth century, as part of the flow of critical discourse regarding psychological treatments in the 1970s. Freud himself had ceased his physiological research of the neural brain organization in 1906 (cf. history). shifting his focus to psychology and the treatment of mental health issues by using free associations and the phenomenon of transference. Psychoanalysis is based on the distinction between unconscious and conscious processes, and emphasized the recognition of childhood events that influence the mental functioning of adults. Freud's consideration of human evolutionary history (genetics) and then the aspect of individual psychological development in cultural contexts gave the psychoanalytic theory its characteristics.

Henry Valentine Miller (December 26, 1891 – June 7, 1980) was an American novelist, short story writer and essayist. He broke with existing literary forms and developed a new type of semi-autobiographical novel that blends character study, social criticism, philosophical reflection, stream of consciousness, explicit language, sex, surrealist free association, and mysticism. His most characteristic works of this kind are Tropic of Cancer, Black Spring, Tropic of Capricorn, and the trilogy The Rosy Crucifixion, which are based on his experiences in New York City and Paris, and all of which were banned in the United States until 1961. He also wrote travel memoirs and literary criticism and painted watercolors.