Seminar 18

In this short essay, Freud uses the analogy of a child's toy, the Mystic Writing Pad, to explain the workings of the perceptual apparatus. The Mystic Pad consists of a wax slab and a transparent sheet that overlays it. Writing appears on the transparent sheet but can be erased by lifting it, leaving the wax slab receptive to new impressions. Freud relates this model to the human mind, where the perceptual system (the transparent sheet) receives impressions, while the unconscious (the wax slab) retains them permanently.

Published in 1841, 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue' is a pioneering work in the detective fiction genre. The story revolves around C. Auguste Dupin, an amateur detective, who investigates the gruesome murders of Madame L'Espanaye and her daughter Camille in Paris. Dupin uses his analytical skills to unravel the mystery, which involves an orangutan as the unexpected perpetrator. The tale introduces several elements that became standard in detective fiction, including the brilliant amateur detective, the locked-room mystery, and the use of ratiocination to solve the crime.

Sigmund Freud's "Totem and Taboo" explores the origins of religion, morality, and social structures through a psychoanalytic lens. Freud posits a primal horde scenario where a father figure is overthrown, leading to the establishment of totemism and the development of societal norms. The book delves into the psychological dynamics of the family, exploring themes of incest, authority, and the repression of primal desires. "Totem and Taboo" remains a controversial but influential work, sparking debate about the relationship between psychology, anthropology, and the origins of culture. Its exploration of primal anxieties and the formation of social bonds continues to resonate with readers.

The story takes place in Paris and revolves around the theft of a letter from a royal woman by Minister D—, who uses its contents to blackmail her. The Paris police, led by Prefect G—, are unable to find the letter despite thorough searches. C. Auguste Dupin, an amateur detective, is approached for help and eventually retrieves the letter by understanding the minister's mindset and hiding it in plain sight. Dupin's method involves disguising himself and creating a distraction to swap the original letter with a fake one. The story highlights Dupin's analytical skills and his ability to think like a criminal to solve the mystery.