Chapter 2 Summary

Doctor Freud introduces Chapter 2 by taking a position on dream theory in general. He notes that most dream theories hold that dreams are not psychic activities but are merely sleep functions with symbols. He mentions that lay theories are illogical and lack the courage to deny the importance of dreams. Based on his assertion that such theories prohibit or inhibit interpretation, he challenges all theories except those of R. A. Scherner, with whom he agrees that interpreting dreams acknowledges their importance as psychic activities that are links to our psyche.

Because the theories Freud challenges are illogical or in denial of the value of dreams as tools for analysis, he says, the unscientific world is left without proper methods for interpretation, having only two limited methods, both of which he finds worthless.

Freud continues by noting that popular belief prevails, though he must...