Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Whatever Became of Freud?" Edward Field examines the decline of Freudian psychology and the shift in societal attitudes toward therapy and self-improvement. Through a mix of nostalgia and critique, Field reflects on how the once-dominant influence of Freudian analysis has been replaced by a more superficial focus on body image and self-help. The poem explores themes of cultural change, the limits of therapy, and the obsession with health and appearance.

The poem begins with a rhetorical question: "Has the age of psychology really passed?" The speaker wonders if people are no longer interested in understanding how their upbringing shaped their identities: "Aren’t people interested anymore / in how their toilet training shaped them?" The mention of toilet training, a Freudian concept, immediately establishes the poem's connection to Sigmund Freud's theories.

Field points out that people rarely talk about their "analysis" or the "less respectable therapies" that followed the decline of Freudian analysis. He mentions a series of therapies and trends that became fashionable, such as "encounter groups," "group gropes," "group games," and "just lying on the floor, screaming out the pain." He humorously alludes to the prevalence of self-help books that promised solutions for depression and low confidence.

The poem then shifts to a nostalgic reflection on how a generation believed in Freud's theories, "whose theories, a whole generation beyond Marx swore, / would rescue mankind from its lot." Wilhelm Reich, one of Freud's followers, believed that liberating one's sexuality could "end war" and that "war and love supposedly being incompatible." Reich's ideas are humorously critiqued with the mention of the "orgone box," a device designed to "absorb / the sexual energy of the universe."

Field captures the cultural atmosphere of the time, when people passionately discussed their "neuroses," analyzed their dreams "with friends over coffee / and endless cigarettes," and spoke of "breakthroughs" and "insights." The ultimate goal was "graduation," when one would be "cured" and find a niche in society, typically through "marriage, a career, and forgiving your parents." However, the speaker reveals a tension between achieving normalcy and losing creativity.

The poem contrasts the past era with the present, noting that "the air is clearer since 'phallic symbol' / has gone the way of 'penis envy' and 'Freudian slip.'" Society has moved away from blaming "failures on their neuroses" and has largely abandoned Freudian terminology like "transferences."

Instead of obsessing over Freud, people have shifted their focus to "simply / turn away from 'problems' and wallow in their pleasures," making a "cult of health" and working on their bodies. Field acknowledges that Freud "was always looking for the roots / of neurosis in the body," but criticizes the new superficial focus on health and appearance.

The poem concludes with a critique of Freudian therapy itself: "Sadly, true. For us old devotees of the therapies, / the cornerstone of our faith, Talk / and you can change your history, / proved to be bad Freud, and even worse, a fraud." Despite years of talking, "nothing got solved." The speaker suggests that the language of therapy "seemed to define the losses of a generation," offering only "radiant promises" but ultimately delivering disappointment.

Themes and Interpretation:

1. Cultural Change and Nostalgia: The poem reflects on the cultural shift away from Freudian psychology toward a more superficial focus on health and appearance. The speaker captures a sense of nostalgia for a time when therapy was seen as a solution to all problems.

2. Critique of Therapy: Field critiques the effectiveness of Freudian therapy and the promises it made. He highlights how "years of talking" did not solve people's problems.

3. Obsession with Health and Appearance: The poem addresses society's current obsession with body image and health, noting how this focus has replaced the previous obsession with therapy.

4. Limits of Self-Improvement: Field questions the efficacy of both therapy and contemporary health trends, suggesting that both approaches may not fulfill their promises.

Structure and Tone:

The poem is written in free verse, allowing Field to adopt a conversational and reflective tone. The language is straightforward yet humorous, capturing both the absurdities of Freudian psychology and the speaker's nostalgia for the past.

Conclusion:

"Whatever Became of Freud?" by Edward Field is a witty and poignant reflection on the decline of Freudian psychology and the cultural shift toward superficial self-improvement. Through humor and critique, Field captures the generational shift in attitudes toward therapy, revealing both the promises and disappointments of past and present approaches to self-improvement. The poem invites readers to reflect on the changing nature of societal values and the limits of finding solutions to life's problems through therapy or health trends.

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