Simpsons and Freudian Dream Theory

Daily Residue

     Daily residue is essentially this: we dream about stuff that happens to us, especially stuff that happened recently or that is causing us distress.  Part of this is explained by secondary revision, and part is another aspect of Freud's theory.  He postulates that the events of our everyday lives provide the framework for our dreams and the symbols to which we ascribe meaning (unconsciously).
     Secondary Revision is especially prevalent in The Simpsons' dream sequences.  This can be explained partially by its usefulness as a plot device.  Using this Freudian technique, previous events can be alluded to without showing them directly, simply by incorporating them into dreams.  Below are examples: