Simpsons and Freudian Dream Theory

S25Ep22 Analysis

Bart is having an anxiety dream over his conflicting feelings towards Milhouse.  The dream contains elements of daily residue, as Bart watched Milhouse getting beaten up by Nelson and did nothing to help him.  Bart feels guilt over this and wishes to alleviate his guilt while also preserving himself.  Milhouse doesn't remember getting beaten up, and Bart is conflicted over whether he should confess.  Milhouse's falling off the cliff represents Bart's desire that Milhouse go away, thus removing Bart's source of guilt.  The flashcard is a condensation of Bart's anxieties regarding school and Milhouse, and his writing "8" instead of "9" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the feelings he is trying to repress-- namely, that his actions towards Milhouse were wrong.
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