Freud and Vienna

The article in the February 2 issue titled “You Can’t Take Freud Out of Vienna—Or Can You?” discusses the cultural influences of Vienna on Freud’s creativity. It leaves out the most important source of all—the influence of the novels and plays of the time, especially the works of Arthur Schnitzler, a contemporary of his. The recent movie “Eyes Wide Shut” was based on one of Schnitzler’s plays.

Freud enjoyed Schnitzler’s works and expressed appreciation for his penetrating portrayals of sexuality in contemporary Viennese society. Freud was the target of savage criticism from prominent citizens of Vienna who were outraged by his theories, and the works of Schnitzler were a most welcome source of support. According to Peter Gay (“Freud—A Life for Our Time”), Freud had little contact with other writers and poets, but maintained cordial relations with Schnitzler.