a-general-introduction-to-psychoanalysis-sigmund-freud

and wood have already been mentioned as puzzling but undoubtedly female
symbols. Ladders, ascents, steps in relation to their mounting, are certainly
symbols of sexual intercourse. On closer consideration we see that they have
the rhythm of walking as a common characteristic; perhaps, too, the
heightening of excitement and the shortening of the breath, the higher one
mounts.
We have already spoken of natural scenery as a representation of the female
genitals. Mountains and cliffs are symbols of the male organ; the garden a
frequent symbol of the female genitals. Fruit does not stand for the child, but
for the breasts. Wild animals signify sensually aroused persons, or further,
base impulses, passions. Blossoms and flowers represent the female genitals,
or more particularly, virginity. Do not forget that the blossoms are really the
genitals of the plants.
We already know the room as a symbol. The representation may be extended
in that the windows, entrances and exits of the room take on the meaning of
the body openings. Whether the room is open or closed is a part of this
symbolism, and the key that opens it is an unmistakable male symbol.
This is the material of dream symbolism. It is not complete and might be
deepened as well as extended. But I am of the opinion it will seem more than
enough to you, perhaps will make you reluctant. You will ask, "Do I really live
in the midst of sex symbols? Are all the objects that surround me, all the
clothes I put on, all the things that I touch, always sex symbols, and nothing
else?" There really are sufficient grounds for such questions, and the first is,
"Where, in fact, are we to find the meaning of these dream symbols if the
dreamer himself can give no information concerning them, or at best can give
only incomplete information?"
My answer is: "From many widely different sources, from fairy tales and
myths, jokes and farces, from folklore, that is, the knowledge of the customs,
usages, sayings and songs of peoples, from the poetic and vulgar language.
Everywhere we find the same symbolism and in many of these instances we
understand them without further information. If we follow up each of these
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