Revise all passive voice AND replace or eliminate all appearances of the verb, “to be.” 1. “The uncanny” is a literary topic that interests me.

2. The uncanny is a fascinating concept in literature, and Sigmund Freud’s essay on the subject is a reason for reading the psychologist’s work.

3. Interestingly, Freud is often credited with being the originator of the concept, although, to be factual, the notion of uncanniness can be traced to earlier authors who recognized the concept to be important.

4. But, originator or not, Freud was destined to create an influential text on the subject.

5. According to Freud, aesthetics (or emotional responses) are important for understanding psychology; for instance, he claims that our erotic instincts and impulses are reflected in our reactions to beauty.

6. While most study of aesthetics focuses on positive emotions, the uncanny is commonly frightening.

7. It was the frightening effect that was most explored by Freud, but not every uncanny story is as frightening as he suggested.

8. Freud’s analysis was based on a single, scary story called “The Sandman.”

9. Since his objective was to understand the story’s uncanny effects, the details of this story were carefully studied and analyzed.

10. He was especially concerned with readers’ responses to a literary text.

11. Having been beset by uncanny feelings himself, favorite topics were often chosen by Freud, as if his own psychology was explained through his literary analysis.

12. For example, the sense of déjà vu was explored by Freud and explained in a distinctively “Freudian” way.

13. Similarly, an experience of catching sight of his reflection was recounted by Freud and his lack of self-recognition was examined.

14. Freud’s approach to literary analysis is still prevalent today, and the results are often fascinating.

15. The results that were achieved by Freud, however, were colored by his unique views of human psychology.

16. His attitudes were also influenced by the Victorian society in which he lived.

17. Still, Freudian ideas about the unconscious, sexuality, and hidden fears are key factors in modern approaches to understanding uncanny literature.