The literary uncanny

My approach to the uncanny in literature stems largely from my experience with the Gothic (in which category the exemplified 'Sandman' undoubtedly falls as well from a certain perspective) but I guess it can apply to the concept of collage just as well. The almost familiar, yet different that grates against the aesthetic consciousness, the way Freud describes it, is certainly a well founded topic in collage. It takes things out of their original context and pieces them together into a new one that we might perceive as outlandish, barely accessible or just plain disconcerting. Uncanny to sum it up into one word. But this unfamiliarity, this unhomeliness where all the conventional aesthetic handholds are taken away also makes for suspense, for excitement and therefore for a compelling narrative. The concept of being one step removed - but only one step which is the crucial part - from what is familiar and by association ordinary is the appealing feature about the uncanny in the literary and artistic as well psychoanalytical perspective. It makes us want to 'get to the bottom of things' and holds our attention, which is why it is frequently revisited and reinvisioned by all sorts of creative minds.