The Dark Side of Oz

Synchronicity is a word coined by the Swiss psychologist Carl Jung to describe the "temporally coincident occurrences of acausal events." Jung spoke of synchronicity as an "acausal connecting principle" (i.e. a pattern of connection that cannot be explained by direct causality). Cause-and-effect, in Jung's mind, seemed to have nothing to do with it.

Plainly put, it is the experience of two or more occurrences (beyond coincidentally) in a manner that is logically meaningful- but inexplicable- to the person or persons experiencing them. Such events would also have to suggest an underlying pattern in order to satisfy the definition of synchronicity as developed by Jung.

It differs from mere coincidence in that synchronicity implies not just a happenstance, but an underlying pattern or dynamic that is being expressed through meaningful relationships or events.

Jung believed that many experiences perceived as coincidence were due not merely to chance, but instead, suggested the manifestation of parallel events or circumstances reflecting this governing dynamic. ^[2]

One of Jung's favourite quotes on Synchronicity was from Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll, in which the White Queen says to Alice: "It's a poor sort of memory that only works backwards". ^[3]

A well-known example of synchronicity is the true story of the French writer Émile Deschamps who in 1805 was treated to some plum pudding by the stranger Monsieur de Fortgibu. Ten years later, he encountered plum pudding on the menu of a Paris restaurant, and wanted to order some, but the waiter told him the last dish had already been served to another customer, who turned out to be de Fortgibu. Many years later in 1832 Émile Deschamps was at a diner, and was once again offered plum pudding. He recalled the earlier incident and told his friends that only de Fortgibu was missing to make the setting complete — and in the same instant the now senile de Fortgibu entered the room.

During production of the The Wizard of Oz, a coat purchased from a second-hand store for the costume of Professor Marvel was later discovered to have belonged to L. Frank Baum, author of the original children's book upon which the film is based. ^[4]

"Synchronicity." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 11 Dec 2006, 04:11 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 13 Dec 2006 <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Synchronicity&oldid=93516837>.  

  

The experience of hearing Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon while watching The Wizard of OZ, is referred to by music and film fans as a synchronicity.  Based on the information above, how do you see the term synchronicity applying to the film?  For examples, identify some of the connections you witnessed between the film and the music.  Do you think that these connections are unplanned coincidence or the work of meticulous preparation?  Since the members of the band contend there is no connection, does this then confirm Jung’s philosophy that these two seemingly different entertainment medium, created fifty years apart, are connected without cause?