ABSTRACT
The Simpsons is a highly successful animation series on American network television. Following Sigmund Freud’s interpretation of drama, this chapter asks what sources of pleasure and enjoyment are provided by the series, focusing on the character of Bart Simpson. Prompting the AI to talk with a Virtual Bart, the chapter aims to understand his rebellious mind, which allows an unraveling of the likely reason why audiences have consistently enjoyed the series. It is Bart’s deep conflict with authority figures and the way he challenges them, while at the same time avoiding punishment and the anxiety associated with them that probably make the series highly appealing. Identifying with the rebellious Bart, viewers can project themselves into his rebellious persona, with the feeling of assurance that this will bear no social–legal consequences.
