Intro to Psychoanalytic Criticism

Psychoanalytic theory takes as its premise the idea that modern psychology has influenced how we interpret art and literature.  In this sense, literature becomes a kind of dream, expressive of psychological concerns or development of either the author or the intended audience.  As such, literature not only reflects the human psyche, it also provides clues for breaking the code enacted by the subconscious, thereby providing us greater insight into ourselves as humans.

Overview:

Introduction to Psychoanalysis - Purdue University

Psychoanalytic Approaches - Barbara McManus, College of New  Rochelle

Psychoanalytic Criticism Michael Delahoyde - Washington State University

Some Major theorists: 
Please note that the summaries here are brief and superficial, and not meant to be a comprehensive introduction to the theorists and their ideas.  For more compolete analysis, it will be necessary to consult a host of soruces.  I've provided a few links here to begin inquiry.

Sigmund Freud:  theorized that dreams (and literature) are ways of acting out (or coping with) repressed desires.  The subconscious creates narratives for acting out or attempting to resolve those desires which cannot be named or discussed in the waking world.  Freud generally thought those desires were sexual in nature.
Resources for further study of Freud's ideas:
Sigmund Freud - The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Carl Jung:  theorized that all humans participate in the collective unconscious, and share recognition of certain symbols, known as archtypes, in dreams, in art and literature.
Resources for further study of Jung's ideas, including archetypal theory
Carl Jung - Dr. C. George Boeree, Shippensburg University
Resources for further study of archetypes: 
Understanding Literary Archetypes - Myths, Dreams, Symbols
Fantasy and Psychoanalytic Theory - Erin Crook, Gavilan College
Literary Terms and Definitions - Archetype - Dr. L. Kip Wheeler, Carson Newman College

Jacques Lacan:  theorized that the subconscious is structured like language, and that language is a tool by which to shape reality, not reflect it.  The child goes through a series of psychological stages - the Real, the Imaginary and the Symbolic Order.  These phases reflect the influence of language in constructing or expressing a psychological state.  His theory on the "mirror stage" discusses the way a child recognizes himself as a Self, signified by the word "I", based on the image presented to the outside world, or to himself in a mirror.  Lacan thought this Self to be an illusion, because reflects only the surface of the child's "self" - not an integrated whole.
Resources for further study of Lacan's ideas: 
Jacques Lacan - Dr. Mary Klages, University of Colorado