A Reappraisal of The Emma Episode and The Specimen Dream

Abstract

Schur's (1966, 1972) speculations that the "specimen dream" exculpates Fliess rather than Freud and that Freud was unaware of this are challenged. Schur's assertion that Freud was not aware of "current conflict" when writing The Interpretation of Dreams is countered with the previously unpublished "Completion of the Analysis" of the dream of "Running up the Stairs," which illustrates Freud's withholding of "current conflict" from his published associations. The view is advanced that Freud's and Fliess's treatment of Emma Eckstein might have been an important element in Freud's self-analysis because it was a repetition of his childhood conflicts. The identities of Emma Eckstein (operated on by Fliess) and Anna Hammerschlag Lichtheim, together with the previously unnoticed, published exchange between Abraham and Freud, are used to add further insight into Freud's interpretation of the dream. In addition, new material concerning Freud's father's terminal illness, beginning in July, 1985, casts further light on the specimen dream as well as others. It is argued that concerns about Martha Freud's sixth pregnancy and wishes for improved contraception were important determinants of the dream and part of the undisclosed associations. It is also argued that rivalrous elements of the associations are elaborated in the later non vixit dream.

Withstanding Trauma: the Significance of Emma Eckstein’s Circumcision to Freud’s Irma Dream

“…Hartman (1983) was one of the first to call attention to the significance of this scene in relation to the Irma dream, presenting it as a proof of "the importance of the repetition of infantile conflict in the discovery of psychoanalysis" (p. 559). The Emma Eckstein incident, in Hartman's view, stood as merely a replay of his cruel ("grausam") treatment of Pauline at the age of three, with Fliess cast in the role of John and Emma playing the role of the victim (Pauline).…”

“…A key component of Freud's self-analysis revolved around the scene in the meadow with flowers in which he, at the age of about three, along with his "companion in crime"-his nephew John-behave "in cruel fashion" toward Pauline (Freud 1900, p. 483;Masson 1985, p. 262). Hartman (1983) was one of the first to call attention to the significance of this scene in relation to the Irma dream, presenting it as a proof of "the importance of the repetition of infantile conflict in the discovery of psychoanalysis" (p. 559). The Emma Eckstein incident, in Hartman's view, stood as merely a replay of his cruel ("grausam") treatment of Pauline at the age of three, with Fliess cast in the role of John and Emma playing the role of the victim (Pauline).…”

Freud and the Hammerschlag family: A formative relationship

“…Anna Freud, one of the editors of the first edition, may have known that R. and A. were the first capital letters of the 14 Such as Schur (1966), who first considered Emma Eckstein, Grinstein (1968, pp. 21-46) and many others, of whom I will only name authors of works listed in the references - Eissler (1985), Elms (1980), Hartman (1983a, 1983b, Langs (1984) and Thoden van Velzen (1984, Thom (1987) and, in the most careful and detailed work, Anzieu (1986, pp. 131-55).…”

Does dream interpretation have any limits? An evaluation of interpretations of the dream of "Irma's Injection."

“…His associations indicate that Dr. M. incorporates aspects of himself, of Breuer, and of Freud's oldest half-brother Emanuel (Freud, 1953, p. 293). Irma is herself and also reflects aspects of her friend (Freud, 1953, p. 110) and cousin, Sophie Paneth (Hartman, 1983). (Incidentally, Freud also recognized that some of the formal elements of the dream construction process are not evident in "The Irma Dream," e.g., displacement (Freud, 1953, p.306).)…”

“…And, there is considerable variety in these attempts. Some investigators have provided additional day residues that are intended to enrich our understanding of the forces affecting Freud's life at the time of the dream (Anzieu, 1986;Caire, 1981;Eissler, 1985;Elms, 1980;Erikson, 1954;Feldman, 1984;Greenberg & Pearlman, 1978;Grinstein, 1968;Hartman, 1983;Hersch, 1995;Leavitt, 1956;Schorske, 1973;Schur, 1966Schur, , 1969Schur, , 1972Sheng old, 1969;Stevens, 1995;Swan, 1974;Wax, 1996). Others have explored the infantile sources that may have shaped this dream (Anderson, 1986;Elms, 1980;Erikson, 1954;Feldman, 1984;Friedman, 1993;Mahony, 1977;Mautner, 1991;Spotnitz & Meadow, 1976;Stewart & Freeman, 1972;Swan, 1974).…”