Little Hans-Themes + Analysis

Little Hans-Themes + Analysis

1. THEME 1

   • Dreamt about widdlers (penis) and wiping children's bottoms
     • Hans denied this interest, stating that it was only in his dreams
       • Example of repression, pushing unwanted desires into unconscious
     • When younger- Hans had played with his widdler and his mother had told him off for it
     • Pleasure at the Anal stage- pleasure

2. THEME 2

   • Wanted his father to 'go away' on business
     • When family moved Hans and father was around less, Hans wanted him dead
     • Because Hans enjoyed being with his mother and having her attention
   • Also jealous of his sister (3 1/2yrs older)
     • Evidence of the same desire for his mother- wanted sister 'out of the picture'
   • Father reported Hans was scared of falling under water when in bath
     • A suggestion to Hans was that he wished his sisters head go under water and he agreed

3. THEME 3

   • Had a fear that a white horse would bite him
     • Also afraid of black on horse mouths and in front of their eyes
       • Black=Moustache and glasses, reinforcing fear of father
     • White Horse=Represents Father
   • It appeared that Hans had heard the father of a girl telling her not to 'put a finger on the white horse
     • Reminded Hans of being told off for playing with Widdler
       • CASTRATION FEAR
   • Once, when walking with his mother, Hans had witnessed a horse fall over

4. THEME 4

   • Hans was oobserved playing with dolls and 'having children'
     • Father commented that he 'could not have' children
       • Hans responded; His mummy= Children's mummy, Hans= Children's daddy, his daddy= Children's Grandfather
         • Suggested that Hans is now cured of the OEDIPUS COMPLEX