| Abstract: | On the basis of Morgenthaler's sexual theory, the author reviews Wysling's discussion of Thomas Mann's "narcissistic symptomatology" and attempts to refocus it within the external perspective of pubertal conflict. Societally organized forms of sexuality are invariably aimed at the maintenance of narcissistic equilibrium which has been jeopardized by the dissolution of the mother-infant unit. It follows that the neurotic constitution of many homosexuals results not from any hypothetical developmental disturbance in early infancy, but chiefly from the actual conflict with society. |
