Abstract
Freud's case studies provide a suitable point of departure for uncovering the manner in which his method systematically conceals the phenomenon of temporality.47 In reading purely theoretical texts, the reader finds herself dropped into the thicket of Freudian concepts and led toward the drive related psychic structure they unveil; case studies, through their narrative character, allow readers to trace the connections Freud makes between clinical conceptualizations and the human narrative. In fact, by adhering strictly to theory, we are unable to discern the unique manner in which Freudian interpretations address the patient's life story, thereby lacking a complete understanding of the analytic setting. Combining patient history and analytic theory, patient-analyst interaction and clinical technique, case histories open up a new, unique perspective. Such depictions grant a more intimate insight into the way the analytic method constitutes the analytic setting and shapes the course of events in the patient's private world.THE CASE OF IDA BAUERI have chosen to delve into the case study of Dora (the pseudonym Freud gave his patient, Ida Bauer), seeing that this is the first report Freud published48 during the period in which he acknowledged his method as a psychoanalytic one (following 1900). I will first present the sequence of events chronologically, recounting the course which brought Ida to Freud's analytic couch. Thereafter, I will provide a general description of the story as I understand it.The Sequence of Events Leading to PublicationIda Bauer, Dora, underwent a short analysis with Freud in late 1900, when she was in eighteen. She was bom in Vienna to a Jewish family: her father, Philip Bauer, was an intellectually inclined textile industrialist and her mother, Katharina Bauer, was a housewife who developed a compulsive need for cleaning to which she subjected the entire family. Ida's brother, Otto Bauer, was only fourteen months her senior.1892 - Following the father's illness (tuberculosis and syphilis), the family leaves Vienna in favor of the Meran health resort, in Tyrol.1894 - In Meran, a love affair burgeons between the father and Mrs. K. Ida, twelve at the time, develops various symptoms: headaches, loss of voice and coughing. About two years afterwards (1896), when she is thirteen and a half, Mr. K makes an attempt to kiss her.1900 - The family returns to Vienna and Ida threatens suicide. From October to December, Ida, now eighteen, undergoes analysis with Freud.1901, January - Freud puts the case down in writing.1902 - Ida requests to resume analysis, but Freud declines.1905 - Freud publishes his case study.The Contents of Events Unfolded in DetailIn the town of Meran, Ida's family forms friendly relations with Mr. and Mrs. K. Mrs. K. took care of Ida's father during his illness, throughout which time Mr. K. treated Ida very amiably: he regularly went out on walks with her, sent her flowers when he was away on business and brought her presents upon his return (no one in the family saw anything wrong in this behavior). Ida looked after the K.'s two small children with great devotion and was like a mother to them. In addition, she was Mrs. K.'s friend and confidant regarding her failing relationship with her husband.At one point, Ida and her father went to stay with the K's at their summer home, and Ida was to remain with them, by herself, for several more weeks after her father left. However, as the father began preparing for his departure, Ida insisted that she was going with him. It was only after several days have passed that she explained things to her father: after sailing in the lake, while taking a stroll, Mr. K. dared to offer her his love. Mr. K. denied this altogether and accused Ida of fabricating the entire story and of being exclusively preoccupied with sexual matters. Following this, Ida decided to end her relationship with Mr. …
Published Version
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