Freud's Case Study Of Little Hans (1909)
- In 1909 Freud was approached by Max Graf, a follower of Freud's work. Graf was concerned as his son showed a strong interest in his "Widdler" (his penis) and had a strong phobia of white horses out of nowhere. After hearing the news, Freud finally saw a chance to prove his Oedipus complex, he wrote back to Graf asking him to monitor his behaviour and ask him some general questions.
- Hans admitted having dreams about playing with his widdler but denied his interest in his penis. When he was younger he played with it however his mother told him off – saying she would get a doctor to cut it off, giving Hans castration anxiety.
- Hans had a fear of falling under the water in the bath; Freud suggested that after watching his mother bathe his little sister, he wished she would let her head go under the water. Hans wanted both his sister and father dead as they both stood in the way of Hans being able to get his mother. He feared his father as he thought he'd castrate him if he found out that he wanted his mother. Hans wanted his Sister dead as she received more attention and thought that his mother's love for him was draining
- Hans' fear of horses, according to Freud, represented his father as the horse that he feared had a black mouth and black around the eyes, these could both represent his father's moustache and glasses.
- Hans had a dream that a plumber came and removed his penis and bottom and replaced them both with bigger counterparts. This was the final part of the Oedipus complex, after this dream his fear of horses was gone and he no longer desired his mother. This is where he developed his superego.
If you would like to see Tim's video about Little Hans, ask him for the link! :)
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