Fragment of an analysis of a case of hysteria – Dora’s case and Freud’s story

Freud's "Fragment of an Analysis of a Case of Hysteria" stands as one of his most extensive case studies, weaving together his explorations of the Oedipus complex, dream analysis, and hysteria. In this study, I propose an alternative lens through which to interpret the case: as a <i>Bildungsroman</i>. While ostensibly focused on Dora, the analysand, and her journey to maturity, the narrative occasionally appears to be overshadowed by Freud's own experiences and story. I contend that this overtaking of Dora's narrative is facilitated by both thematic and linguistic factors. Additionally, I examine the theme of the Oedipal complex, which intersects with a concurrent power struggle, linking it to the affective PLAY system. This system plays a role in shaping social hierarchies, internalizing group norms, delineating interpersonal boundaries, and guiding group interactions - elements intrinsically connected to the Oedipus complex. I argue that in many instances this system is used abusively "against" Dora.¹1 Earlier versions of this paper were presented in a clinical writing workshop held by the Journal "Neuropsychoanalysis" in February 2022 and at the 22nd annual congress of the International Neuropsychoanalysis Society held in Tel Aviv, Israel, in July 2023 (Biran 2024). A much shorter version was published as society proceedings in Neuropsychoanalysis (Flores Mosri et al. 2022).