I have often meditated on the role played by the discussant of a paper presented at a scientific session of a psychoanalytic society. I have wondered where one can draw the line between the ritual reserved for such occasions, the aim of the author and the subject matter of the essay. What is required of the author, and what does he owe to the audience? What should a discussant do—entertain, or put the subject matter under scrutiny? Should he perhaps bear witness to the strong points, the worthwhile point of view, and ignore the