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The author has elaborated to some extent Freud's study of 'A neurosis of demoniacal possession' (Imago, Bd. IX; Collected Papers, Vol. IV), with a view to illustrating a special aspect of regresion. He sees in some of the visions reported in this paper a tendency to regress to a primary narcissistic, alibidinal state of pre-natal existence and considers whether this is characteristic of regression, whether it originates from death-instincts, and whether these dominate the progressive trends. He enquires also if the condition may not be regarded as a rejection of post-natal libidinal existence, and finally whether this alibidinal state can really be attained.
He points out that the subject of Freud's study regarded all libidinal gratifications as 'temptations' and that these were of threefold nature, representing in principle, fixation on the self, fixation on the mother (woman) and fixation on the father. In the first set the painter is tempted with money (regression to the oral phase), in the second with fine ladies (mother), and in the third with offers of kingship (father). Then follow the hermit visions representing the intrauterine state (number six, food from angels, etc.). Graber points out that in the temptations of Jesus Christ as recorded by Matthew a somewhat similar sequence occurs: (I) by food; (2) flying (sexual pleasure); (3) on a high mountain (compare the painter's throne scene). Christ was like the painter deserted and fed by angels, but he preserved his identification with God. Further illustration is given from one of Graber's own tales and from the story of Tailor Hans by Bechstein and of The Three Wishes. Reference is made to 'Der Spielhof' by Franz Werfel, in which the threefold sequence is more closely followed.