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In this article Thibaudier revisits the conundrum of masochism, which remains an enigma for psychoanalysis. Drawing on clinical and in particular literary references, she wonders whether the very intractability of masochism is not due to its roots in the sacred. Whether interpreted as sadism turned towards the ego, or as a consequence of bisexuality, or as the result of the death wish, or as a constitutional factor, the main stumbling block it presents is that of repetition. Neither Freudian metapsychology, nor Oedipal theory suffices to account for it.
Even if Jung never actually used the term ‘masochism’ in his work he does, nevertheless, often speak about suffering, for it is fundamental in all his elaborations and he sees it as essential in psychic development and the realization of the self. Whether seen as the shadow, or nigredo, the warring of opposites, crucifixion or sacrifice and so on, sufferingis for Jung atthe centre of individuation and a condition of transformation.
Reflecting on a patient's violent dream—the dream of a young wife and mother who lived in fear of an early death and felt tyrannized by her family—Thibaudier