The phenomenon of déjà vu occurs as an objective phenomenon 'which has the power, through similarity to events of the past or through other forms of the well-known laws of mental association, to excite certain memories normally inaccessible to conscious attention'. (Strangely, Pickford quotes MacCurdy rather than Freud as the author of this theory.) Two examples from Tolstoy and Proust which are discussed in detail show its correctness. 'In both of these examples the peculiar position in which the ego often finds itself in frustrated personalities is clearly depicted. Figuratively, it is growing up itself, but is liable to be overpowered by the superego, excited by the environment and swallowed by the id at the same time.'