A theory of family sexuality is proposed in which animals are seen as man's primitive environment, and killing is the expression of the relationship of human beings to these animals. We have within us an inheritance of appropriate pugnacious instincts which are first expressed during suckling. The emotions of suckling portray the killing and being killed by animals. Coitus portrays killing and being killed.

In the light of this theory mothers are identified with animals. Children consequently love pets and concomitantly in their play they pretend to kill or be killed.

The rest of the paper consists of illustrations from case histories of how, following the technique of Melanie Klein, the therapist gives straightforward and early interpretations of these trends; this, he states, shortens the length of treatment in children.