In the analysis of a male adult, certain transference phenomena could be traced to an early defecation ritual containing the significant triangular relationships with the two parents usually associated with the phallic stage of development. The conflict could not be considered a characteristic defensive regression from phallic phase dangers, but was, rather, an elaboration of the anal phase proper in which the father figured as rival and avenger. The instinctual and maturational disequilibrium which occurred in the patient's early development was attributable to the father's active participation in the child's toilet training, and was experienced by the child as an attempt by the father to separate him from his mother, thus interfering with the attainment of the phallic level.