The essential phenomenon of masochism is not in the suffering but in the masochistic role in the 'masochistic contract'. It is the masochist who lays down the rules, controls the relationship, and views the torturer primarily as a slave or at least an employe. The masochist's passivity is only apparent; in fact he is the director of the whole performance. Basically, the gratification of the masochistic position involves a symbiotic fusion with the primary love object. Numerous quotes from Sacher-Masoch's Venus in Furs are used for illustrative purposes.