Dervin provides a comparison of the lives and work of Lawrence and Freud. Beginning with their own remarkable injunctions to themselves and others to become "thought adventurers," the author points to a commonality of themes both explored: the personal use of the historical symbol or myth; sexuality, especially its nongenital roots; women and their "essence"; the return to a primary union with mother; the partial overthrow of the cultural superego in favor of a uniquely creative world view. Dervin draws on similarities in the two men's backgrounds, such as their investment in various species of the family romance.