In relation to the "telephone scene" from "It's a Wonderful Life" Rick wrote: >... I just suggest that everyone view that scene again
Yes, indeed, it does help to know what one is talking about. :-) And thanks for the URL, Rick. > From a verbal description, I am sure many of those explanations > could apply but it really isn't a case of the hero and heroine not being able > to stand one another. She actually really likes him and he likes her but > he doesn't want to get stuck in this small town forever. He wants to see > the world and his mom (of all the Freudian possibilities) is trying to get > him to go down and see Mary. It is also humorous the way that Mary's > mom is pulling for her to marry the rich guy who is calling. It is quite a > complex scene with George falling in love against his will. I wouldn't > classify it as one of the many "I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, I love > you" story lines but he does say he doesn't want to marry her because, > I believe, he sees her as a symbol of him being stuck in this hick town > forever and he wants to see the world (which he never does). I don't know > if it is an excellent example of a reaction formation but I wouldn't hesitate > to use it as discussion fodder if you wanted to discuss the concept of > reaction formation. It is not a very long scene and it really is a classic. I think Rick sums it up pretty well. Being drawn so close to Mary (literally and metaphorically here) George is suddenly faced head on with the fact that his feelings for her are jeopardizing his long-held dream of getting away and, in particular, the "chance of a life-time" his friend on the phone is offering. So the strong ambitious strain in his temperament expresses itself momentarily in angry words towards Mary which his actions simultaneously belie. I don't think anyone viewing it can fail to understand the conflict within George that results in his short outburst. He recognises in that moment that his ambition is losing out to Mary. Allen Esterson Former lecturer, Science Department Southwark College, London http://www.esterson.org ************************************************* [tips] It's A Wonderful Freudian Life Michael Britt Mon, 08 Dec 2008 08:16:17 -0800 [] 2) Okay, how's this for Reaction Formation: remember the scene where George goes to Mary's house (before they are married)? We know he's in love with Mary but at first he pretends not to care for her. In fact, he's even a little bit rude to her. Then they get that telephone call (from that rich character whose name I forget) and by the end of the call Mary and George are kissing. What do you think - the rudeness was reaction formation? Michael -- Michael Britt, Ph.D. www.thepsychfiles.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
