ABSTRACT
Regression to the anal-sadistic phase brings about the erosion of the double difference between the sexes and the generations—of all differences, in fact—and this regression seems to be consubstantial with perversion. In it the anal-sadistic phase appears not as just a specific mode of pregenital organization, but as a sort of protogenitality or pseudo-genitality in which objects, erotogenic sources and pleasures are adapted to the child’s potential; contrary to objects, erotogenic zones and gratifications of a genital nature. In the course of development, the anal-sadistic phase represents a sort of ‘trial gallop’ on the part of the child towards adult genitality, to try and replace genitality by the stage that normally precedes it is to defy reality. Subversion of the law, the parody of a religion devoted to the worship of God, seeks to reverse the way leading from indistinctness to separation and demarcation.
