ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author examines the theory of sexual phallic monism and its most important consequences. He describes a personal view on these matters, particularly on the topic of penis envy, yet he remain very much within a Freudian perspective; his basic assumptions being rooted in the question of "human prematurity," which is linked to the child's early helplessness. He explores S. Freud's work on female sexuality to the discussion of some essential points; but at the same time he find his forced to broaden the scope of these very same issues. A correlative comment comes to mind: divergencies in our understanding of female sexuality inevitably breed corresponding differences of opinion concerning male sexuality. Bisexuality, the notion of a "complete" Oedipus—both negative and positive—the necessity for dual identification, all conspire to cast the shadow of the "dark continent" onto male sexuality.
