The author introduces Captain Antonio and his parents with some reference to relevant observational material. He focuses on discussing excerpts from the observations. As so much of the material is occupied by the Oedipus conflict, the author had organized it around three themes. These are: observing father and son and the oedipal rhythm of their relationship; pre-oedipal anxiety and “the cellar of doom and despair”; and, finally, “the day the balloon burst” as a metaphor for oedipal knowing. The Oedipus conflict appears healthily alive, beating its rhythm in Antonio’s soul, a rhythm of fixation on the size and potency of father’s “tools” and a desire to interrupt and possess his mother’s music lessons. However, his parents seem to have an instinctive understanding of their child. They enjoy him and accommodate his needs. Like the stars for ancient mariners, they provide security in a timeless system of navigation through space and turbulent waters.