ABSTRACT
Commenting recently on the technical aspect of screen-memories, this chapter points out that actual memories of traumatic events happening in childhood should be carefully scrutinized, on the ground that they are well adapted to the defensive purpose of covering repressed material. The ordinary screen-memory can scarcely avoid arousing analytical suspicion because the nature of the memory image does not account for its persistence over a number of years or for its frequent repetition during the earlier stages of analysis. When, however, the memory image is in itself of a sufficiently traumatic nature there is some possibility that its credentials may be too easily accepted at their face value. The case was one of severe and protracted impotence. As is to be expected, the great majority of memories which had persisted from these periods were typical screen-memories; they referred to seemingly insignificant events and unimportant places, but it was possible in most instances to uncover a more elaborate and emotional substratum.
