ABSTRACT
This chapter explains how obsessive perfectionism and narcissistic needs lead men into intense struggles for control. In Liberty Hall, Ben Drake has become famous writing scores to musicals. His long-suffering wife is often occupied with shielding him from unwanted attention. He can be especially testy when visiting other couples and has developed schemes for making a fast but, hopefully, innocuous exit. At a performance, an especially ardent fan, Mrs. Thayer, assails Mrs. Drake, insisting that the couples get together. Mrs. Drake attempts various avoidant maneuvers, all to no avail. The Drakes simply must pay the Thayers a visit and stay for a week. Mrs. Thayer lures them with the promise of absolute freedom, solitude, and relaxation. Bartleby, in Melville's great story "Bartleby the Scrivener", suffers from frustrations that are typical in obsessive conflicts. The effort at control leads to perfectionism, procrastination, and difficulty with decisions and commitments. Often, it also leads to intellectualization.
