In Sigmund Freud’s “Family Romances,” he discusses the stages of child growth which is considered both a “painful” yet essential development. At first, the child views his parents as the main source of both power and confidence. As the child grows and learns of other parents, the idea of comparison occurs where the child then realizes their parents are not as unique as they once seemed. This leads to doubt towards their parents. Later on, the child begins to feel neglected by their parents and develops negative feelings towards them. They decide to pay them back through their imagination of belonging to wealthier parents. I believe this is where the connection of conflict and individuality takes place. The child undergoes “conflict” when they feel abandoned by their parents revealing a lack of individuality as they are still very dependent on their parents. Progression from this stage arises when the child has learned about child birth which assures their mothers role in their life. This also results in the insecurity of the role of their father. The idea of the Oedipus complex takes place when the child begins to have sexual fantasies with their mother engaging in infidelity. Freud ends his “Family Romances” with the idea that all of these events have taken place only because the primary intention of the child is to relive their happiest moments with their parents. The connection of conflict and individuality is clearly present throughout “Family Romances” as it is clear that all along the child feels conflict due to lack of individuality from his parents.
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I had Freud’s idea of the Oedipus complex in mind as well when reading the passage so I like that you brought it up. The certainty of the mother’s role in a child’s life contrasted with their uncertainty of their father’s definitely brings this complex into focus. I also enjoyed the way you phrased your last statement as a child lacking individuality from their parents specifically as they derive so much of themselves from their parents in their early stages.