Manifestations of the archaic in character within the analytic field: From memories in behaviour to chronic and acute enactments.

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to discuss the ways in which primitive aspects of the mind, in particular, the archaic elements of character, become manifest within the analytic field. After a review of the concept, it is proposed that a "normal" character manifests through memories in behaviours/feelings, which seek the object to satisfy their needs. The characterological structure keeps primitive traumatic inscriptions under control. Other emotional experiences can activate these inscriptions, causing them to detach from the seemingly stable organization. New attempts to freeze traumatic situations occur within the analytic field and manifest as a mimetic theatre that keeps the analytic pair paralysed. So-called chronic enactments take root. Analytical work in parallel areas disrupts the collision, leading to an acute enactment. The abrupt access to triangularity revives traumatic situations. Understanding these situations expands the symbolic network of thought. The text articulates the behaviours/feelings using the Freudian concept of Agieren. Its two connotations - discharge and mimetic theatre - are discussed and their similarities and differences with enactments are highlighted. The accompanying feeling of uncanniness (Unheimlich) reflects the ambiguity of the known (registered) and the unknown (unsymbolized). The ideas presented stem from clinical investigation. The facts are discussed through detailed clinical material.