Emprise, Impulse, Possession

The author guides us on a Freudian journey into the world of possession as a dimension of passion. Introduced by Freud in 1905, the concept of possession has been approached by many post-Freudian authors, particularly Paul Denis, who considers possession as a component of drive. The basic outlines of his original and innovative vision are presented here. In passing, portraits by Rodin and passionate figures from mythology, literature, and film are cited, along with the role of possession in the analytical context and relationship, supported by clinical examples. The revival in recent years of an interest in possession is no doubt related in part to the contemporary psychopathological complexity of certain patients, requiring a rethinking of psychoanalytical theory and practice.