IN THE AUTUMN OF 1975 Jacques Lacan, the French structuralist psychoanalyst, paid a rare visit to the United States. Convinced that he was world famous, he announced on his arrival in New York that he

IN THE AUTUMN OF 1975 Jacques Lacan, the French structuralist
psychoanalyst, paid a rare visit to the United States. Convinced that he was
world famous, he announced on his arrival in New York that he wanted to
make а private visit to the Metropolitan Opera House. them Гат Lacan,’
he said. His academic hosts were momentarily nonplussed but, knowing the
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perils of crossing their guest, rapidly found a solution to the problem. They
phoned the director of the Metropolitan and told him that Jean-Paul Sartre
wanted to visit incognito. Flattered, the director agreed at once. Having been
warned not to address the philosopher name, he received his distinguished
French visitor graciously and a memorable day ensued. Lacan was delighted
his welcome.