Freud_Burlingham_1943_War_and_Children_k_text

somehow included in it and soon becomes anobject of familiarity. It is true that on thefirst day an unexploded bomb is contemplatedwith respect and suspicion. When it delaysexploding, the reaction innot,the people around isas one should expect—one of thankfulnessand relief. The reaction is rather one of annoyancewith it which develops into contemptfor the bomb as the days go by. The bomb istreated more like an impostor who has formedus into an attitude of submission under falsepretences. In the end, when no one believesin its explosiveness any more, it sinks down tothe position of being a bore.Since the children know of course about thissituation, we watched them closely for signs ofanxiety. But in spite of the fact that most ofthem had been driven out of their homes bybomb explosions they did not seem to connectthe idea of the bomb with the idea of possibledanger.Even Constance, nine years old, was heardto say in an angry tone: "I wish the bombwould explode so that we can use the gardenagain."The nursery children were mostly impressedby the fact that our garden was closed to them.They were resigned during the first week. Onthe tenth day a group of them after meal timesuddenly dashed for the garden entrance.116