Argues that suicide is a symbolic, reified solution of a conflict, with largely unconscious purposes. The conflict is one of identification, & suicide is motivated by magical wishes. Using suicide to fulfill these wishes requires a view of death where one does not really die, where death might actually bring powers, or where harm of oneself also harms others. (7 refs.) (RM) N.B. This chapter also appeared in the Bulletin of the Meninger Clinic, volume 21, 1957, pp.91-98.