Melanie Klein discusses the connection between mourning and manic-depressive states, emphasizing the role of reality testing in both processes. She argues that the testing of reality is a crucial part of normal mourning, which involves re-experiencing and integrating the loss of a loved one. This process is similar to the child's early development, where the child must overcome depressive feelings and integrate internalized objects. Klein suggests that the depressive position, characterized by fears of losing internalized "good" objects, is a central aspect of this development. She explains how manic defences, which involve omnipotence, denial, and idealization, are used to cope with these depressive anxieties. However, when manic defences fail, obsessional mechanisms are employed to repair the damage, but they can also disrupt the reparation process. Klein illustrates these concepts through the case of Mrs. A., who experiences a series of dreams and emotional states as she grieves the loss of her son. The analysis reveals how Mrs. A's internalized objects and relationships are reactivated and re-established, reflecting the broader process of mourning and integration.Melanie Klein discusses the connection between mourning and manic-depressive states, emphasizing the role of reality testing in both processes. She argues that the testing of reality is a crucial part of normal mourning, which involves re-experiencing and integrating the loss of a loved one. This process is similar to the child's early development, where the child must overcome depressive feelings and integrate internalized objects. Klein suggests that the depressive position, characterized by fears of losing internalized "good" objects, is a central aspect of this development. She explains how manic defences, which involve omnipotence, denial, and idealization, are used to cope with these depressive anxieties. However, when manic defences fail, obsessional mechanisms are employed to repair the damage, but they can also disrupt the reparation process. Klein illustrates these concepts through the case of Mrs. A., who experiences a series of dreams and emotional states as she grieves the loss of her son. The analysis reveals how Mrs. A's internalized objects and relationships are reactivated and re-established, reflecting the broader process of mourning and integration.