How can the apparent contradictions in Freud's theories on femininity be reconciled by examining them within the broader framework of his entire body of work? Teresa Brennan, a scholar of social and political theory, investigates the historical and conceptual origins of Freud's characterization of women. She argues that the 'riddle of femininity' is not merely a biographical quirk or a dismissive evasion, but a structural problem inherent in the development of psychoanalytic theory that requires rigorous re-evaluation.

Scholars and critics frequently identify this work as a significant contribution to the intersection of psychoanalysis and feminist theory. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which requires a foundational understanding of Freudian concepts to fully grasp the author's arguments.