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1. What does it mean when Kristeva says she gives a "phenomenological" account of the abject?

This means that Kristeva begins her investigation by relating and describing her own personal experience of the abject. She does this in order to give the reader and herself a better understanding of it.

2. How does Kristeva say the abject relates to lust?

The abject is created from repressing certain basic lusts. As a Freudian, Kristeva makes use of the Oedipus complex to explain this idea. Young boys are made to distance themselves from their mothers' bodies, but they still desire it.

3. What are the two stages in which Kristeva says the quest for the "Other" breaks down?

First, the person realizes that the Other is too difficult to attain and begins to wonder whether he will really have it. Second, the Other disappoints him and shows its insufficiency, thereby destroying his already weak faith in it.

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