If the imaginary is intangible yet omnipresent, it must be shaped into forms that allow for the exploration of conformity to and transgression of rational and societal norms of reality. Such forms are predominantly maintained by art in many cultures; the difficulties in determining what art is reflect the persistence with which the imaginary insists on modalities of its - any - validity and acceptance. It is therefore evident that Costa Lima, a Brazilian cultural and literary scholar, restrictively and comparatively differentiates his investigation into the control of the imaginary. The literature and the often competing discourses of a scientific nature - such as historical ones - provide a relatively clear insight into forms of rational and social control.