The Master I think Freddie's outbursts to those who question Dodd are the result of his desire to truly

be a disciple of the Cause. Being unable to commit himself to much previously in his life, he wants the Cause to be authentic - it's his new "girl" and he doesn't want disbeliever's hands touching her. He sees things simplistically enough that any dissent becomes unbearable. Ultimately, he breaks from the Cause when he believes he is strong enough to return to Doris. The ironic turn is that he has progressed enough through Dodd's brainwashing (or despite it) that he is able to weather the disappointment of Doris moving on with her life. In the end, his carnal pursuits are more important to him than the "enlightenment" Dodd and company offer. The "sand lady" is that ephemeral thing (love, acceptance, religion, self-actualization) that we hold onto like an anchor, but which will only crumble away in time. Whatever that thing represents is our "master".