In literature, authors reflect on aspects of life through use of symbolism and characterization. The human psyche is an aspect of life that receives much attention. Famous psychologist Sigmund Freud classifies the human psyche into three categories: the "Id," the "Ego," and the "Superego." Each category represents a different psychological mindset, resulting in different reactions amongst different characters. Though character's personalities are inherently different, the unifying thread of a common motivation throughout humanity binds these separate aspects of human psychology. The novel Treasure Island illustrates Sigmund Freud's theories on the human psyche through author R.L. Stevenson's characterization of different figures that each represent different psychological aspects of man. These different aspects are interwoven through each character's common motivation for promise of material wealth.
             Robert Louis Stevenson uses the memorable character Long John Silver to represent the pleasure principle or "Id," in human nature. Freud has classified the "Id" as a personality whose desires are unwilling to be restrained. The promise of wealth motivates each character in Stevenson's tale, but only Silver would kill "defenceless bod[ies]...and honest people" for the treasure (Stevenson 77). Long John Silver exemplifies a personality that relies on pure pleasure without rules and laws to contain wants and desires. Silver's continual use of flattery and deception defines the ambitious buccaneer further as "a shrewd opportunist" who is lacking in morals (Beachman 2006). Though Silver is certainly not an ethical character, the reader, like Jim, becomes "sore for him, wicked as he was..."(Stevenson 167). Though Silver is "glib... manipulative [and] capable of being vicious" his motivation is the same as every...