Human Psychology in Literature
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
Smollet however, makes the journey towards wealth along the moral road, doing outstanding deeds and "obtaining a high integrity"(Magill 3192). Figures in literature as well as life have different psychological approaches to common motivations. "The extraordinary actions and moral principles illustrated through Captain Smollet represent the "Superego" part of the human psyche. Long John Silver exemplifies a personality that relies on pure pleasure without rules and laws to contain wants and desires. " These three parts of the human psyche are merely a part of the whole. Stevenson appropriately uses Treasure Island's protagonist, Jim Hawkins, to represent the ordinary man's "Ego" personality. ------------------------------------------------------------------------**Bibliography**Works CitedBeachman, Walton. Jim Hawkins ex!periences successes and failures, fear and curiosity, and feelings and emotions in pursuit of the treasure, as does man in the story of life.
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