Human Psychology in Literature

A detailed Summary of 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

Literature For Young Adults. Ed. Kirk H. Baetz, Walton Beachman. Vol. 4. New Jersey: Salem Press, 1992. 2004-2007.

The "Id", the "Ego" and the "Superego" can not be compared in terms of "better" or "worse." These three parts of the human psyche are merely a part of the whole. In reality, no one person is 100 percent any of these classifications, but a certain blend of all three. Robert Louis Stevenson characterized his figures based on the representation of these psychological aspects. Figures in literature as well as life have different psychological approaches to common motivations. In Treasure Island characters are motivated by promise of material wealth: by treasure. In life, men are motivated by a number of common factors. The approach man takes to reach this motivation in effect determines their personal characterization. The approach man takes on his course to success separates that one man from the rest.

Magill, Frank N, ed. "Robert Louis Stevenson." Critical

Butler, Arthur John. "A Review of Treasure Island."

Beachman, Walton. "Treasure Island." Beachman's Guide to

Survey of Long Fiction. Ed. Frank N. Magill. Vol. 7.

Stevenson appropriately uses Treasure Island's protagonist, Jim Hawkins, to represent the ordinary man's "Ego" personality. Ordinary and realistic characters that experience successes along with failures classify the "Ego" persona. Jim Hawkins, when

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Approximate Word count = 956
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English