Difference Between Life And Death In Lord Of The Flies By William Golding

1774 Words4 Pages

Through the powerful survival novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, the psychological aspect of the boys becomes the difference between life and death. Sigmund Fred was an Australian neurologist famous for dividing the human psyche into three parts, Id, Superego, and Ego. The Id personality is when a person subconsciously, is driven by the pleasure principle. The Superego personality is when a person subconsciously, is super judgmental and tends to have a deep control over right and wrong. The Ego personality is when a person is aware of their actions, and the reality principle determines their choices. Firstly, Rogers, Jacks, and the Little un’s personalities heavily lean toward the Id aspect. Secondly, Piggy’s, Simons, and Ralphs personalities …show more content…

Piggy’s personality is superego, as he is very judgmental towards those who oppose his views. After Jack’s tribe steals Piggy’s glasses, Piggy attempts to reason with them and get his glasses back. During the altercation, Piggy’s temper escalates and yells at the tribe, “which is better – to be a pack of painted ******* like you are, or to be sensible like Ralph is? (200). Piggy’s personality is heavily influenced by the superego aspect, as he judges everyone in Jack’s tribe. Piggy has a strong dislike towards Jack’s tribe because of how they have become savages. Piggy is Ralphs best friend and believes that getting rescued should be the priority. Nobody in Jack’s tribe shares the same views as Piggy, so Piggy judges them on their decisions. Jacks tribe is full of savages, and they are acting in a way that is not imaginable to Piggy. So due to Piggy's Superego personality, he judges them. Then, Simon acts appropriate in society, because of his Superego personality. Nearing the beginning most of the boys are playing with each other, and nobody seems focused on survival. While Ralph is building the shelters, he makes remarks to the other boys that, “Simon. He helps” (55). Simons personality is superego because, despite all the other boys playing and enjoy their time on the island, Simon is doing what needs to be done. The boys are on an island with no way to …show more content…

Firstly, Rogers, Jacks, and the Little un’s personalities are based on the psychological aspect of Id. Secondly, Piggy’s, Simons, and Ralphs personalities are based on the psychological aspect of Superego. Thirdly, Simons, Ralphs, and Sam and Eric’s, personalities are based on the psychological aspect of Ego. The story of Lord of the Flies makes you wonder if the result would be the same, if instead of boys being on the island it is girls. I believe that things would have been smoother due to girls on average being more mature and logical at that

Open Document