Id Ego Superego In Othello

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Psychoanalysis is an integral part of understanding the motives of the many characters in Othello and is essential in the breakdown of character development. It can be used to dissect the reasoning behind character motivation and why certain people think the way they do. The id, ego, and superego are all responsible for the conscious and unconscious thoughts of an individual and they influence the decisions that are made. William Shakespeare created his characters with specific motivations and morals in mind and crafts their beliefs to fit those motivations. The main characters of focus for this analysis are Iago, Othello, Desdemona, and Cassio. These characters portray a range of motivations and attitudes which are derived from the different …show more content…

It is too late. (he smothers her) (5.2.94-95)

With his ego being helpless to his ever-growing superego, Othello’s ego cannot kick in and stop Othello from killing Desdemona when she exclaims that she never cheated on him. If his mind were regulated, it would have caused Othello to stop and think about her words. Instead, the superego was in control and lead to these distressing and monstrous events.

Desdemona can be characterized as someone who has a functioning ego that successfully mediates between the id and superego. Throughout the play, although she seems to be soft-spoken until the end, she is never deceitful or rude towards people unnecessarily. She tries her best to help Cassio regain his position and to maintain her marriage with Othello and has no ill will in her heart.

DESDEMONA. How now, my lord? I have been talking with a suitor here, A man that languishes in your displeasure.
OTHELLO. Who is ’t you mean?
DESDEMONA. Why, your lieutenant, Cassio. Good my lord, If I have any grace or power to move you His present reconciliation take. For if he be not one that truly loves you, That errs in ignorance and not in cunning, I have no judgment in an honest face. I prithee, call him

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