Jack Merridew Lord Of The Flies Character Analysis Essay

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Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, is a book that sticks with you. It contains such intricate characters that it’s devilish plot line of murder and savagery revolves directly around. These characters all exhibit their strengths and weaknesses throughout the story, however, some are pure representations of the personality theory of the Id, Ego, and Superego, which was created by father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud (McLeod). Jack represents the Id, as Ralph represents the Ego, and lastly, Piggy represents the Superego. JACK: THE EVIL, THE SAVAGE, THE ID The Id is the deepest level of someone’s mind, and it revolves around the most basic and most instinctive nature of a man’s heart ("Id, ego and super-ego"). Jack Merridew wholly represents every aspect of the Id in Lord of the Flies, as Jack sets his days on the island …show more content…

It attempts to control the Superego as well as keeping the Id in check ("Id, ego and super-ego"). Ralph, represents the Ego greatly with his role as the chief, and with his role as being between Piggy and Jack. An example of attempting to satisfy both the Id and Superego, Jack and Piggy, would be when Ralph had defended Piggy from Jack when Piggy told Jack that he couldn’t speak without the conch; which Piggy held at the time (Golding). This shows how Ralph had to act as a bridge between Piggy and Jack, for the betterment of all three of them; Jack will get his turn, Piggy is defended, and Ralph has order remain. Another example would be how Ralph embodies how the Ego follows the reality principle. Ralph focuses on building shelters, even when he only has Simon to help him, since all the others are hunting or chose not to help (Golding). This shows how Ralph represents the most responsible and most resourceful boy on the island. Ralph, the chief, embodies the Ego the most out of all the boys, and it is this personality of reality first that lets him survive the island

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