Psychoanalysis of Sydney Carton

1277 Words3 Pages

The mind of the human being is incredibly complex and unpredictable, consisting of several complicated layers that are unique to each person. While it is extremely difficult to unveil the mysteries of the human mind, there are those individuals that have boldly tried to peel back the layers of the human psyche in order to better understand the human race as a whole. Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung are two psychoanalysts who analyzed human behavior in connection to the mind and also scrutinized the connection between the subconscious mind and the alert mind. Certain literary characters are excellent examples of the intricateness of the human mind and all of its aspects, like Sydney Carton in Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities. Freud and Jung’s concepts of psychoanalysis reveal insight into Carton’s conscious nature and subconscious nature, and the transformation of his psyche takes place once he unifies both parts, thereby emphasizing the need to strike a balance between ones conscious and subconscious state.

Jung’s assessment of human behavior through psychoanalysis allows an individual to gain access to the deeper meaning of Sydney Carton’s conscious mind. Jung’s philosophy interprets a system which classifies human beings based on their behavior and personality. According to Jung, “people who focus on their inner life are introverted” and the people “who prefer the external world are extroverted”, while all humans rely on the mental functions of “thinking…feeling…sensation, and…intuition”, they should consider these functions to gain a more balanced mental development (Fadiman & Frager). Based on Jung’s system, Sydney Carton is classified as introverted because he is the “idlest and most uncompromising of men” and oftentimes Car...

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...cause they have found their true personality and a purpose in life, leading to an improved world where honesty prevails and a large percentage of deceit is decimated.

Works Cited

Baker, Russell, ed. “Psychoanalysis of The Metamorphosis.” Prestick House Perspective for

Short Story. New York. Prestwick, 1938. 13-15. Print.

Boeree, George Dr. "Personality Theories: Carl Jung." Shippensburg University Journal. Sept. 1997. Web. 20 May 2011. .

Boeree, George Dr. "Personality Theories: Sigmund Freud." Shippensburg University Journal.

Sept. 1997. Web. 20 May 2011. .

Dever, Carolyn. “Psychoanalyzing Dickens.” Bloom’s Guides: A Tale of Two Cities. Ed. Harold

Bloom. New York: Chelsea House, 2007.

Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities. New York: Barnes & Nobles Classics, 2004.

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