Use Freud’s theory of the mind to complete the following assignments. Identify one
character from the Fairy Tale Unit and associate that character with one of Freud’s
psychological stages. In other words, how does (name of character) serve as an archetype
for Freud’s (psychological stage)? You may cite from the class notes, but you must not cite
too much. You are expected to find examples from the text and quote weave. I need you to
move the argument with subjects of sentences. Be very conscious of grammar.
(Assignment is worth 25 points.)
Freud’s Structure of the Mind and the Theory of the Id, Ego and Superego
Definition and
explanation
The three aspects
Freud believed the personality had three distinct aspects that work together
to produce our understanding of complex behavior. He believes all three
aspects have a role in human behavior. That all three are necessary.
The three aspects are called the Id, Ego, and Superego. These components
must be well balanced for psychological well being.
1. Id = The id functions as the irrational part of the mind. It
represents the primitive mind; the mind of an infant would be a
good example. It is dominated by the pleasure principle. The
id oriented individual wants what it wants, now. (The
primitive impulse directs the behavior. When a person does
not develop past the id, the behavior manifests into impulsive
and uncontrolled behavior)
2. Ego = The ego functions as the rational part of the mind. The
ego forms from a growing awareness. The ego realizes the
balance between the “pleasure principle” and the rational and
super rational. The term ego-strength represents the way and
degree by which the ego copes with conflicting forces.
3. The superego = The superego is the last part of the mind to
develop. One can think of it as the moral center or moral
compass. This part of our mind stores and enforces rules. It
constantly strives for perfection, even when perfection may be
far from reality or possibility.
a. Ego Ideal = Ego ideal provides rules for good behavior.
The ego ideal reinforces the authority figure’s (or
parental figure’s) approval or value.
b. Unconscious = The conscience is basically the part of
the mind that constitutes bad behavior. It is the part of
the child’s mind (or subordinate’s mind) that will know
what the authority figure will disapprove or punish.
The superego tends to feel guilty all the time.
Notice that the ego and superego play a part in the unconscious,
preconscious, and conscious mind. The id is entirely played out in
the unconscious.