Lear

The mind is a complicated system. According to psychologist Sigmund Freud's theory of psychoanalysis, the subconscious is composed of clashing and disputing extremes known as the id, ego, and superego. In Lord of the Flies, William Golding presents the conflicting personalities of the key characters, representing the elements of Freud's concept.

The id is the part of the psyche that consists of natural instincts and primitive urges. It also controls the destructive and aggressive tendencies toward anything that interferes with gaining pleasure. Jack Merridew is the character whose actions are driven by id. Throughout the novel, Jack seems to forget all aspects of his former civilization and is drawn deeper and deeper into barbarism. What begins as hunting a pig for the necessity of meat exhilarates Jack. He even compares taking the pig's life to "a long satisfying drink." Before long, the hunting is more than sport, but savage rituals of blood. The id, having no morals and seeking instant gratification, is shown through Jack by the horrendous things he does to get what he wants. He wants to lead and kill, whether the killing is of an animal or even a human.

Representing the superego is Ralph. Being the control of moral responses, superego is in constant battle with the id and its instinctual urges. Jack and Ralph are always at war (even in the literal sense) with one another. The superego inhibits impulses that produce antisocial actions and thoughts. From the beginning Ralph tries to gain the approval of the boys on the island. He wants to be liked as a friend and respected as a leader. Ralph also clings to what he knows as socially acceptable. While Jack and his tribe of savages are wearing little clothing, painting their faces, and tying back their hair, Ralph refuses to take part in this behavior for the sake of staying civilized and not looking "like a girl." The superego is also responsible for producing feelings of guilt. After Simon's death, Ralph...