Ana Geradze

ELA 1
Kyle Jonash
3/31/2017

The Psychoanalytic theory according

The Great Gatsby
Personality is more complicated than it seems. Our actions represents desires
which we have in our subconscious. Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory of
personality argues that humans behavior is the result of interactions between the three
fundamental structures of the human mind: the id, ego and superego. Unconscious
psychological conflict shaping behaviors. The id is the personality component made up
of unconscious psychic energy that works to satisfy basic urges, needs and desires.
The id operates based on the pleasure principle, which demands immediate gratification
of needs (Cherry). Basicly the id is part of our mind from birth. The superego is entirely
concerned with conscience and moral compass. Which is formed depending on culture
where we are growing and what society considers right and wrong. The superego
works to make the ego act upon idealistic standards rather that upon realistic
principles.The ego operates based on the reality principle, which strives to satisfy the
id's desires in realistic and socially appropriate ways. The reality principle weighs the
costs and benefits of an action before deciding to act upon or abandon impulses. In
many cases, the id's impulses can be satisfied through a process of delayed
gratification--the ego will eventually allow the behavior, but only in the appropriate time
and place.(Cherry). The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald is example of Freuds
theory to maintain golden mean between two extremes is the perfect way to attain life
goals. It shows humans subconscious is limitless, it can expand infinitely. Born
proletarian and die as a part of bourgeoisie that's what gatsby did and it tells itself how
far we can go.but no matter how far we go is never enough
F.Scott Fitzgerald represent Freuds theory three main part in his book. Novel is great
example of understand how identity can change completely.Gatsby develops a
conflicting personality between moral and immoral or we can say id and superego at the
same time. Gatsby is driven by his desire for Daisy Buchanan who is now
married.Based on his perspective, his main belief regarding anything that has to do with
living life is all about being materialistic and following that belief known as materialism.
Money is the main significance according to him. Daisy can be back by money. Thats
why Gatsby's house is perfect placement near Daisy. Daisy also caring only about
money and materialism. Despite so much pain with all the hurt that she has caused
Gatsby allowing him to blame for her fault killing Toms mistress. Daisys id going to
limitless extends to wickedness. Basically Daisys superego is non-existent.
Psychoanalytical theory comes into novel when realizing Gatsby is psychologically
troubled. Id is main part to determine his behaviors Freud believed that people are
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driven by animalistic, instinctual urges, particularly lust and aggression. The being feels
that these needs must be met, even if they are "not always realistic or even possible"
(Cherry). Obsessive desire to return back to daisy who lost because class difference.
He always wanted to be with daisy because society never would accept boy from
impoverished class. His id always was trying to prove that he was good enough to fit
this society.
Relationship between Tom and Daisy. Daisy obsessed with the inferiority complex, a
sexist and racist Tom Buchanan. Both of them born into old money. Tom is selfish who
does not care who hurts by his actions. Hes chats on Daisy and also when Myrtle
mentions Daisys name poorly she gets broken nose from Tom."Tom's commodity
psychology is not limited to his relationships with women." (Tyson 42). Hes characterise
of old money with unconscious ideology what is mine is mine and what is yours is
mine too. His arrogant id feels outrage when His wife and his mistress, until an hour
ago secure and inviolate, were slipping precipitately from his control (Fitzgerald,125).
At the end of the chapter 7 Tom takes advantage to use proletarian who was witnessed
the most horrifying moment , the woman he loved was killed in front of him, and the only
thing Toms id is worried about is not loose the reins of power. Toms character is
completely controllable by the id.
F.Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby expressing three different side of human
mind. Romantic, tragical story about fight with ourselves and others. Dispute between id
and superego, referee ego which writes our actions.

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 Works Cited
[1] Cherry, Kendra. "The Id, Ego, and Superego: The Structural Model of Personality."about.com

Web. 15 Nov. 2011.

[2] Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby.

[3] Tyson, Lois. Psychological Politics of the American Dream. Columbus: Ohio State UP, 1994.

Print.