Heart Of Darkness

Sigmund Freud was the leader in the discovery of the subconscious and psychoanalysis. His theories guide the world’s opinions and theories of emotion and the subconscious to this day. In the novella Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, his characters each exemplifies the three levels of the consciousness that Freud discovered. In the end, the reader can see that three characters in the story, Kurtz, Marlow, and the Accountant, exemplify the id, ego, and superego. These three levels of personality and thought play a role in who each person is and how they behave. Most people use these three components of personality every day of their lives. The id is the first aspect to develop. It is best described as the primitive aspect of personality where
Within the work Kurtz, Marlow, and the Accountant demonstrate each personality component. Firstly, while living in the Congo, Kurtz has been away from societal restraints. This distance has caused his superego to weaken from a lack of societal norms and Kurtz relapses into relying on his id for most decisions. He began controlling a native tribe and started having an affair with a native woman although he had a fiancee at home in Europe. Under normal conditions, his superego would have created a feeling of guilt for breaking a commitment he had made to his future wife; however, Kurtz does not show remorse for his actions until he is removed from the Congo. He was ill so he had to travel home to England but was too sick to make the trip. Before he died on the ship, Kurtz reflected on his life and the man he had become while in the wilderness. During his last moments, he exclaimed, “The horror! The horror!” in acknowledgment of his id’s mastery. The way Kurtz indulged on his desires in the jungle shows his reliance and his representation of the
Both Kurtz and the Accountant share traits with Marlow and Marlow is drawn to them. This is because they both represent parts of each other's personalities. The Accountant is responsible, trustworthy, and committed to doing what is right. Marlow’s need to be responsible for his crew and the Company drives his character. Opposing these ideals is Kurtz. He was away from society for so long he reverted back to his id. This makes Kurtz indulgent, selfish, and inconsiderate of others. Yet, Marlow’s id identifies with these characteristics and their shared interests in sailing. The personality would not be complete without the use of all three personality structures. The id, ego, and superego all work together in order to form a person within society. Missing just one of these can leave devastating consequences to the storyline of Heart of Darkness and to the psyche of any