Superego In Othello

A common fascination among humanity is what causes a specific human to be the way they are. Sigmund Freud researched “the unconscious, the desires, and the defenses” of his psych patients, discerning the root of their behavior disorders (Psychoanalytic Criticism). Freud uncovered multiple components of a personality that can be categorized into the id, ego, and superego. Together, these parts create one complex personality. William Shakespeare filled his plays with complex personalities knowing nothing of Freud’s theory. However, characters throughout all of Shakespeare’s works have strong affinities for their id, ego, or superego. From the psychoanalysis view, William Shakespeare’s dynamic characters in the play Othello can be derived using
The ego is the sensible component of the mind, making decisions that combine the id’s wants with reality. That may mean not being able to achieve the desire immediately, but it does so in a way that correlates with society.
The superego stores “the area of the unconscious that houses judgment” developed from social norms (Psychoanalytic Criticism). It deciphers right from wrong and battles the id and ego to upkeep perfect behavior. It quells the id’s immoral desires and sways the ego from the realistic path to the virtuous path. The superego is overtly emotional, striving to achieve perfection in everything it does and punishing itself if it falls
Iago feels that Othello overlooked him for a military promotion. Iago becomes extremely jealous of Othello. His id takes over and he becomes consumed with achieving revenge. His jealousy develops into new character traits. Iago becomes very cunning, scheming to satisfy his desires. His ploy activates the moment the play begins. Iago reveals to Roderigo “I follow [Othello] to serve my turn upon him” and “in following him, I follow but myself” (1.1.42,61). Iago admits his personal vendetta. Iago is only staying under Othello’s command to remain in his trust so he can abuse it. Iago views his manipulation as, “our bodies are gardens to the which our wills are gardeners” (1.3.340-341). Iago sees himself as the gardener of Othello’s garden, planting whatever seeds he wants into Othello’s mind and watching it grow into the plant of his choosing. Iago’s control of Othello becomes so great it brings others down alongside Othello. Iago tactfully convinces Othello that his wife has cheated on him, and the only solution is for Othello to “strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated” (4.1.217-218). Iago has lost all consideration of acceptable behavior and others. His drive for revenge is all