The truth is, we will probably never fully understand what makes people tick because the brain is so complex. Many people have attempted to come up with different explanations as to why we act the way we do, but many have fallen short. That is, until a man named Sigmund Freud came along.
Now, Sigmund Freud was and Austrian neurologist who was credited in the idea of the unconscious mind. He believed that there were three parts of the human psyche, the ID, the ego and the super ego. He believed that every mind contained these three components, and wouldn't function normally if it didn't. The ID as he called it, was the completely unconscious, impulsive portion of the psyche, which was very childlike. It operated on the principals of pleasure, and human nature. It is where basic impulses, wants and drives come from. It seeks immediate pleasure and gratification, and disregards morals and plans to get said pleasure. The second portion of the human psyche, the super ego. It is more like our moral compass. It uses everything we've learned from socialization and nurture to allow us to achieve the want in a way that respects the things we believe in. is the ego. The third part of the human psyche is the ego. This is the part of the unconscious that is credited in coming up with a plan in order to achieve the wants of the ID, while balancing out the morals and ideals we've been taught over the years.
Now, Freud thought that all of the wants and needs of the ID mainly sexual desires. In reality, you can take the basis of the ID, Ego and the Super Ego and apply it to most problems. I'm a very impulsive type of person, this could be seen as my ID being the more prominent part of my brain. Compared to other people who have to think everything through before they're able to come to a decision, their ID would be minuscule next to their Super Ego.
In Life of Pi on the other hand, Yann Martel uses symbolism to portray the relationship of the ID and the Ego. The entire journey, Pi is trying to gain control of Richard Parker and ensure his safety. This is basically portraying the Ego looking after the ID. When ever Richard Parker is hungry, Pi has to ensure that he is well fed and has enough water. What Richard Parker wants, he wants now. Also, throughout the entire journey Pi is trying to keep Richard Parker hidden, trying to keep him under his tarp, safe and happy. This symbolizes hiding your inner most wants and desires. He wants to keep his most primitive thoughts and feelings, like eating raw meat and being territorial hidden because he believes if he hides it he won't have to deal with it.
As the book progresses, not only does Pi give in to his Human Nature. He begins to eat like an animal, and scavenge for food. He also begins to let go of the things he learned as a child. He forgets about his religions and stops cleaning Richard Parker"s "cage". He gets to a point where he basically gives up and waits for death. If it weren't for Richard Parker giving him hope and a reason to live, then Pi would've surely died. If it weren't for his ID wanting deep down in his subconscious to survive, Pi would've given up completely and died.
Now, Freud thought that all of the wants and needs of the ID mainly sexual desires. In reality, you can take the basis of the ID, Ego and the Super Ego and apply it to most problems. I'm a very impulsive type of person, this could be seen as my ID being the more prominent part of my brain. Compared to other people who have to think everything through before they're able to come to a decision, their ID would be minuscule next to their Super Ego.
In Life of Pi on the other hand, Yann Martel uses symbolism to portray the relationship of the ID and the Ego. The entire journey, Pi is trying to gain control of Richard Parker and ensure his safety. This is basically portraying the Ego looking after the ID. When ever Richard Parker is hungry, Pi has to ensure that he is well fed and has enough water. What Richard Parker wants, he wants now. Also, throughout the entire journey Pi is trying to keep Richard Parker hidden, trying to keep him under his tarp, safe and happy. This symbolizes hiding your inner most wants and desires. He wants to keep his most primitive thoughts and feelings, like eating raw meat and being territorial hidden because he believes if he hides it he won't have to deal with it.
As the book progresses, not only does Pi give in to his Human Nature. He begins to eat like an animal, and scavenge for food. He also begins to let go of the things he learned as a child. He forgets about his religions and stops cleaning Richard Parker"s "cage". He gets to a point where he basically gives up and waits for death. If it weren't for Richard Parker giving him hope and a reason to live, then Pi would've surely died. If it weren't for his ID wanting deep down in his subconscious to survive, Pi would've given up completely and died.
Bonus points to anyone who can figure out which cartoon head belongs to the ID, Ego and Super Ego.
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