Essay Questions

What is the foremost implication of instincts?

Marcus explains, "in Freud's late theory of the instincts, the " compulsion inherent in organic life to restore an earlier state of things which the living entity has been obliged to abandon under the pressure of external disturbing forces " ' is common to both primary instincts: Eros and death instinct." Instincts elicit the urge to undergo 'inertia.' Therefore, through the instincts humans strive to re-experience love and the inactivity of death. Additionally, the instincts stimulate humans to endeavor for inorganic statuses.

Explain the convergence of “phantasy, sexuality and ego.”

Marcus writes, “Freud establishes a twofold connection, "between the sexual instincts and phantasy" on the one side, and " between the ego instincts and the activities of consciousness "on the other. This dichotomy is untenable, not only in view of the later formulation of the instinct theory (which abandons the independent ego instincts) but also because of the incorporation of phantasy into artistic (and even normal) consciousness." Sexual fantasies activate the amorous instincts. Consequently, one may consciously strive to satisfy the fantasies to delight the ego's urges. Fantasies command the maneuverings of the ego.

Explain the implications of the ‘Pleasure principle.'

Marcus elucidates, “The pleasure principle reveals its own. The erotic aim of sustaining the entire body as subject object of comfort calls for the continual refinement of the organism, the intensification of its receptivity, the growth of its sensuousness. The aim generates its own projects of realization: the abolition of toil, the amelioration of the environment, the conquest of disease and decay, the creation of luxury.” Desires of pleasure must be gratified unceasingly. Subsequently, the instincts mold an individual's culture by modifying how the entity alters his/her lifestyle and culture to attain pleasure.