Freudian Theory in Life of Pi Alyssa Wakefield 10th Grade

Many people are under the impression that humans have evolved past their origins, that they have risen above animalistic tendencies; however, mankind forever remains part of the animal kingdom, and such a truism is demonstrated within Yann Martel’s novel about a young castaway’s survival, Life of Pi. Psychologist Sigmund Freud’s proposed id, ego, and superego interact in such a way that highlights Pi’s instinctual changes and faltering morality in order to develop the theme: improbable circumstances prompt an outcome in which people act outside of society’s expectations.

Pi’s unfortunate circumstances on the liferaft push him towards natural survival instincts, and such is explained by the relationship between a person’s id and ego. The id is one part of the unconscious mind and is composed of the Eros and Thanatos. According to Freud, the id has been present since birth and represents the biological component of decision-making. The ego makes up the conscious mind and represents the logistical side of decision-making. It serves to regulate the id’s desires to avoid consequences put in place by society. However, the distance between Pi and any form of societal consequence has shifted the scales on the once mutual relationship...