Literary texts provide valuable insights into the complexities of human behavior by portraying the psychological struggles, motivations, and moral conflicts of their characters. Examining these inner dynamics through psychoanalytic theory offers a deeper understanding of how personality influences decision-making and character development in classical literature. This study aimed to identify the manifestations of the id, ego, and superego among the major characters, analyze how these psychological components shaped their actions and decisions, and determine their contribution to the development of the epic's central themes. The study employed a qualitative descriptive research design using psychoanalytic literary criticism as its analytical framework. Data were gathered through close textual reading and thematic analysis of significant episodes and character interactions. The findings revealed that the id was reflected in characters driven by instinctive desires, impulsiveness, and aggression, whereas the ego was evident in the strategic thinking, adaptability, and rational decision-making of the protagonist. The superego emerged through actions guided by moral responsibility, justice, loyalty, and respect for divine and social laws. The interaction of these three psychological forces illustrated the characters' internal and external conflicts, demonstrating that their behaviors resulted from the constant negotiation among desire, reason, and ethical responsibility. The study concluded that Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory provides a comprehensive lens for interpreting the psychological depth of The Odyssey and its enduring relevance to human experience. It recommended the integration of psychoanalytic literary criticism into literature instruction to enhance students' analytical skills and foster interdisciplinary approaches to literary studies.

Authors:
Anatolia Basista, University of Eastern Philippines, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Anatolia B. Basista, Associate Professor V. Her current project is titled, Of Folklores and Rivers: The Role of Folklores in the Protection and Conservation of Pristine Rivers in Northern Samar. Languages and Literature topics are her interests.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

Bookmark