Question
Does the character Ralph MOSTLY display components
of the Id, Super Ego, or Ego? Explain. Cite
evidence from both the definition of the term and
Golding's text.
Answer
Ralph mostly displays components of the Ego. According to Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory, the Ego is the part of the psyche that mediates between the Id and Super Ego, balancing the demands of reality, morality, and desire. In Lord of the Flies, Ralph is the leader of the group of boys and is constantly trying to maintain order and civility. He is the one who suggests the idea of a signal fire, and he is the one who is constantly trying to keep the boys from descending into chaos. He is also the one who is constantly trying to keep the boys focused on being rescued. This shows that Ralph is trying to balance the demands of reality, morality, and desire, which is a characteristic of the Ego.