Psychoanalytical Criticism in Hamlet
Psychoanalytical Criticism in Hamlet There is a whole lot that goes on inside our bodies and minds that most of us are unaware are even occurring. Looking into one’s psyche, these unknown occurrences become clear as well as the motives behind them. Psychoanalytical criticism takes a look at all these psychological occurrences. It explores how the human mental and psychological development occurs and how the human mind really works. It also looks at the root causes of psychological problems in individuals. Sigmund Freud, the man who developed psychoanalytical criticism, explained how the psyche works together with the help of his iceberg theory. Freud’s iceberg consists of the conscious mind which is the part of the iceberg that is above water and the preconscious and unconscious mind that is hidden beneath the surface of the water as well as deep within our minds. The conscious makes up our thought process and everything we know and remember. The preconscious consists of all our stored knowledge and our memories. Our unconscious mind holds all our fears, violent motives, selfish needs, immoral urges and wishes, shameful experiences, and unchecked sexual desires (Topography of Mind: Freud's Iceberg Model for Unconscious, Pre-conscious, & Conscious). While each level of the mind contains its own set of qualities, these traits work together as one “iceberg” to make up our human psyche. Freud furthered his iceberg theory as he developed the id, ego, and superego character types. The id makes up our unconscious mind (Cube of Space: Psychological Space: The Metapsychology of the Cube of Space: The Dimensions of Consciousness & the Structure of Human Experience: With Qualia) and all the “evil” that, if not controlled, will seep out into the conscious mind. Being composed of rage, depression, and addiction amongst other “evils” (Psychoanalytic Criticism Notes), it is fair to say the id is the little devil perched on your shoulder urging you to do something that