Psychoanalyticism In The Cask Of The Amontillado

Humans are unique in that we have been coded in such a way that our interpretation of literary texts vary, whether being influenced by religion, culture or ideology. Therefore actions, events, or beliefs may be justifiable or not depending on the individual. The Gothic Short story “The Cask of the Amontillado” By Edgar Allan Poe sheds light onto common human ambitions and characteristics. The story is told through a first person narrative in which the narrator gives the reader precise accounts on his pursual for revenge. In “The Cask of The Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe, the interpretation of revenge as a theme varies as a result of reading it through different lenses such as, the Marxist and the Psychoanalytic lenses. To begin with, revenge

The Psychoanalytic lens is a literary criticism which builds on the Freudian theories of Psychology. This theory argues that human behavior is the result of the interactions among three component parts of the mind: the id, ego, and superego. Id is defined as the impulsive and unconscious part of our psyche which responds directly and immediately to the instincts (3). Ego considers social realities and norms, etiquette and rules in deciding how to behave (3) and finally the foundation that ties the two is Super-Ego which aims for perfection. It comprises that part of the personality, mainly unconscious which includes the individual 's ego ideals, spiritual goals, and the conscience that criticises and prohibits ones drives, fantasies, feelings, and actions (3). This theory is the measure of our biological aggressive and pleasure-seeking drives vs. our socialized internal control over those drives. Freud asserts the notion that, “Human beings are motivated, even driven by desires, fears, needs, and conflicts of which they are unaware”. The story can be viewed through this lens because it deals with human behaviour in dire situations. Furthermore Montresor 's bid for revenge can be showcased with this school of thought thus all three fundamental structures of the human mind must be profiled. Firstly an example of Id is displayed where it says, “The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had

To conclude, the interpretation of revenge as a theme varies as a result of reading it through different lenses such as, the Marxist and the Psychoanalytic lenses. It is evident that both lenses serve as valuable tools in order to analyze and interpret whether Montresor 's act of revenge was justified but in the end it seems as though both lenses accept Montresor 's actions as perfectly normal, as Marx believes the class struggle will be forever eminent and Freud believes that every person 's actions is determined by conscious thoughts thus only Montresor knows if he was justified or not. Thus two different understandings of the motif of revenge can be