“Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory of personality argues that human behaviour is the results of the interactions among three component parts of the mind: the id, ego, and superego”. Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, Jem’s development, and maturity can be explained using the three components. The id relates to his initial self, super ego relates to his huge learning curve during Tom Robinson's trial and the ego is how he comes to a substantial understanding of the world around him. In the beginning of the text, Jem’s behaviour is mostly affected by his id. The id is the instinctual drive of someone's personality and isn’t affected by the external world. It seeks instant gratification without having to face any harm. Maycomb is a town full …show more content…
The superego incorporates the values and morals of society learned from people such as Atticus and Tom. It consists of two systems, the ideal self which is how you should be and conscience which punishes ego with guilt when behaviour falls short of the ideal self. During the trial, Jem firmly believes that Atticus has one the case as the facts presented clearly show that Tom is innocent. His superego believes that the jury will uphold his values as justice and righteousness. This had largely been influenced by Atticus who teaches the kids about fairness and integrity by allowing guiding them gently and allowing them to form their own ideas. When the verdict of Tom's case declares him guilty, Jems “shoulders jerked as if every ‘guilty’ was a separate stab” (pg. 234) and his superego struggles to cope. Jem’s ideal self, believed so strongly that Tom would be innocent, so when this wasn’t the case his conscience feels terribly guilty. Jem solution for this is “We oughta do away with juries” (pg. 242) which shows his id’s influence, as logic doesn’t affect his decision. This solution isn’t realistic as racism would still exist in the town and would have an impact on whether Tom was convicted or