Mrs. Schultz
British Literature
April 7th, 2014
Macbeth: The Case of an Overpowering Id
Even though Macbeth’s superego shines through at times, his Id overpowers his Ego and
Superego because he acts without moral or logical reasoning and his desires become what are most important to him. It is possible Macbeth never developed a superego because he never had to really think for himself. His wife overpowers him and makes his decisions for him. His Id is definitely stronger than either his ego or superego. “A bell rings/ I go, and it is done; the bell invites me/ Hear it not, Duncan; for it is a knell/ That summons thee to heaven or hell.”
(2.1.6265). At this point, Macbeth has no remorse for killing. He only wants to be king. His
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He wants what he has been told that he is destined to receive, the throne. Without actually using patience and logic to think of ways he possibly can get the crown, he takes it into his own hands. He immediately assumes the only way he will get the crown is if he kills Duncan. “What he hath lost noble
Macbeth hath won.” (1.2.76) Clearly Duncan though very well of Macbeth and it is possible he could make him into a hier. Instead Macbeth chooses the fastrack, murder. This is yet another example of how his Id overthrew his ego and superego. Macbeths Id overpowers in many cases.
For example, when he decides to kill his best friend Banquo. Although his superego does show when he realized what he had done. “I am afraid to think what I have done” (2.2.64). So although
Macbeth does seem to have guilt which also means he has a connection to his superego, his id is his strongest personality feature. Critical Analysis Paragraph: Macbeth & Company (45