Fragmentation of Personality

"Fragmentation of Personality as it Applies to the Character of Sabina in Anaїs Nin's The Spy in the House of Love, and the Works of Sigmund Freud"

Personality is often considered to be singular and structured, however, in reality it is composed of many contradictory characteristics. The human psyche can be multi-layered, with different aspects of the personality being revealed in different environments. This concept of a fragmented personality is explored in the novel, A Spy In The House of Love, by Anaїs Nin, as well as in the works of psychologist, Sigmund Freud. Freud describes the human psyche as being divided into separate agencies that are often in conflict with each other. The protagonist in Anaїs Nin's novel, Sabina, exhibits such traits, as she struggles with constant internal conflict regarding her numerous affairs and the feeling that she must suppress all of her different emotions and actions into one personality.

In his theories, Freud describes the mind as being "separated into different parts or "agencies" (Solomon 98)." In 1923, he divided these agencies into three categories; "the Id (the source of instincts), the Ego (the rational self), and the Superego (the internalization of the rules and restrictions learned from one's parents and other authorities) (Solomon 98)." These separate categories can be used to explain the personality of Sabina. Firstly, Sabina's Id is very strong, in the sense that she is constantly overcome with desire, and unable to control her urges. It is this that leads her into numerous affairs. With Mambo, she is overcome with the exotic romance his African heritage implies. When she listens to him play the drums, she feels that "each note was the brush of his mouth ...

... middle of paper ...

... individual as a singular and structured psychology. However, Anaїs Nin's novel, A Spy In The House Of Love, and the works of psychologist, Sigmund Freud explore otherwise. Through the character of Sabina, Nin shows the many different partitions of one's mind, the conflicts between them, and the chaos and guilt resulting from this conflict. Freud's works further describe this multi-layered personality. Sabina's psychology can be unraveled and explained by applying Freud's ideas of the mind being divided into three agencies; the Id, the Ego, and the Superego, which are in constant conflict with each other. Personality is seen as an attempt to resolve this conflict. The ideas in this novel and Freud's theories can help one understand the reasons for their emotions or behavior, allowing one to accept the deficiencies and chaos associated with their personality.