Huck Finn Super Ego Essay

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The story of Huck Finn revolves around the idea of id, ego and super ego and how the characters represent each to influence Huck. Throughout the novel Huck is torn between the childlike id and the mature super ego. His experiences along the Mississippi further develop his super ego and help him deal with problems in a mature way. Jim, Tom, and the con men are there to develop Huck’s understanding of the 3 traits and how to use them when he needs. In the novel Huckleberry Finn, Huck’s adventures and experiences with the characters help to develop his super ego and mold him to be a better person then in the beginning. Huck was rather immature in the beginning of the novel, using his id more then the others. The id is a pleasure principle that “strives for immediate gratification of all desires, wants, and needs” (Cherry). He did what he wanted when he wanted with no care for anything or anyone. “Now we’ll start this band of robbers and …show more content…

The ego operates according to the reality principle “working out realistic ways of satisfying the id’s demands, often compromising or postponing satisfaction to avoid negative consequences of society” (McLeod). Huck developed his ego by preforming actions that the id wanted, feeling guilty if something bad happened, and then he learned from his mistake. “I went to the cavern to get some, and found a rattlesnake in there. I killed him, and curled him up on the foot of Jim’s blanket, ever so natural, thinking there’d be some fun when Jim found him there” (Twain 63). Huck wanted to play a prank on Jim, a dangerous prank but not to the id. The id just wants to see his reaction for the amusement and pleasure of the moment. Hucks super ego kicks in though when Jim is bit and he feels very guilty for what he was done teaching Huck to be more careful. In the first of many experiences Jim teaches Huck what consequences your actions can

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