Sigmund Freud divided the mind into three main structures, the Id, the Ego, and the Super-Ego. The first structure, the id, represents physiological drives and is fully unconscious. It is described as "chaos, a cauldron of seething excitations." The Id demands instant gratification without consideration of law, social custom, or the needs of others. The second structure is the Ego. It stands for reason and good sense. The Ego is usually developed within the first year of life, and is used to curb the appetites of the Id. The final structure is the Super-Ego. It incorporates the moral standards and values of our parents. One's Super-Ego acts like a conscience. It is an internal moral guardian. In William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies, these Freudian structures can be seen in the characters of Jack, Ralph, and Piggy.
First there is Jack, who embodies the Id. All he can seem to think about is hunting pigs. This is Jack's gratification, and he takes great pride in these kills. Hunting in itself is very unnecessary, as there is plenty of fruit to survive on, and the boys can always catch fish. He also demands instant gratification when he breaks away from Ralph and forms his tribe. He said, "You go away, Ralph. You keep to your end. This is my tribe. You leave me alone." In breaking away, Jack doesn't think about the fact that he is destroying the island's society and decreasing their chances of rescue. He just becomes tired of taking orders from Ralph, so he splits into his own group where he can be the leader, without realizing what the consequences may be. .
Secondly, the character that best embodies the Ego is Ralph. As the appointed leader, it is Ralph's job to keep everyone in order. As the Ego, he stands for rational choices and attempts to make people happy, yet avoid the disapproval of others. It is Ralph's main function to screen the impulses of the Id (Jack).
