Examining Fortinbras as Id, Hamlet as Superego, and Laertes as Ego in Hamlet

1. Familiarize yourself with the concepts that Freud coined as the id, the ego, and the superego. Some information has been laid out for you in the April 30th class content HOWEVER it would be in your best interest to take it upon yourself to deepen and develop your understanding by doing your own research. Clear deeper understanding will be rewarded.

2. Review, examine, and complete close readings on the scenes as listed below:

Scenes in which Fortinbras plays a role or is mentioned (focus on what seems to motivate Fortinbras military actions): I.i.91-119; I.ii.17-28; II.ii.64-85; IV.iv.1-29; V.ii.348-405

Scenes in which Hamlet vows to avenge his fathers murder and the soliloquies in which he berates himself for inaction (focus on what is/are the main factor(s) that inhibit(s) Hamlets action): I.v; II.ii (specifically the request of the play The Murder of Gonzago and 508-567); III.iii, III.iv, IV.iv

Scenes in which we see how Laertes handles his fathers murder and his sisters apparent suicide (focus on how his planned action against Hamlet is different in motive and execution from both Fortinbrass action and Hamlets inaction): IV.v, IV.vii, V.i, V.ii

3. Synthesize your findings from 2 a-c in a well developed 5+ paragraph (800 – 1500 words) essay that discusses how each man symbolizes either the id, ego, or superego as defined by Freud.

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