Abstract: This paper aims to discuss deeply Meggie and Ralph’s complex dispositions and the roots of their tragic fates based on the close reading of The Thorn Birds under Freudian theory of personality structure. This paper mainly analyzes their tragedies, and explores the tragic root from three aspects: id, ego and superego. Thus, by interpreting the characters from the perspective of psychoanalysis, it analyzes their psychological changes and then judges the patterns of human behavior, which has important practical significance for the study of human character and behavior, and helps discern deeply this novel. 

Key words: tragedy; tragic root; The Thorn Birds; Freudian theory of personality structure

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

1.1-Introduction to Colleen McCullough and The Thorn Birds-1

1.2-Previous Studies on The Thorn Birds-2

1.3-The Theory of Freudian Personality Structure-4

2. Analysis of Maggie’s Tragedy under Freudian Theory of Personality Structure-6

2.1 Meggie’s Tragedy-6

2.2-The Root Causes for the Tragedy of Meggie-8

2.2.1 Meggie’s Requirement of a Home—Ego-8

2.2.2 Meggie’s Forbidden Love—Id-9

3. Analysis of Ralph’s Tragedy under Freudian Theory of Personality Structure-11

3.1 Ralph’s Tragedy-11

3.2 The Root Causes for the Tragedy of Ralph-12

3.2.1 Ralph’s Pursuit of Earthly Love—Id-12

3.2.2 Ralph’s Dream of Being a Perfect Priest—Superego-15

3.2.3 Ralph’s Struggle between Heavenly Love and Earthly Love—Ego-18

4. Conclusion-21

References-22