Abstract This paper relates that, in David Fincher's film "Fight Club", the protagonist is the "Narrator", a contemporary "everyman" who exhibits symptoms of urban loneliness and existential angst in a materialistic and meaningless society. The author relates that the film descends into violence and brutality as the character Tyler Durden, head of the "Fight Club", feels more alive fighting other males who also feel emasculated by contemporary culture. The author believes that Durden appears to be the alter-ego of the Narrator, someone who feels genuinely and has abandoned the superficial and materialistic pursuits of contemporary society and culture. The paper expresses that the filmmaker is attempting to provide a warning to viewers in contemporary society that if people do not redefine their identity through something more meaningful than materialism or macho notions of masculinity, society will erupt into chaos and violence.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
From the Paper "The inability to define identity or connect with spirituality leads the members of the "Fight Club" to beat each other, engage in random acts of violence and destruction, and to ultimately plan for major destruction of society. These men have lost hope in contemporary society and its values to provide them with meaning or identity. Instead, they have become unable to feel or express spirituality because of living in a world where who you are is often defined by what you own or how much money you make. As Durden explains at one point, "You're not your job."
Abstract This paper explains that the human collective shadow is traits, which represent the collective experience of people's alteregos or darker sides that become the collective cultural shadow. The author points out that the archetypal, which is the antithesis of the collective shadow, is the way in which the collective culture tends to perceive itself without being aware of the dark shadow. The paper describes the archetypal of Western culture and the ways it has changed over time.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Collective Shadow
The Archetype
From the Paper "It is from these unrealistic archetypal images that, during the 1960s, the darker shadow side of American culture began to clash with. The result was the counter cultural revolution of the 1960s, wherein young people went to seemingly great extremes to look and behave opposite the archetypal image, which soon became known as "the establishment." At a point in American history, during the years of the Vietnam Conflict, it would have served Americans well to have found a way to blend the archetypal with the new; but that did not occur. "
Tags: psychopathic, alteregos, disenfranchised patriarchal, counter cultural revolution
Abstract This paper explains that James Lasdun is one writer who seems fascinated with the idea of repression; many of the stories in his book "Besieged" deal with the subject of repression. The author points out that the story, "Ate/Menos or the Miracle", shows how repression can be a means of finding freedom from controls. The paper concludes that Lasdun seems to be suggesting that the ego is a necessary means of control and that, when the man gains freedom through his alterego, he actually loses all freedom because he is no longer in control of himself.
From the Paper "In "Ate/Menos or The Miracle" the main character finds himself mistaken for another man by an older woman. He chooses to make use of the mistaken identity and assumes the identity of the other man for his own selfish reasons. Essentially, assuming the identity of the other man allows him to fulfill his basic wants and desires and sleep with the woman. It is not coincidence that Lasdun chooses an older woman for the story, since sexual repression is often regarded as being related to an individual's parents. As one source notes, "Freud believes that psychopathological symptoms often result from repressed sexual and aggressive feelings about one's parents". In choosing to sleep with the woman, the woman actually becomes a replacement mother figure for the man. The desire to sleep with her combines with seeing her as a mother figure. This results in the inner conflict, where the man's instincts are harming the ego. The harmful impulse that occurs is the man's desire to sleep with his mother. Since this impulse is harmful to his ego, it becomes repressed so that the man does not allow it to enter consciousness."
Abstract This paper analyzes Shumann's work, "Carnaval". The author uses modulation analysis, chordal analysis as well as historical biography of Schumann's life to examine this piece of music. Charts are included.
From the Paper "Florestan and Eusebius were the two alter ego personalities that Schumann created in Carnaval. In the two pieces, "Eusebius" and ?Florestan,? Schumann's use of harmony shows true instability in each personality. Each represented a different aspect of Schumann's own personality and took on a character of its own, both in Schumann's mind as well as in his music. In the two selections from Carnaval, Schumann uses harmonies and tempos to depict the two personalities. This study will serve to show the contrasting features of each alter ego through an examination in harmony and tempo. This study will look into the effectiveness of the chordal structure and tempo changes and how they represent each alter ego personality."
Abstract The paper begins by explaining what the ego psychology theory is and who the main theorists were behind its development. A history of its development is provided as well as a study of the primary components of the theory. The writer then looks at how the theory can be applied to human behavior and development. Criticisms of ego psychology are discussed and the paper concludes with how human behavior can be better understood with the theory.
Paper Outline
Theorists of Ego Psychology
Development of Ego Psychology
Primary Components of Ego Psychology Theory
Ego Psychology Applied to Human Behavior and Development
Strengths of Ego Psychology Theory
Criticisms of Ego Psychology Theory
Understanding Human Behavior through Ego Psychology Theory
References
From the Paper "Ego psychology comes under the neo-analytic theory. Neo-analytic theory recasts and broadens psychoanalytic theory by underplaying sexuality, and by underplaying the significance of the unconscious. Instead it highlights the role of the ego. There are some neo-analytic theorists who concentrate on the process of the ego, while some concentrate on how the ego relates with and is influenced by other individuals or society or culture. Freud thought that the main job of ego was to intervene among the id, superego and external realism. Ego psychologists vary from Freud by stating that: The ego is concerned in adjustment, i.e. that the aim of behavior is adjustment to the surroundings and that the ego is powerfully concerned; and that the ego prevails from birth. Based on Freud's early works, a number of famous ego psychologists have done their works, but with a better and diverse prominence on ego. These ego psychologists can all be categorized as Neo-analysts. Examples are: Adler; Erikson; Freud; Hartmann; Loevinger and White. (Major Neoanalytic Theories & Theorists)"
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the Ego and the Subject by first defining the two concepts and putting them in a frame of reference for easy understanding. The paper examines whether the Subject is an individual in any way and whether it can be defined with the Ego present. The paper explains that a key difference between the two concepts is that the Ego is a structural and topographical concept whereas Subjectivity precludes structure. The paper explores this difference.
Outline
Introduction
The Ego and the Subject
Conclusion
From the Paper "First the Ego or "I" according to Freud is "symbolized in dreams by a fortress, or a stadium-- its inner arena and enclosure, surrounded by marshes and rubbish-tips, dividing it into two opposed fields of contest where the subject flounders" (Lacan 5). This is where the idea of the Ego being based upon structure is derived from the imagery of dreams found in the human psyche. It seems one is ready to invent boundaries or compartments of complexities in order to explain or name human behavior. This happens so one can make logical sense out of experiences that may be difficult to process. Even Freud realized he made a mistake and gave Ego too much importance by "attributed powers and responsibilities to the ego that the ego was ill equipped to exercise" (Bodie 18). It is because of this Freud applied structure or division of the human subject into the conscious and unconscious portions even though structure does not work with the Subject. Despite these separations even Freud admitted "the ego is not sharply separated from the Subject; its lower portions merge into it" (Bodie 19)."
Abstract This paper analyzes the concept of ego not as a term of self-centeredness but as a concept instrumental in understanding psychology and personality. The author discusses Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory, the structural model of personality and his definition of the ego contained within this theory. The paper explains Freud's theory that infants are born with an inherent ID which serves as the mechanism in which their needs are met and that the ego is actually a development of the ID. The author also discusses Eckhart Tolle's new earth theory that humanity tends mostly to be egocentric. In closing, the author stresses the importance of the ego in psychology and sociology.
From the Paper "Finally, the ID and now the Ego go through one more transformation. When the phallic stage of development comes to an end, the child develops a moral center. This is called the Superego. The Superego acts similar to what many call the conscious, whispering moral actions and making people feel guilty when they choose an action that is immoral. The morality that the Superego imposes on each personality, however, is not uniform. Rather, it is usually a function of the morality instilled in the child by his or her parents or guardians. This explains that while all have a Superego, people have varying ideas of morality."
Abstract This paper explores and compares the psychology of the Ego and masks that are worn by two of Shakespeare's characters; Malvolio(Twelfth Night) and Angelo(Measure for Measure). Using concepts of the Ego laid down by Freud and Jung the author demonstrates how Shakespeare uses this flaw, of imagining oneself as an ideal persona, in both a comedic, and later, tragic play. The paper cites examples from Shakespeare's plays to demonstrate his points. Also, the author references known critics in the field of literary criticism to further elucidate his meaning. The author concludes that by using the Ego as a flaw, Shakespeare created characters that are easy to relate to and provides valuable insight on how to deal with ones mask.
From the Paper "In C.G. Jung's book, The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious, he described what can happen to one who is "possessed" by what Freud would call the Super-ego. This is an idea Shakespeare was well aware of. He used the concept in his writing as a means to bring about both comedy and later to develop a more sophisticated plot, with a more developed conflict. This flaw of imagining oneself as an ideal persona is supported by critiques of Shakespeare's comedies. Richmond, states that Shakespeare's comedies suggest, "that we should test higher sentiments against the implication of facts"(p.2). He argues that Shakespeare finds virtue in what might be called compromised relationships and only destructiveness in single-minded commitment to an ideal. This is not because this harsh world will not tolerate ideals, but because ideals are self-destructive. Through the characters of Malvolio, in Twelfth Night and Angelo in Measure for Measure, Shakespeare explores this character theme, and creates, not only internal conflict, but external as well ."
Abstract This paper discusses the ego theories of Sigmund Freud, claiming that they are still very active in the modern psychoanalytical, psychological, and sociological theory landscapes. The paper contends that Freud's theories of personality and ego are arguably just as relevant today as his theories on society, religion, and individual motivational states, even though they were formed when individualism rather than collectivism was the main direction of European society.
From the Paper "Although Freud has drawn some criticism from other theoretical areas for his focus on psychosexual motivations and the inherent self-projection which this brings up in relation to him, his theories are still held to be relatively credible, as he operated in a medical community during his life. Despite his contributions to modern thought, some commentators wonder whether or not Freud was really investigating universal conditions or whether he was simply looking deeply into his own psyche. "The question remains, did Freud base the theories on his own life or has his insight into his own life allowed him to uncover the unconscious drives in all of us?" (Sigmund Freud, 2003). Whatever the answer, the applicability of his psychoanalytical theories in the present is seen to be inherently viable in terms of defining individual motivations within a concept of providing background for the Freudian perspective, leading to specifics of Freud's theory on ego."
Abstract To fully comprehend the message of Max Stirner's philosophical classic, 'The Ego and its Own', the writer suggests that a reader must release him or herself from the negative associations of the word egotist. In fact, the author would argue that the reason the words ego and egotism have such negative assumptions in modern culture is the resulting influence of false ideologies, such as the Christian religion, totalitarian politics, and the conventional morality of the mob. The writer discusses that if a society, as envisioned by Stirner, was created where everyone refused to fight and die for others, or to believe in any creed other than their will of the moment, it might be possible that there would be less formalized conflict and greater creativity. The writer concludes that Stirner is sketchy as to how such a utopia can be envisioned, although his arguments against the dangers of idealizing dying or even living for a case remain timely.
From the Paper "As soon as a person subscribes to the idea that to sacrifice him or herself in the name of something higher than him or herself is good, this is when danger occurs, to both the self and to society. To use an example from contemporary society, one might argue that this is how soldiers defend their choice to go off to war to commit murders (they serve the state), or how persons willingly commit suicide for religion in the name of God. From his own historical vantage point, Stirner reminds the reader that Robespierre, the architect of the Revolutionary Terror in France, was an idealistic man in the sense that Robespierre put ideology before himself and his own life, and thus defended the sacrifice of the lives and self-interest of other citizens until the human element became subservient to the incorporeal ideal of freedom."
Abstract This paper examine the seemingly paradoxical roles of ego and rational thought and how they actually complement each other and are both necessary for the formation of a balanced human being. The author discusses the works of Bentham, Descartes, and Kant.
From the Paper "The phenomenon of equating egoism with mere selfishness rather than as the extremely important underlying force from which not only rational thought springs, but happiness as well, perhaps originated within the tenets of organized religion, when it was perceived as "sinful" to consider the self, and saintly to sacrifice the self to any extreme, including martyrdom. Thus, while much of modern society is formed upon outdated codes of ethics, it can be said that it might benefit by returning to an even older form of ethics based upon an acknowledgment of the guardian ego and its primal awareness of - and inherent desire for - happiness as achieved through acts of virtue."
This paper lays out in great detail the historical background of mind altering drugs, their uses in religion, scientific research and their current uses in America.
Abstract The following paper discusses both how mind various altering psychedelic drugs impact on spiritual thinking and how various religions use it in conjunction with their belief systems. It also mentions how these drugs influence the thought process and make their users believe they are in another realm.
From the Paper "Altered states of consciousness have always been associated with religion and spiritual experience. Whether induced by fasting, meditation, pain, chanting, or psychedelics, altered states have been used by a variety of cultures practice devotion, attain knowledge, communicate with the spirit world, heal, and to understand the nature of the mind. Because of their unique nature, there is a wide divergence of views about their specific function and utility in respect to religiosity and the great spiritual traditions. This is especially true for altered states cultivated through psychedelics. While it seems as if the entire Indian philosophy was based upon experiences with hallucinogenic altered states, its religious doctrines no longer condone experimentation in this area.Furthermore, even though the altered states of the psychedelic drugs bear a striking resemblance to the states of mind described in many sacred texts of Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism, few of these systems promote the exploration of these states through these drugs."
Abstract This paper presents the two sides in the debate over genetically altered food. The thesis is that, because of the risk involved, the most cautious route should be taken. The conclusion is the same, that we need to follow Japan's lead in low risk.
Abstract This paper discusses change as an opportunity to learn and grow. The paper presents the writer's memories of two events that upset his well-ordered life and his resentment of these events that altered the course of his life. The two events explored in the paper are the death of an uncle that left a deep void in his life and the breakdown of an intimate relationship.
From the Paper "Carl Jung once observed, ?We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses.? (Words of Wisdom) The undeniable wisdom in Jung's words is something that perhaps an adult, who is facing the disruption caused by the death of a loved one, can appreciate. I, however, was too young to even comprehend or accept that death is an inevitable part of life's cycle. Therefore, my uncle's death was a point of change and discontinuity, which resulted in a wide range of personal emotions that I had to learn to deal with. In fact, as I look back on that traumatic time, I am able to see exactly what Tennant and Pogson meant when they said, ?It is, thus, the unexpected life events, those that occur "out of time" that are the potential crises.? (Smith, 1999)."
Abstract This literary study examines the role of Bertha Mason as the alter-ego of Jane Eyre. While Bertha represents the maddened and insane Victorian wife, bound to the household by Rochester; Jane seeks a far more equal feminist standing her relationship with Rochester. When she finally marries Rochester at the end of the novel, she has done with a feminist dignity, which contrasts the role that Bertha enacted as a prisoner in the attic. This why Bertha represents an alter-ego to Jane in the characterization brought forth by Charlotte Bronte.
From the Paper "This literary study will analyze the character Bertha Mason in 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte. In many ways, Bertha is the alter ego of Jane Eyre, as she clearly represents the Victorian insanity and delusional state, which opposes Jane's feminist integrity and sober mannerisms. By analyzing these behaviors, one can realize how Bronte brings forth this contrast of characterization through a psychological ego-based criterion. In essence, Bertha Mason, Rochester's clandestine wife, is the alter-ego of Jane's sober and modest feminist behaviors within the novel. The basis for Bertha as the alter-ego to Jane is founded through the principle of Victorian patriarchal domestic norms."
