Freudian symbols
What freudian symbol does the Queen of Hearts represent? Give an example
Evil deeds (murder)
What was the first urge that Alice felt?
Following the White Rabbit, while not caring where it was going or if it was dangerous, this shows her lack of society around her and norms.
At what point did Alice start to reason with her ID and let her ego surface?
Answer: When Alice goes back and forth eating things that she’s unaware of. She then meets the caterpillar, at this time she gets back to her normal size (changing appearance) and asks for directions. This shows she’s thinking of what is actually going on and what she will do next.
How does the White Rabbit project the superego in the beginning of the story?
The first impression the readers get towards the rabbit is how he is always checking his pocket watch, therefore wanting to be somewhere on time. This means following societal norms like punctuality and responsibility.
How might the setting relate to freud's theory, and what are symbols that represent this example?
Alice going through the tunnel and her journey to wonderland signifies the colour theory, from lightness to darkness. And the jungle symbol, moving into the forest (wonderland) into isolation.
Why are all the doors and passageways important in the story, in relation to the id?
Can represent all the choices we make in life tempted by the Id, which can lead to our secret desires and urges leading us.
When does Alices ego show?
When alice comes across obstacles, she uses her own problem solving skills and logical brain to figure out a solution.
What is an example of the superego in Alice? (hint: at the tea party)
Alices superego dominates her when she s at the Mad Hatters tea party. THe whole situation was very bizarre to her, but nonetheless she conformed to the mad hatters behaviour instead of questioning it.
How are unusual creatures represented in the story?
All of the creatures in wonderland are unusual like the cheshire cat, the white rabbit with a pocket watch, the twins, mad hatter etc. Some of these monsters can be scary, which can be a reflection of the id and the freudian symbol of monsters.
What actions of the Mad Hatter represent the id?
The Mad Hatters id surfaces when he acts crazy and bizarre, disregarding social norms and the world around him.
How can Alices emotions and reactions represent the ego?
Alice shows her authentic but not overly absurd emotions to the most bizarre events that happen in the story, whether its frustration, confusion, or excitement, this demonstrates the ego's capacity of balancing her true emotions.
Even though the queen is ruled by the id, in her world, how does the superego shine through?
Since the queen is the ruler, her focus is all on deranged societal norms and her own moral standards, with no tolerance for silliness.
How does the symbol, adopting animal behaviours, reflect in the story?
When Alice shrinks or grows in size, this reflects animal-like behaviors since animals go through different adaptations based on their environment.
What does the White Rabbit symbolize from a Freudian perspective, considering his role as a driving force in Alice's journey?
Alice's unconscious mind's impulsive, instinctual desires, often driving her actions in the story.
What does Alice's frequent changes in size and shape represent based on the psyche's defense mechanisms and the ego's adaptation to reality?
It represents the ego's struggle to adapt to the challenges and reality, showing defense mechanisms like condensation and displacement.
What characters represent the superego?
The Cheshire cat and the caterpillar, since they give advice and help to lead alice to the right places so she can go on with her journey. They do this by often reminding her that she is in control of this dream.