A Freudian Psychoanalytical Interpretation Of The Protagonist’s Tripartite Personality In Of Human Bondage

Of Human Bondage, the masterpiece of William Somerset Maugham, a British writer, lays the foundation for him to be a world-class novelist. The novel traces how the protagonist Philip Carey, an orphaned cripple, struggles towards maturity through describing what Philip suffers morally, emotionally, and psychologically. Ever since its publication in 1915, the novel has drawn wide attention among readers, scholars and critics all over the world.This thesis aims to enhance people’s awareness of establishing a harmonious relationship with society, dedicating themselves to social life, and obtaining freedom in psychology by analyzing the novel Of Human Bondage from the perspective of Freudian Personality Structure Theory under the guidance of Freudian Psychoanalysis. It probes into Philip’s tripartite personality from the following aspects: his repressed id, evolutionary superego, accommodative ego, and interactive and balanced tripartite personality. Finally, this thesis makes a conclusion that people should unshackle various bondages, build a harmonious relationship with society, dedicate themselves to social life, and acquire psychological freedom.