SSTC LI -Psychoanalytical

• Marlow represents the id (impulsive forces, sexual desire for lower class women) and the super-ego (restrained behaviour that is socially acceptable within the upper classes)
• Kate functions as a balance between the id and the super-ego of Marlow by helping him regulate the opposite demands of these two forces. Therefore, she exercises the ego in Freudian terms in Goldsmith's play.
• Kate, according to Freudian theory, has a deep desire to please her father.
• Mrs Hardcastle's lack of involvement with Kate can be interpreted as jealousy of the close relationship between Kate and her father.
• Tony represents the id - his actions are governed by what he wants to do instead of what he should do.
• Goldsmith's personal experience of being judged because of his appearance may have inspired him to write about appearances being deceptive.
• Tony's behaviour could be explained by the lack of a strong father figure to guide him.