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What does Sam and Eric's description of the beast tell us about human psychology?

User Jgravois
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Final answer:

Sam and Eric's beast illustrates human tendency to create and react to abstract threats, showing that our limited perspective often misconceives 'evil' within the larger context of existence. Freud's theory of the Ego's struggle among the Id, Superego, and reality principle further demonstrates our internal psychological conflicts.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sam and Eric's description of the beast in 'Lord of the Flies' provides insight into human psychology, particularly regarding how humans perceive and conceptualize threats or evils. Our tendency to create abstractions and respond to them as though they were tangible is a key part of human nature.

As with scientific modeling, this can be beneficial when we understand that such meanings are subjective and vary over time. However, the perception and interpretation of 'evil' can often be linked to our inability to see the bigger picture or to understand our nature and the nature of our environment thoroughly.

Moreover, because humans are limited by their finite perspective, what is deemed as 'evil' on a closer, more focused observation might, in a broader context, contribute to a greater overall creation or purpose. This indicates a limitation in human perception where we cannot fully step back to see the entire 'painting'—the bigger picture of existence—as a deity might.

This psychological inclination is further underpinned by Freud's concept of the Ego, caught in the middle of the Id's indulgences and the Superego's societal pressures. Our psychological landscapes are battlefields where our conscious mind must navigate the demands of our base instincts versus our learned morals, often leading to an array of psychological problems when these forces are in conflict.

User Bountiful
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