Abstract
This study analysed the motivations behind the main characters’ destructive behaviours using the psychoanalytic approach. The emphasis was on the representation of the psyche and the characterisation of the main characters in Mphoaa..! (1998) and Šaka la Pelo ga le Tlale (1990). The actions of some characters in these two mentioned dramas drove them towards destruction despite the attempted interventions from external sources. This indicated that strong internal forces were responsible for these actions. As a result, the researcher sought to investigate these internal forces and their influence on behaviour. The aim was to show how internal forces, namely, the id, ego and superego, can lead to destruction when there is no balance between them. The data used to carry out this study is the selected Northern Sotho dramas, Mphooa..! (1998) and Šaka la Pelo ga le Tlale (1990). Therefore, the characters’ words, actions and thoughts were the focal points of the psychoanalysis. The researcher found that some characters influenced by the id displayed irrationality, greed, impulsiveness, immorality, aggression, a lack of self-control, and no regard for societal norms and rules. At the same time, those controlled by the ego showed rationality and always complied with the superego’s regulations. The characters under the influence of the superego were authority figures that required obedience and lawful behaviour, while others were too strict. The lack of harmony between the characters influenced by the id, ego, and superego drove some characters to act destructively. Other characters employed defence mechanisms to avoid feeling anxious during an imbalance. However, most characters relied on less matured mechanisms which proved fruitless as they did resolve their issues but delayed them for a short while. Consequently, this research shows the importance of a healthy relationship between the id, ego, and superego to avoid the characters falling into their destructive patterns. Keywords: Psychoanalysis, Psyche, Id, Ego, Superego, Thanatos, Eros, Defence mechanisms and Characterisation.
M.A. (African Languages)