The Impact of Freuds' Structural Mind Model on Understanding Waiyaki's Personality, The Main Character of Ngugi Wa Thiong’o’s Story, The River Between

Abstract

This study examines how relevant psychoanalytic theory is in the interpretation of The River Between by Ngugi wa Thiong’o. It questions whether the lead character, Waiyaki, in this fictional society is influenced by his psychic states and, if so, whether Ngugi Wa Thiong'o uses Sigmund Freud's theory framework of the cognizance to craft his social vision. The study took a descriptive qualitative approach and was textual in nature. Primary texts were used to collect data, and secondary texts used to help interpret the text. The findings indicated that id psyche reveals Waiyaki’s personality which relate to intense emotions, strong desires, and unfiltered reactions. His ego serves as a rational and practical component of his psyche, balancing his id-driven desires and instincts with the societal values. Additionally, the character’s super ego reveals his moral dilemma exemplified by various conflicts between his personal desires and the societal norms deeply ingrained in his community's values. The study fills a knowledge gap regarding the role of the mind model in comprehending the protagonist's personality. It concludes that the lead character's behaviour and personality are influenced by the fictional society's mental model.