Los Angeles: Original Works Publishing, Essay Example

There is a connection between Freud’ instinctual drives and Nietzsche’s philosophy of the apollonian and Dionysian in “through the tunnel”, “signs and symbols” and the interlopers”. According to Freud, instinctual drives are inherent and not learned. Arousal energizes the instinctual drive and this energy must be discharged by doing some action. Failure to perform any action leads to the creation of fantasy by the mind. According to Freud, there are four distinct instincts in the mind: aggression, libido and ego instinct. Apollonian is a force that is characterized by reason, individuality and order. Nietzsche uses art as an example of a force that embodies apollonian force. On the other hand, Dionysian is the opposite of apollonian and is characterized by madness and drunkenness. According to Nietzsche, these forces were all present in Greek tragedy. Freud’s aggression and libido can be equated to Nietzsche’s Dionysian.

“In signs and symbols” by Vladimir Nabokov, the main character in the story seems to be suffering from unrestrained aggression, which doctors diagnosed as a mental disorder. Even in confinement, he tries to commit suicide and cannot relate with other children. At first the parents thought his behavior was due to his gifted nature, but it deteriorated to the point where institutionalization became necessary. In the “Interlopers” by Saki, there is evidence of aggression, ego and the Dionysian. Georg and Ulrich are eternal rival and when they meet in the forest, thoughts of murder cross their mind. However, these changes when they are trapped beneath a fallen tree. Thoughts of reason enter their minds and are able to forgive each other. In “through the tunnel by Doris Lessing” the young English boy’s aggression or apollonian tendencies drive him to explore the bottom of the sea even it is dangerous. He exercises his lungs for this adventure despite his mother’s warnings to take it slow.

Work cited

Lennon, Gary. The Interlopers. Los Angeles: Original Works Publishing, 2011. Print.

Lessing, Doris. Through the tunnel.

Nabokov, Vladimir. Signs and symbols.