THE EGO AND SUPEREGO OF THE MAIN CHARACTER TIMM THALER IN THE NOVEL TIMM THALER ODER DAS VERKAUFTE LACHEN BY JAMES KRÜSS

Abstract

This study aims to describe and analyze the ego and superego of the main character in James Krüss's novel "Timm Thaler oder Das verkaufte Lachen." This study uses a literary psychology approach, grounded in Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory, particularly the concepts of ego and superego personality structures. The research method employed is descriptive qualitative, with data collection techniques consisting of literature review and text analysis. The data consist of narrative excerpts and dialogue from the novel, representing the main character's behavior, attitudes, and inner conflicts. The results indicate that Timm Thaler's ego acts as a controller between internal drives and external reality, particularly in decision making after losing his laughter. Meanwhile, Timm's superego is reflected through guilt, moral awareness, and judgments about actions that conflict with human values. The interaction between the ego and superego illustrates the personality conflicts experienced by the main character and the process of his personality development throughout the story. Thus, this novel presents not only a fantasy story but also a complex depiction of the dynamics of human personality.

Keywords: literary psychology, ego, superego, main character, Timm Thaler.