The Id, Ego, and Super-Ego – A Comparative Study of Pride and Prejudice and Wuthering Heights

Abstract

Pride and Prejudice and Wuthering Heights are regarded as seminal works from the Victorian era, having received extensive scholarly interest. Written by Jane Austen, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest English writers, Pride and Prejudice has remained popular among readers since its first publication. Scholars have analyzed the novel from multiple angles, including feminist, Marxist, and psychological perspectives, further cementing its status as a significant work of literature. On the contrary, Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights did not enjoy the same level of recognition during its initial release and only gained widespread acclaim until the 20th century. As time passed, the novel’s reputation has grown to be on par with that of Pride and Prejudice. However, the comparison between the two novels is neglected by scholars. This essay aims to fill that gap by examining the two heroines, Elizabeth and Catherine, using Sigmund Freud’s id, ego, and superego framework.