A Personality Interpretation Of Shakuntala's Misfortune

Shakuntala is the most famous masterpiece of ancient Indian writer Kalidasa, who is considered"India's Shakespeare"of the 4th or 5th century. Along with the flowing of time, it has been recognized as a gem in world literature. The lovely heroine Shakuntala has won the favor of readers throughout the world, so her rejection by her husband has become a valuable subject for special discussion.From the angle of Freud's personality theory, this thesis proves that the real reason of Shakuntala's misfortune is her unbalanced personality.This thesis consists of six chapters:The first chapter introduces the summary of the story of Shakuntala, the relative information about the author and the translator, and the literature review of the present state of research on this poetic play, Shakuntala.The second chapter is an account of Freud's personality theory.The third chapter applies the personality theory to the analysis of the poetic play to explore the influence of superego on Shakuntala from two aspects of ego ideal and conscience. When Shakuntala is in the pious grove before meeting Dushyanta, she lives happily, because she is controlled by her superego, which comes not only from the rules and principles in the pious grove, but also the caste system of ancient India. Her behavior meets the need of her surroundings; she is unconscious of her own desire, and there is no place for her id.The fourth chapter discusses how Shakuntala's id bursts into flames developing quickly and strongly, when she falls in love. To a great extent, her misfortune comes from her over-developed id, which emphasizes her instinct, but ignores her surroundings. The stronger her id is, the less she pays attention to her surroundings, and the more dangerous she will be. At last, she is rejected by her husband, which almost destroys her. It is her id that drives her to misery.The fifth chapter examines the fact that, after Shakuntala is rejected by her husband, her ego begins to control her. Led by the practical principle, ego urges Shakuntala to keep a balance between her individuality and the surroundings. It is her ego that overrides her id to control her personality, reminds her of the social reality, drives her to make the right decision and saves her.The last chapter concludes with the ultimate reason of Shakuntala's misfortune, and explores into the social meaning of this thesis, which can be a warning for all women of similar experience. Almost every nation has its own"Shakuntalas", who are as lovely as Shakuntala but as unfortunate as her as well. The only way for them to avoid Shakuntala's misfortune is to improve their personalities through regulating their id and superego, both of which should give way to their ego that will protect them from the world within and without.