Abstract

Truman Capote, whose short stories noted for their absurd and bizarreness, is an outstanding novelist in the United States, and Miriam is surely the representative work of them. Through the protagonist Mrs. Miller and the fantasy little girl Miriam’s meeting, and a series of stories later, we can explore how the lonely old woman breaks the shackles of the mind step by step, and achieve the return of her id.

This dissertation will apply the tripartite personality theory created by Freud to the analysis of the protagonist—Miriam. Based on the id, ego and superego, especially the analysis of id, the author will illustrate how Mrs. Miller releases her suppressed subconsciousness and instinct with Miriam’s reactions. I also combine Capote's experiences in his childhood, as well as the social background of his age , to interpret the characters of Miriam in this story.

Key words: Truman Capote; Miriam; Mrs. Miller; personality theory

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1.Introduction1

1.1 Introduction to Truman Capote.1

1.2 Introduction to Miriam2

2.Literature Review.3

3. The Theoretical Framework.6

3.1 Introduction to Sigmund Freud.6

3.2 Introduction to Freudian tripartite personality theory.7

4.The Psychoanalysis on Miriam Based on Freud's Theory of Personality .8

4.1 The development course of id of Mrs. Miller8

4.1.1 The germination of id of Mrs. Miller—Miriam’s appearance8

4.1.2 The arousal of id of Mrs. Miller—Miriam’s first-time visit.9

4.1.3 The outburst of id of Mrs. Miller—Miriam’s second-time visit11

4.2 The ego and superego of Mrs. Miller with social restrictions.13

5. Conclusion13

References15