Hunkele 1!

Lauren Hunkele
AP Psychology
Mrs. Amy LaMarre
17 December 2014
Psychoanalysis and Hans
Psychoanalytic theory states that personality is shaped by major experiences from early
childhood (Boteler and Cotting, 6). It also states that the mind is formed by three main parts: the
Id, the Ego, and the Superego. The Id wants instant gratification of that persons basic needs and
wants, such as food, water, and sex. The Superego provides the moral compass that people call a
conscience. It is constantly battling the Id to find a balance between what a person wants and
what that person knows is right. The Ego is in touch with reality and acts as a mediator between
the two parts to find the solution most appropriate for the situation (Psychoanalytic Theory).
Hanss behavior can easily be explained using psychoanalysis.
Hans is the last of thirteen boys in his family. Based on the principle of primogeniture,
since he is a prince, the oldest son would get to take the throne upon the death of their father.
Hans would only become King if all twelve of his older brothers died or left the kingdom for
good. His Id probably had an irresistible urge to be in power that was left dissatisfied his whole
life because he had twelve older brothers pushing him around, so he decided that he had to leave
the kingdom and find a way to become King somewhere else. His laser focus on his goal to
become King made the desires of his Id overshadow the moral desires of his Superego, hence
eliminating any empathy he could have felt for Anna or Elsa. In his mind, they were merely
obstacles he had to overcome.

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Hans also suffered an experience in his childhood that was likely more traumatic for him
than he let on while talking to Anna: two of his older brothers pretended he was invisible for
three years. This experience likely made him feel unwanted and alone. He desired to be adored
and respected by many people. Since Anna and Elsa stood in his way of becoming King and
reaching that status, he disregarded their feelings; however, he valued the opinions of the other
citizens of Arandelle, so he helped them and lead them as much as he could because he wanted
them to love him and hold him in high esteem. Hans also likely used the defense mechanism of
projection because he put his hatred towards his brothers for ignoring them all those years on
Anna and made her feel foolish, humiliated, and unwanted just like he did (McLeod).

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Works Cited
Boteler, Mary E., and Donna J. Cotting. "Ways to View Behavior." Psychology. N.p.: Center for
Learning, 1998. 6. Print.
McLeod, Saul. "Defense Mechanisms." Defense Mechanisms | Simply Psychology. Simply
Psychology, 2008. Web. 17 Dec. 2014.
"Psychoanalytic Theory." Khan Academy. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Dec. 2014.