Self-actualization in William Somerset Maugham's "The Razor's Edge" and "Of Human Bondage"

Table of Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Chapter One: The Intersection of the Theory of the Third Force Psychology and Literature

Chapter Two: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and its Application to Maugham’s The Razor’s Edge and Of Human Bondage

Chapter Three: The Characteristics of Self-actualized People in Maugham’s Two Novels: The Razor’s Edge and Of Human Bondage

Conclusion

Works Cited

Research Objectives and Key Topics

This thesis explores the intersection of humanistic psychology and literature by examining two novels by William Somerset Maugham, The Razor’s Edge and Of Human Bondage, through the lens of Abraham Maslow’s motivational theory. The central research aim is to analyze how the protagonists of these novels transition through Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to achieve self-actualization, demonstrating the strong, interdependent relationship between literary character development and psychological principles.

• The application of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to fictional characters.
• The conceptualization of Third Force Psychology and its focus on human potential.
• An analysis of self-actualization as the ultimate goal of human motivation.
• The thematic connection between Maugham’s literary works and psychological concerns.
• The identification of specific characteristics that distinguish self-actualized individuals.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

Chapter One: The Intersection of the Theory of the Third Force Psychology and Literature: This chapter introduces Maslow's humanistic theory and the foundational connection between psychological motivations and literary analysis.

Chapter Two: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and its Application to Maugham’s The Razor’s Edge and Of Human Bondage: This chapter applies Maslow’s hierarchy to the protagonists of the two novels, tracing their progress from basic physiological needs toward self-actualization.

Chapter Three: The Characteristics of Self-actualized People in Maugham’s Two Novels: The Razor’s Edge and Of Human Bondage: This chapter identifies and analyzes the traits of self-actualized individuals, such as spontaneity and problem-centering, as they manifest in the characters.

Keywords

Maslow, Third Force Psychology, Humanistic Psychology, self-actualization, William Somerset Maugham, The Razor’s Edge, Of Human Bondage, hierarchy of needs, motivation, personality, literature, psychology, peak-experiences, self-esteem, character analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this thesis?

The thesis examines William Somerset Maugham’s novels The Razor’s Edge and Of Human Bondage using Abraham Maslow’s theory of human motivation, specifically focusing on the concept of self-actualization.

What are the central themes discussed in the work?

Key themes include the relationship between literature and psychology, the influence of childhood and life experiences on character development, and the human drive toward growth and fulfillment.

What is the ultimate goal of the protagonists in the studied novels?

The primary goal is to reach self-actualization, which involves using one's full potentialities to become the best version of oneself, transcending basic deficiency needs.

Which scientific method is utilized in this study?

The study employs a literary-psychological approach, analyzing the characters' motivations and behaviors through the framework of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

What does the main body of the work cover?

The main body is divided into three chapters: the theoretical intersection of Third Force Psychology and literature, the application of Maslow’s hierarchy to the two selected novels, and an analysis of the characteristics of self-actualized individuals within those texts.

Which keywords best characterize this research?

The work is characterized by terms such as Maslow, self-actualization, humanistic psychology, motivation, character analysis, and the psychological interplay between literature and the human psyche.

How does the author explain the relationship between physiological needs and higher aspirations?

The author argues, following Maslow, that humans must satisfy basic physiological and safety needs before they can effectively focus on higher-level needs like self-actualization.

How is the concept of "detachment" portrayed in the novels?

Detachment is portrayed as a positive quality of self-actualized individuals, where they seek privacy and solitude to foster introspection, reflection, and spiritual growth rather than experiencing it as loneliness.