Hierarchy of Needs Reflected on the Main Character in Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie

Abstract

It is believed that every living being has desires to fulfill human needs. A source of strength is particularly mandatory to affect the accomplishment of a goal. This thesis examines the human needs and depiction of self-actualization characteristics in the main character of Tuesdays with Morrie, a novel written by Mitch Albom, using theory of hierarchy of needs. Through qualitative method, this study investigates five levels of human needs found in the main character and the exposition of his characteristics as a self-actualized person through text and context. The purposes of this thesis is to identify the different levels of hierarchy of needs reflected on the main character of Tuesdays with Morrie and to reveal the selfactualization characteristics. The result shows the completion of human needs in the main character chosen are satisfied meticulously and the discovery of achievement in self-actualization characteristics such as: acceptance, resistance to enculturation, unusual sense of humor, deep appreciation, and concern for the welfare of humanity. This concludes the motivation which grows within results the fulfilments of five levels of human needs and the characteristics adapted after being a self-actualized person.