The Outsiders “Psychology is the endlessly fascinating science of the human mind and behavior” (Gillespie 1). Psychological criticism is used to improve knowledge of literature by analyzing the behaviors and motivations of dynamic characters through several theories. Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs is one of many theories. This concept has five stages: physiological needs, security needs, belonging and love needs, esteem and self-realization needs. The steps are arranged in a triangle, with the basic needs at the bottom. Maslow wanted to understand what motivates people and their actions, and this can be seen through his pyramid. First, people are motivated to meet their basic survival needs, including food and water. Once these are satisfied, they are motivated by the next step, such as the needs for self-esteem or belonging. Finally, when all their needs are met, they will be able to move on to the stage of personal development. In SE Hinton's The Outsiders, Johnny Cade's motivations and actions, over time, can be classified according to the different stages of Maslow's theory. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay The needs for security and love are closely intertwined for Johnny. First, it met its security needs. “His father always beat him and his mother ignored him… He would have run away a million times if we hadn't been there.” Even though he didn't feel safe at home, he felt safe within the gang. Additionally, his needs for love and belonging were met as well as his physical needs. “Without the gang, Johnny would never have known what love and affection were” (14). The other greasers gave him a sense of belonging, especially given his difficult life at home. They loved him and took care of him even though his parents didn't. This also caused his timid and timid actions at the time, as he struggled for his safety, love, and belonging at home. He was motivated to achieve a sense of belonging or security, and once he got there, his motivations affected his subsequent actions. As Johnny began to move beyond basic needs, he eventually reached the stages of self-esteem and self-actualization needs. After saving the children from the burning church, he was praised and respected. “Their lives are worth more than mine, they have more reasons to live. Some of their parents came to thank me and I knew it was worth it.” He knew that putting his life on the line for them was the right choice to make, and he was happy with it. He had earned the respect of others, even though he was a greaser. After satisfying his esteem needs, he reached the stage of self-realization before death. He told Pony, "Stay golden, Ponyboy." Stay golden…”. He accomplished his life and knew that dying was worth it to save the children. He also realized the meaning of the poem and its connection to his and Pony's lives. “You are gold when you are a child, like green. When you're a child, everything is new, at dawn. It’s just when you get used to everything that it’s the day.” He wanted to tell Ponyboy to stay young and innocent and not make bad choices in life. Johnny completed all the stages because once he had his physical needs met, he moved on to meeting his emotional and psychological needs. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get personalized paper now from our.