Maddie Clark

Mrs. Henry
ELA/Reading 1/5
21 November 2016
Psychological Criticism Paper
Psychology is the prodigious science of the mind, behavior, and comprehending how humans
function. In psychological criticism there are multiple theories that classify characters.
Psychological theories help people to understand a character's motives and actions. These
theories show important information to understanding how the character thinks. Maslows
Theory of Human Needs best analyzes Johnnys motives and behavior over time in S.E. Hinton's,
The Outsiders.
In Maslows Hierarchy of needs belongingness and love needs are in the middle of the
pyramid. In The Outsiders, Hinton displays Johnny as a young boy struggling with feeling as
though he does not belong. His father was always beating him up, and his mother ignored him,
except when she was hacked off at something then you could hear her yelling at him clear down
at our house(12). Johnnys belongingness and love at home plays a role into his behavior and
motives as stated by the theory of Maslows Hierarchy of Needs. However, Johnny is acceptance
by his friends. On Maslows Hierarchy of Needs, intimate relationships and friends are
examples of belonging and love needs. Even though Johnny did not have a great relationship
with his family, he did have one with the gang. He would have ran away a million times if we
hadnt been there. If it hadnt been for the gang, Johnny would never know what love and
affection are(12). Johnnys friends allow him to feel as though he belongs and makes him feel

loved. Due to the rest of the gang Johnny, surpasses belongingness and love needs on Maslows
Hierarchy of needs.
In Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, esteem s is above belonging and love needs.
Throughout the rest of the story, Johnny struggles with self esteem. I cant take much more.
Johnny spoke my own feelings. I'll kill myself or something(47). Johnny does not have much
satisfaction in his life. Because of the negative viewpoints in his life, his motives change. He
speaks of how much he considers running away or killing himself, which displays he has not
reached self esteem. Later in the story this changes. Esteem needs allow you to feel self-worth,
importance and pride. After the heroic act that puts Johnny in the hospital, he starts to see the
value of life. I used to talk about killing myself He drew in a quivering breath. I dont want
to die now. I aint long enough. Sixteen years aint long enough I aint done yet and so many
things I aint seen(121). Johnny states he no longer wants to die. His statement shows he's
gained self-worth and importance over time. Maslows Theory of Hierarchy of Needs explains
Johnnys motives and behavior.
Maslows Theory of Human Needs analyzes Johnnys motives and behavior over time in
The Outsiders. On Maslows Hierarchy of Needs, belongingness and love needs is in the middle
of the pyramid. It is identified by the characters intimate relationships and friends. Above it is
esteem needs, which allow you to feel self-worth, importance and pride. In life, one's past
experiences, should not hinder their life going forward. Through The Outsiders Johnny goes
from struggling with belongingness to exceeding esteem needs, despite his tough past.

Works CIted
Gillespie, Tim. Doing Literary Criticism: Helping Students Engage with Challenging Texts.
Portland, ME.: Stenhouse, 2010.
Hinton, S. E. The Outsiders. New York, Speak, 2006.