Essay Sample on Arnold Spirit Jr.'s Journey Through Maslow's Hierarchy

Introduction

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a theory that endeavours to explain the trend of human development. The model assumes a pyramidal shape with the need to self-actualize being at the apex and the most basic needs being the lower broader base. The popular novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, explores the development of, Arnold Spirit Jr, the protagonist character, based on the author's experience of growing up on a reserved area named Wellpinit in India. Indeed, despite the many challenges that plague Arnold, his developments in the novel reflect a character who has reshaped his identity through the hope he possesses and the risks he takes in pursuing that hope. Therefore, the hardships fate makes him reach the level of self-actualization, as explained in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

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The first layer of the model is the need to meet psychological needs. They are inherent, and they include water, food, rest, sleep, sex, and air. Indeed, Arnold met these needs despite enduring some challenges. For instance, his family was extremely poor, but despite the encounters, he survived through to the end. Again, the majority of these needs are provided freely by nature, including air, rest, water, and sleep. Thus, concerning psychological needs, Arnold was sufficiently satisfied.

The need to be secure and safe is the second layer in the pyramid. Rowdy promised Arnold that he would protect him from any bully. This is exemplified when Rowdy beat the drunkards that had earlier on beat him up. Also, there is an instance when he punched Roger, and this earned him Roger's respect.

Love and a sense of belonging is the third element in the hierarchy of needs. On his first day in the school, Arnold met with her future girlfriend, Penelope. They cherish each other and remain to be lovers. Besides, Mr P shows a lot of love and compassion towards Arnold when he gets him out of the reservation despite earlier on having differences.

Sufficient satisfaction of the first three needs paves the way for the fourth need, which is esteem. Arnold gained esteem when he included in the team that ends up leading Reardan to a famed and decisive victory. Importantly, he gains recognition and respect from the society when he joins a school in an all-white town located 22 miles away from home.

The fifth and last level in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is self-actualization. A person is motivated by the need to grow and achieve his or her full potential. Arnold triumphs all the challenges he faces and consequently, he fulfils his optimum potential. As evidenced in the novel, Arnold is a problem-centred person; for instance, any problem that he encounters, he always finds a way of solving it. Moreover, he is a non-conformist and is not convinced by the ideology that the end justifies the means.

Conclusion

To wrap up, through handwork, courage, and hope, Arnold reaches the level of self-actualization as is explained in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. As noted, he meets his psychological needs, he is secure, and he experiences love and sense of belonging. Moreover, he has esteem since he is reputed and respected by society members. Indeed, Arnold serves as an outright example of a person who has reached the level of self-actualization as exemplified by Abraham Maslow.