Growth and Self-Actualization----A Study of O Pioneers from the Perspective of Maslow’s Need Hierarchy Theory_英语论文

摘要

薇拉·凯瑟(1873-1947) 是美国现代著名女作家之一。 她是美国文学史上第一位潜心描写美国中西部拓荒精神的女作家。近十年来，一些研究主要是从女性主义角度来探讨成长主题，但是都没有再进一步去进行社会实践意义方面的思考。本文对《啊，拓荒者》中成长、自我实现主题的研究则另辟蹊径，采用马斯洛的需要层次理论来进行集中分析和探讨亚历山德拉的不同层次的需要满足和成长。马斯洛理论认为，人的成长和五个层次的需要满足是并行的、互相影响的，其中自我实现理论对人的成长和追求人生的终极意义具有很现实的启发意义。

关键词：成长; 自我实现;《啊，拓荒者》; 马斯洛需要层次理论 

Contents

1. Introduction to Willa Cather and O Pioneers 1

2. Literature Review 2

2.1 Research on O Pioneers at Home and Abroad 2

2.2 Humanistic Psychology and Maslow’s Theory 4

3. Alexandra’s Growth and Self-Actualization in O Pioneers 5

3.1 Alexandra’s Growth 5

3.1.1 Physiological Need in the Process of Growth 6

3.1.2 Safety Need in the Process of Growth 7

3.1.3 Need for Love and Belonging in the Process of Growth 9

3.1.4 Need for Esteem in the Process of Growth 10

3.2 Alexandra’s Self-Actualization 11

3.2.1 The Manifestation of Alexandra’s Self-actualization 11

3.2.2 Alexandra’s Self-actualization in Contrast with Frank’s Predicament of Self- actualization 13

4. Factors Driving Alexandra’s Growth and Self-actualization 14

4.1 Factors Driving Alexandra’s Growth 14

4.1.1 Inner Need 14

4.1.2 Outer Stimulation 15

4.2 Factors Driving Alexandra’s Self-actualization 16

5. Conclusion 18

References 20