Paige Rigdon

Rigdon 1

Ms. Henry
ELA/Reading 1/5
12 December 2016
The Outsiders Psychological Criticism Essay
Almost everyones goal in life is to be successful and to achieve their full potential. One
theory of psychological criticism uses Maslows Hierarchy of Needs. First, the psychological
needs must be met. Then safety, belongingness, and esteem needs. Lastly, self-actualization will
eventually develop. Maslows Hierarchy is presented in a pyramid. In the novel The Outsiders by
S.E. Hinton, the character Johnny Cades psychological needs were best analyzed through
Maslows Hierarchy.
At first, Johnny showed signs of being toward the bottom of Maslows Hierarchy. His
parents were always drinking or smoking. They did not care about him. His father was always
beating him up, and his mother ignored him, except when she was hacked off at something
(12). Johnnys parents acted as if he did not exist, as if he was not a person. All Johnny wanted
was for them to care about him. Furthermore, Johnny might not have had a strong relationship
with his parents, but he definitely got his relationship needs from the gang. Johnny wished he
could leave or run away, but he stayed because the gang loved him. He would have run away a
million times if we hadnt been there. If it hadnt been for the gang, Johnny would never have
known what love and affection are (12). The gang took Johnny in and loved him as if he were
family. In brief, Johnny did not have the traditional family relationship, but he had the gang.
Still, Johnny did not move up from the bottom of Maslows Hierarchy. Johnnys mother
was always bothering him. She never cared enough to talk or spend time with him. While Johnny

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was in the hospital, his mother tried to visit him. Johnny refused to see her. A nurse appeared in
the doorway. Johnny, she said quietly, your mothers here to see you. Johnny opened his eyes.
At first they were wide with surprise, then they darkened Shes probably coming to tell me
about all the trouble Im causing her and about how glad her and the old manll be when Im
dead For once just to leave me alone (122). Johnny finally stood up for himself. He found
the courage to speak up and share his feelings. Johnny did not meet his esteem needs until the
end of the story. He was proud of himself for risking his own life to save Ponyboy and the kids.
Johnny felt as if the childrens lives were more important than his own. Theyre still writing
editorials about you in the paper. For being a hero and all were all proud of you, buddy.
Johnnys eyes glowed. Dally was proud of him. That was all Johnny had ever wanted (148).
Johnny Cade died a hero. He finally made it near the top of Maslows Hierarchy. He did not want
to die, but at least he had died in heroic actions. Therefore, Johnny had become more brave and
outgoing because of everything he had been through.
In the novel The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, the character Johnnys psychological needs are best
analyzed through Maslows Hierarchy of Needs. Johnnys parents did not love him, therefore, he
was brave and emotionally strong. Johnny Cade died a hero, he died saving young children from
a burning church. Johnny did not want to die in the end, but he felt the children's lives were more
important than his. Johnny lived a short life and was rarely shown affection, but he died as a
strong, friendly hero. In conclusion, The Outsiders proves that belongingness doesnt control
your life.

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Works Cited
Hinton, S. E. The Outsiders. New York: Viking, 1967. Print.