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Mrs. Henry
ELA/Reading 2/5
12 December 2016
The Outsiders Essay
Everyone possesses the potential to develop into the best version of themself. Though,
peoples pinnacles of potential may vary depending on their specific circumstances. Abraham
Maslows Hierarchy of Needs scale measures the steps one takes towards achieving the point of
self-actualization, which can be attained once one sufficiently meets all of their basic and
psychological needs. Many people must also broaden their viewpoint of society in order to
advance up Maslows scale. As The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton progresses, few characters reach
their full potential. Johnny Cade travels through the tires of Maslows Hierarchy of Needs until
he achieves his full potential and self-fulfillment of needs by changing his perspective of the
world around him.
In order for one to reach self-actualization, they must first establish security and personal
relationships. From the beginning, Johnny grows up in an environment deprived of basic safety
needs; being raised in a negative setting influences his outward opinion of life. Johnny had it
awful rough at home- it took a lot to make him cry He was the gangs pet, everyones kid
brother. His father was always beating him up, and his mother ignored him, except when she was
hacked off at something, and then you could hear her yelling at him clear down at our house
(7,14). Without being raised in a welcoming, forgiving household, Johnny cannot learn to feel at
ease with life and ultimately advance on Maslows scale. Johnny fails to view the world
positively. Although, one may create connections and bonds with others to improve themself.

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Johnnys family gives him no necessities, but his fellow gang members stay with him through
hard times to fill the gaps from his deprivation, which helps him view life in a different way. If
it hadnt been for the gang, Johnny would never have known what love and affection are (14).
Even though Johnnys parents hold flaws, the gang plays a large role in helping him to develop
feelings of self-worth. Once one obtains their safety and belongingness needs, they can continue
on their path to self-actualization.
In reaching the pinnacle of fulfillment, one must feel accomplished and express themself
confidently. As Johnny saves the children from the fire, he possess fearlessness. Johnny knows
he accomplishes a heroic task for the greater good of society; Johnny realizes life is greater than
his hardships. I caught one quick look at his face; it was red-marked from falling embers and
sweat-streaked, but he wasnt scared either. That was the only time I can think of when I saw him
without that defeated, suspicious look in his eyes. He looked like he was having the time of his
life (82). By improving society, Johnny possesses feelings of importance and pride while
traveling up Maslows scale. He can see the purpose and rewards for living as he assists and
affects others. Self-actualization occurs after one builds a good, strong self-esteem. Content with
dying, Johnny lives his life to the fullest potential; he reaches self-actualization. Johnny
continues to expand his perspective of the world, and he comes to terms with reality while
improving society. Listen, I dont mind dying now. Its worth saving those kids, Their lives are
worth more than mine, they have more to live for. Some of their parents came by to thank me
and I know it was worth it (154). Once Johnny reaches his pinnacle of fulfillment, he puts
others before himself, and he stays content with life. But, Johnny works towards reaching his full

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potential in order to fully appreciate life. One achieves self-actualization after they sufficiently
meet all other needs.
As Johnny Cade changes his perspectives of the world throughout The Outsiders, he climbs
up through the levels of Maslows Hierarchy of needs spectrum until he reaches his pinnacle of
fulfillment. One needs to possess basic needs of safety and belongingness before they can
advance on Maslows scale. But, one must also learn to love and express themself confidently,
leading to feelings of accomplishment. Finally, ones perspective must expand to include,
consider, and accept all. Everyone holds the potential to grow into the best version of themself; it
all starts with ones view of the world.

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Works Cited
Hinton, S.E. The Outsiders. Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc, 1967.
Gillespie, Tim. Doing Literary Criticism: Helping Students Engage with Challenging Texts.
Portland, ME.: Stenhouse, 2010. Accessed 12 December 2016.