Application of Maslow’s Self-esteem Need in the Literary Context: A Case Study of the Characters of The Kite Runner

Abstract

This paper aims to reflect upon the characters of Khaled Hosseini’s novel The Kite Runner in the light of Abraham Maslow’s Theory of Hierarchy of Needs. In this paper, Maslow’s understanding of the selfesteem need has been applied to bring out the psychological underpinnings of the characters to form a clearer understanding of the motivations for their actions. It attempts to demonstrate how these different characters define themselves concerning themselves and others and up to what extent they approve of Maslow’s understanding of self-esteem need in the given context. The paper, therefore, in particular, explores Amir’s identity crisesto comprehend what happens when the central character is torn between who he is and what others want him to be. It also commentsin greater detail and depth on the situations that extenuate the characters to either fall below a certain threshold or rise above it.