Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a theory in psychology that was introduced by Abraham Maslow in his 1943 paper A Theory of Human Motivation. I first came across his theory in Health class during my sophomore year and was inspired to bring it up again to connect to The Odyssey. His ideas are presented in the form of a pyramid in which the most basic needs are represented at the bottom and the higher-priority the needs are, the closer to the top they are. What sets The Odyssey apart from other books is that it addresses all of the different needs at certain points. This chart can be used to explain why Odysseus relies on a series of hosts in order to reach his goal of returning home, why he and his crew fall for the many temptations, and why the theme of hosts has been repeated. Odysseus starts off at the bottom of the pyramid with his journey: fulfilling his physiological needs in order to survive by attending a number of feasts. He then works on making himself and his crew feel safe and secure by providing a place to stay for the night or other accommodations. As time goes on, the pyramid of needs continues to be ascended, up to a point where the host feels that the guest can continue on with their journey and chase their dreams. It would make sense that this hierarchy comes into play throughout the epic. Heroes in Greek culture are highly looked up to for guidance as they exemplify success, which is why a host wants to be the one to cultivate that hidden hero that arrives at their doorstep one day in need of assistance: in order to be placed in a position of honor along with them. For more information about the pyramid, click here.
Why might most basic needs be at the very bottom of the pyramid?
While Maslow's Hierarchy might apply to Odysseus' journey, it does not explain Odysseus' and the crew's actions. The basic needs are necessary to be fulfilled because Odysseus and his crew are mortals. They have to fulfill their biological needs. The other needs in Maslow's hierarchy are not necessary for The Odyssey to be told and in fact, The Odyssey is an epic describing Odysseus' changes in fortune, not describing his rise to success. It is a good connection but I believe it has little to do with the core of The Odyssey.
ReplyDeleteMicheal. Great connection. I completely agree that Odysseus starts out on the bottom of the triangle, but not as the poem progresses. He starts at the bottom every time he comes upon a new host. Its like he starts all over again and so far, I dont think he has made it to the top yet, but maybe later on in the poem he will. But great connection to the text. And to answer your question, the basic needs are at the bottom because thats where you need to start to reach the top.
ReplyDeleteBecause in order for the achievements above to be accomplished, one needs to accomplish the simplest of lives requirements, such as breathing and nourishing one’s self. Like in The Odyssey, Odysseus is always concerned about the provisions he has to feed and water himself and his men before he worries about anything else. Like in the Giant’s cave, Odysseus says that they should eat some of the food, but not all of it so they don’t anger the Cyclops. Odysseus worries about the now and then will deal with the later when it comes. He pleaded to the Cyclops, but to no avail. Also, when his crew slaughter the Son God’s cattle, they care about feeding themselves, not about the wrath of the God that Odysseus warned them about.
ReplyDeleteIn order to survive you need the bottom of the pyramid which allows you the opportunity to achieve the upper level of Maslows hierarchy. You can not attain the most sophisticated levels of the pyramid without first meeting the basic needs every living things need to survive.
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