Self-Actualization Tendencies in Interpersonal Relationships in Philip Roth’s The Professor of Desire

ABSTRACT

Actualization of the self is observed as the paramount detriment for maintaining healthy and long-lasting relationships. The current article is focused on analyzing the self-actualizing tendencies in the protagonists Herbie Brataskky and David Kapesh in Philip Roth’s novel The Professor of Desire. In our current era married relationships are at stake. The divorce rate is increasing day by day and so many people are experiencing trauma. This article is an attempt to locate the solution of such deteriorating relationships through fictional characters. A good relationship between husband and wife is the source for the growth of every civilization. It also helps the people to remain happy and healthy. Through the analysis of the novel, The Professor of Desire, it has been observed that when the protagonist tends to move toward self-actualization, he is able to establish a good and healthy relationship with his partner at the end of the novel by learning self-actualizing techniques.

摘要

自我的实现通常被认为会损害健康持久的人际关系。本文集中于分析《欲望教授》中两位主角的自我实现倾向。目前离婚率高涨，人们对婚姻逐渐失望。本文尝试通过这些小说人物，发现解决此种境况的出路。夫妻的健康关系是每种文明成长的源泉所在。本文通过分析发现，当小说人物学会了自我实现技巧时，就能保持健康的夫妻关系。

KEYWORDS:

• Self-actualization
• marriage
• interpersonal
• relationship
• self-realization

KEYWORDS:

• 关键词 自我实现
• 已婚
• 人际关系

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.