First Name:
Allison
Last Name:
Tresslar
Major Department:
Psychology
Thesis Director:
Craig Fischer
Date of Thesis:
May 2014
The American Psychological Association defines the humanistic perspective as "a psychological model that emphasizes an individual's phenomenal world and inherent capacity for making rational choices and developing maximum potential." For this paper, I will examine merited works of literature through a humanistic lens. Some ideas I'll be addressing are humanism as an intertwined theory with psychoanalysis and behaviorism, rather than an opposing view (the three can and do coexist so it is important to consider the other two theories in analysis in order to sufficiently highlight similarities and differences), as well as the merits of aesthetically pleasing conclusions (happy endings) and how that ties in to the humanistic notion that humans are ultimately striving for self-actualization. I will read The Scarlet Letter and To Kill a Mockingbird and conduct a thorough analysis of each, including the author's intent, the characters's motives, and the audience's reaction, through a humanistic lens.