An Analysis of Balram in The White Tiger from the Perspective of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Abstract

The White Tiger is a major work by Indian writer Aravind Adiga. This novel mainly tells the story of the son of a poor rickshaw who becomes a famous entrepreneur in India later. Balram goes through many hardships growing up, first dropping out of school to become a tea shop buddy, and then becoming a driver for an upper-class family, where he is belittled and insulted. But Balram doesn’t succumb to his desperation, he rises up and gradually learns to be cold and rational. Eventually, Balram kills Mr. Ashok, fighting his way through the blood. Balram’s growth is driven by different levels of needs. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, physiological needs, safety needs, needs for belonging and love, respect needs, and self-actualization needs are the driving forces for people’s behavior. This paper will use Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory to analyze the needs of Balram, and try to explain the reasons behind his transformation.