واکاوی شخصیت‌های‌ مجموعه داستان‌ «النمور فی الیوم العاشر» بر اساس نظریه سلسله‌مراتب نیازهای مازلو

Introduction: Psychology encompasses numerous branches and theoretical perspectives, among which the behavioral approach holds significant importance. This perspective, largely influenced by figures such as B.F. Skinner and John B. Watson, emphasizes observable behaviors and external stimuli. However, in response to the limitations and criticisms of this approach, particularly its neglect of internal psychological states, alternative theories emerged. One such influential alternative was the humanistic psychological approach, developed by Abraham Maslow. Maslow, in contrast to behaviorism and psychoanalysis, proposed a more holistic view of human motivation and well-being. His hierarchy of needs theory posits that human instincts and desires are organized into five distinct levels, progressing from basic physiological needs to the pinnacle of self-actualization. This hierarchical model suggests that individuals must satisfy lower-level needs before advancing to higher levels of psychological and personal fulfillment. Zakaria Tamer, a renowned Syrian writer, employs literary techniques to examine the socio-cultural realities of the Arab world. His short story collection, The Tigers on the Tenth Day, presents a compelling critique of social structures and psychological struggles through symbolic and allegorical narratives. Given the thematic richness of his work, this study aims to analyze the characters in Tamer's collection through the lens of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, exploring how their behaviors, struggles, and aspirations align with the different levels of human motivation. By applying Maslow’s framework, the study seeks to offer deeper insights into the socio-psychological dimensions of Tamer’s literary world.

Methodology: This research adopts a qualitative literary analysis approach, utilizing Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a theoretical framework to examine the psychological dimensions of characters in The Tigers on the Tenth Day. The study involves a close reading of selected short stories, identifying key themes and character developments that correspond to Maslow’s five levels of human needs: physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. This research is conducted based on a descriptive-analytical method. The methodology consists of three main stages. First, relevant stories from the collection were identified based on their exploration of human needs and social conditions. Second, characters were categorized according to the level of Maslow’s hierarchy they most prominently inhabit. Particular attention was given to their motivations, actions, and interactions within their social environment. Third, a comparative analysis was conducted to understand the broader implications of these psychological conditions in relation to the societal themes Tamer critiques. To ensure rigor, this study engaged with interdisciplinary sources, incorporating psychological literature on Maslow’s theory as well as critical studies on Zakaria Tamer’s literary contributions. By synthesizing insights from psychology and literary criticism, this analysis seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of how Tamer’s characters reflect the broader struggles of individuals within their socio-cultural context.

Results and Discussion: The findings of the study indicate that the majority of characters in The Tigers on the Tenth Day are positioned within the lower three levels of Maslow’s hierarchy: physiological needs, safety needs, and social belonging. Most of the characters that Tamer portrays within society are shown to be preoccupied with satisfying these three fundamental levels. In contrast, those who have reached or strive to attain the higher stages—namely, esteem and self-actualization—lack an appropriate place within the social structure depicted in the stories. Through his narrative vision, Tamer presents an atmosphere where social tensions and conflicts are vividly manifested, yet little effort is made to confront or resolve them. This narrative environment reflects a society caught in a cycle of stagnation, where individual aspirations are constrained by collective inertia and systemic barriers. These characters grapple with fundamental survival issues, such as hunger, poverty, and fear, which hinder their ability to achieve higher psychological fulfillment. Tamer vividly portrays individuals who are deprived of security—whether in the form of political stability, personal safety, or financial security—resulting in a pervasive sense of oppression and vulnerability. Moreover, the analysis reveals that characters who do attain higher levels, particularly self-esteem and self-actualization, often face alienation and conflict within their societal environment. Their intellectual pursuits, creative expressions, or self-awareness place them at odds with societal norms, leading to marginalization rather than fulfillment. This tension underscores the difficulty of self-actualization within oppressive socio-political conditions, a recurring theme in Tamer’s critique of authoritarianism and social injustice. Tamer’s strategic use of allegory and symbolism further amplifies these psychological struggles. Through metaphorical depictions, such as the recurring imagery of captivity and predation, the stories illustrate the systemic constraints that prevent individuals from ascending Maslow’s hierarchy. The motif of tigers, for example, symbolizes both the oppressed and the oppressors, reflecting the cyclical nature of power and subjugation. Additionally, the study highlights that while Maslow’s hierarchy suggests a linear progression of human needs, Tamer’s portrayal of his characters challenges this notion. Many individuals in his stories remain trapped in a perpetual struggle for basic needs, unable to progress due to external socio-political constraints. This suggests that hierarchical mobility is not merely a matter of personal effort but is significantly influenced by structural conditions. In conclusion, Zakaria Tamer employs Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a conceptual framework, whether consciously or unconsciously, to construct a narrative space where social conflicts and human struggles are brought to the forefront. His characters’ inability to transcend lower levels of needs serves as a critique of systemic oppression, emphasizing how societal structures dictate individual psychological experiences. By intertwining psychological theory with literary storytelling, The Tigers on the Tenth Day offers a profound exploration of human suffering and resilience, making it a valuable subject of analysis in both literary and psychological studies. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that Maslow’s theory provides a compelling lens through which to interpret the socio-psychological dimensions of Tamer’s work, reinforcing the intricate connection between literature and human psychology.