Needs of a Person Who Suffered from Autism As Portrayed in Winston Groom’S Forrest Gump

Home , Forrest Gump, Ordinary People, Winston Groom

NEEDS OF A PERSON WHO SUFFERED FROM AUTISM AS PORTRAYED IN WINSTON GROOM’S FORREST GUMP

A THESIS

BY:

TEGUH PERDANA DAMANIK

REG.NO. 140705010

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

FACULTY OF CULTURAL STUDIES

UNIVERSITY OF SUMATERA UTARA

MEDAN 2018

UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA NEEDS OF A PERSON WHO SUFFERED FROM AUTISM AS PORTRAYED IN WINSTON GROOM’S FORREST GUMP

A THESIS

BY TEGUH PERDANA DAMANIK REG. NO. 140705010

SUPERVISOR CO-SUPERVISOR

Drs. Parlindungan Purba, M.Hum. Riko Andika Rahmat Pohan, S.S., M.Hum. NIP. 19630216 198903 1 003 NIP. 19580517198503 1 003

Submitted to Faculty of Cultural Studies University of Sumatera Utara Medan i n partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Sarjana Sastra from Department of English.

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH FACULTY OF CULTURAL STUDIES UNIVERSITY OF SUMATERA UTARA MEDAN 2018

UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA Approved by the Department of English, Faculty of Cultural Studies, University of Sumatera Utara (USU) Medan as thesis for The Sarjana Sastra Examination.

Head Secretary

Prof. T. Silvana Sinar, M. A., Ph. D Rahmadsyah Rangkuti, M.A., Ph. D. NIP. 19540916 198003 2 003 NIP. 19750209 200812 1 002

UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA Accepted by the Board of Examiners in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Sarjana Sastra from the Department of English, Faculty of Cultural Studies University of Sumatera Utara, Medan.

The examination is held in Department of English Faculty of Cultural Studies University of Sumatera Utara on 15th August 2018

Dean of Faculty of Cultural Studies University of Sumatera Utara

Dr. Budi Agustono, M.S. NIP. 19600805 198703 1 001

Board of Examiners

Rahmadsyah Rangkuti, M.A., Ph.D.

Drs. Parlindungan Purba, M.Hum.

Dr. Siti Norma Nasution, M.Hum.

UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA AUTHOR’S DECLARATION

I, TEGUH PERDANA DAMANIK, DECLARE THAT I AM THE SOLE AUTHOR OF THIS THESIS EXCEPT WHERE REFERENCE IS MADE IN THE TEXT OF THIS THESIS. THIS THESIS CONTAINS NO MATERIAL PUBLISHED ELSEWHERE OR EXTRACTED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FROM A THESIS BY WHICH I HAVE QUALIFIED FOR OR AWARDED ANOTHER DEGREE. NO OTHER PERSON’S WORK HAS BEEN USED WITHOUT DUE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS IN THE MAIN TEXT OF THIS THESIS. THIS THESIS HAS NOT BEEN SUBMITTED FOR THE AWARD OF ANOTHER DEGREE IN ANY TERTIARY EDUCATION.

Signed: Date: August 15th, 2018

UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA COPYRIGHT DECLARATION

NAME : TEGUH PERDANA DAMANIK

TITLE OF THESIS : NEEDS OF A PERSON WHO SUFFERED FROM AUTISM AS PORTRAYED IN WINSTON GROOM’S FORREST GUMP

QUALIFICATION : S-1/SARJANA SASTRA

DEPARTMENT : ENGLISH

I AM WILLING THAT MY THESIS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR REPRODUCTION AT THE DISCRETION OF THE LIBRARIAN OF DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH, FACULTY OF CULTURAL STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF SUMATERA UTARA ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT USERS ARE MADE AWARE OF THEIR OBLIGATION UNDER THE LAW OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA.

Signed :

Date : August 15th, 2018

UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

First of all, I would like to thank Allah SWT, for His compassion and blessing that given to me to finish this thesis. Shalawat and Salam to the Prophet

Muhammad SAW, along with his family and his companions.

My special gratitude for my parents, for everything you have done and sacrificed for me. You don‟t know how much I love you. I wish someday I will be able to make you prouder and prouder.

I would like to express my biggest grattitude to my supervisor, Drs.

Parlindungan Purba, M.Hum and to my co-supervisor Riko Andika Rahmat Pohan,

S.S., M.Hum. for their kindness, knowledge, patience, motivation and great advices for me to write and finish this thesis. Without them, I was nothing. They helped me a lot in every single steps I took in writing this thesis. They are great lecturers.

My gratitude also goes to the Head and the Secretary of English Department,

Prof. Dra. T. Silavana Sinar, Dipl. TEFL, MA., Ph.D. and Rahmadsyah Rangkuti,

M.A., Ph.D. and all the lecturers and the staff of English Department for the facilities and opportunities given to me during my study in this faculty.

I also want to thank to “Summer Fling”, IMSI, and all my friends in FIB.

Last but not least is to Olivia Panggabean. I just want you guys to know that i love you all like a siblings. I know that we have been through and shares a lot of things together, I hope this friendships will last forever. See you on top,Jon.

vii

UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA Finally, may this thesis gives benefits for the readers and future researcher, may the grace, the bless and the love of Allah SWT always be with us forever, and may we always be in the protection of Allah SWT. Aamiin.

Medan, August 2018

Teguh Perdana Damanik Reg. No. 140705010

viii

UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA ABSTRACT

This thesis entitled Needs of a Person Who Suffered From Autism as Portrayed in Winston Groom’s Forrest Gump. This thesis contains a study of psychology literature and Hierarchy of needs. This thesis will show how Forrest has fulfilled every level of the hierarchy of needs so that he can attain the highest level of self-actualization. The aims of this thesis are (I) to find out how a person who suffered from autism fulfills his needs, (II) to find out what are the characteristics of a person who suffered from autism that support the achievement of self actualization needs. The writer used psychology of literature as the concept of theory. The writer also used Abraham Maslow‟s Hierarchy of Needs theory to help the writer in analyzing the problems. In completing the analysis, the writer use qualitative descriptive method. The writer collects the data from some sources included Forrest Gump Novel, journals, articles, movie adaptation, and book which related Hierarchy of Needs.

Keywords: Autistic, Self Actualization, Forrest Gump, Psychology of Literature

UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA ABSTRAK

Skripsi ini berjudul Kebutuhan kebutuhan dari seseorang yang menderita autis dalam novel Forrest Gump karya Winston Groom. Skripsi ini merupakan analisis psikologi sastra dan hierarki kebuthan. Tujuan dari skripsi ini adalah (i) untuk mengetahui bagaimana seorang yang menderita autis memenuhi kebutuhan kebuthannya, (ii) untuk mengetahui apa karakter dari seseorang yang menderita autis yang mendukung pencapaian atas kebutuhan aktualisasi diri. Penulis menggunakan psikologi sastra sebagai konsep teori. Penulis juga menggunakan teori Hierarki Kebuthan Abraham Maslow untuk membantu penulis dalam menganalisis permasalahannya. Untuk melengkapi proses analisis, penulis menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif. Penulis mengumpulkan data dari beberapa sumber seperti novel Forrest Gump, beberapa jurnal, artikel, adaptasi film, serta buku-buku yang berhubungan dengan Hirarki kebutuhan.

Kata kunci: Autis, Aktualisasi diri, Forrest Gump, Psikologi Sastra

UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA TABLE OF CONTENTS

AUTHOR’S DECLARATION…………………………………………………. v

ACKNOWLEDGMENT………………………………………………………... vii

ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………... ix

ABSTRAK……………………………………………………………………….. x

TABLE OF CONTENTS……………………………………………………….. xi

LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES………………………………………… xiv

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study ...... 1

1.2 Problem of the study ...... 5

1.3 Objective of the study ...... 5

1.4 Scope of the study ...... 5

1.5 Significance of the study ...... 6

CHAPTER II REVIEW OF LITERATURE

2.1 Psychology of Literature ...... 7

2.2 Humanistic Approach...... 8

2.3 Hierarchy of Needs ...... 9

2.4 Self Actualization ...... 12

2.5 Pervasive Developmental Disorder ...... 14

2.5.1 Autistic Disorder ...... 14

2.5.2 Diagnostic Criteria for Autistic Disorder ...... 15

UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA 2.6 Previous Study……………………………………….17

CHAPTER III METHOD OF RESEARCH

3.1 Research design ...... 19

3.2 Data & Data Source ...... 19

3.3 Data collecting procedure ...... 20

3.4 Data analyzing procedure ...... 20

CHAPTER IV ANALYSIS AND FINDING

4.1 Needs of Forrest Gump ...... 22

4.1.1 Forrest Gump Biological and Psychological Needs..... 22

4.1.2 Forrest Gump Safety Needs ...... 25

4.1.3 Forrest Gump Love and Belongingness Needs ...... 27

4.1.4 Forrest Gump Esteem Needs ...... 29

4.1.5 Forrest Gump Self Actualization Needs ...... 30

4.2 The characteristics of Forrest Gump that support the

The achievement of his self-actualization……………31

4.2.1 Forrest Gump Acceptance ...... 32

4.2.2 Forrest Gump Problem-centering ...... 33

4.2.3 Forrest Gump Spontaneity ...... 34

4.2.4 Forrest Gump Continued Freshness

of Appreciation...... 35

4.2.5 Forrest Gump Peak Experiences ...... 36

4.3 Findings ...... 38

xii

UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA CHAPTER V CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION

5.1 Conclusion ...... 39

5.2 Suggestion ...... 40

REFERENCE ...... 41

APPENDICES

i. Summary of Forrest Gump novel

ii. About the author of Forrest Gump novel

xiii

UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES

Figure

Figure 2.2.1 Abraham Maslow‟s Hierarchy of Needs ...... 10

xiv

UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Literary work is the result oft the imaginative creation of a literary man. It is a picture of man„s life experience that contains the values of humanity either the good or the bad one. Thus, literary work is basically the picture of social life or society. Wellek (1981:1) has stated that literature is a representation of life. What it means by this statement is the picture of life learned through the works of literature.

A literary work, especially prose, always features the stories of characters who struggle with life, either when in adapting to the natural environment or relationships in a social environment. In order to turn the story develops an interesting story, the author presents the characters that have traits or characters that are not usual. From the aspect of the characters that decorate the story, invite the curiosity of the writer background factors or causes that the character's unusual behavior. Given that the behaviors associated with psychiatric problems, the problems will be approached in the study is a matter of psychology. Creative effort is what makes literary analysis interesting and growing.

Humanistic, humanism and humanist are terms in psychology relating to an approach which studies the whole person, and the uniqueness of each individual. The humanistic approach is often called the third force in psychology after psychoanalysis and behaviorism. Humanistic refers to the recognition of nature, a value of the human being. Humanistic psychology is centered on the people who have free will. People are basically good and have an innate need to make themselves. This approach emphasizes the human values and the creative, active

1 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA nature of human beings. The approach is optimistic and focuses on a noble human capacity to overcome hardship, pain and despair.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theory in psychology proposed by Abraham

Maslow in his 1943 paper “A Theory of Human Motivation” in Psychological

Review. Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid. Needs lower down in the hierarchy must be satisfied before individuals can attend to needs higher up. From the bottom of the hierarchy upwards, the needs are: physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem and self- actualization.

Epidemiological studies suggest rates of Autistic Disorder of 2-5 cases per

10,000 individuals (DSM IV,1994). Autistic disorder is one of several types of

Pervasive disorder. Many people in the world who suffer from autistic disorder are exiled from their immediate surroundings. People with autistic disorder are considered unable to master their age-appropriate skills and can‟t take care of themselves. All of it due to lack of acceptance of themselves and do not get a good reception from society, so people with autistic disorder can‟t actualize themselves well and as it should be.

Beyond the human bad perception in general to people with autism, there are some people suffering from autism that have a great positive impact on their environment and the world. Albert Einstein is the one who suffered from a specific form of Pervasive disorder – Asperger‟s disorder. People claim that Albert Einstein was a loner as a child, was a late speaker, starting only at two to three years old, and repeated sentences obsessively up to the age of seven. As an adult his lectures were

2 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA confusing. He needed his wives to act as parents when he was an adult, factors people claim to make him obviously autistic.

There are several literary works that describe mental disorder. Some of them are Andrea Hirata‟s Laskar Pelangi, Daniel Keyes‟ Flower for Algernon and

Winston Groom‟s Forrest Gump. Forrest Gump is a novel by Winston Groom published in 1986. Narrated by the title character, a southern man with a kind nature and an mental retardation. The story begins in Mobile, Alabama, Forrest‟s childhood home. He is diagnosed as intellectually disabled and few in the school hold out much hope for him to succeed. His mother fights doggedly for him to be given a chance.

Although Forrest struggles to keep up, he perseveres, and while in school he meets

Jenny Curran. They walk home from school together and become close friends.

Jenny will wind up becoming one of the most important characters in Forrest‟s story.

By the time he reaches high school, Forrest is unusually tall and muscular, making him a star on the high school football team. His success on the football team allows him to make the All-State Team, and gives him the opportunity to meet legendary college football coach Bear Bryant. After high school, Forrest decides to look into joining the army, but after taking the test at the recruitment center, he is told he is temporarily deferred. He goes to college, and there he meets Jenny Curran again. She introduces him to popular culture, the two of them going to see movies including Bonnie and Clyde.

However, Forrest flunks out of the University of Alabama after one semester, book learning never being his strength. By this point, the Vietnam War is in full swing, and Forrest is drafted to fight in Asia. While there, he befriends a fellow soldier, Bubba. The two look after each other in the jungle, while Bubba shares with

Forrest his ambitions and life on a shrimping boat back home. Forrest makes it home

3 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA from Vietnam a hero, while Bubba doesn‟t make it back at all. While in the army infirmary recovering from minor wounds, Forrest gains the acquaintance of

Lieutenant Dan, an officer who lost his legs in combat and is now embittered.

When Forrest returns home from Vietnam, he and Jenny meet up again and become lovers once more, but their lives soon take them in different directions.

Forrest‟s life becomes a series of adventures, as coincidence and his unique skills give him opportunities he never would have expected. Forrest goes to Bubba's home town, start a small shrimp farm that grows enormous and profitable. Forrest hires many whom he has met during his adventures. Talked into running for the U.S.

Senate, Forrest backs out when newspapers dig into his past. In Savannah, GA,

Forrest becomes a famous one-man band, meets Jenny and her son, Forrest, Jr. He settles with Sue in New Orleans, contemplating the better life that Jenny and his son have without him and satisfied that his own life has never been hum-drum. Forrest

Gump is a person who has autistic disorder but he accepts his condition and can give great influence to his environment. From the explanation above, the writer wants to show that someone who suffered from autism like Forrest Gump can fulfill every need in Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. He managed to show his environment that he meant to them. By using Abraham Maslow's theory of

Hierarchy of Needs, the writer wants to show that Forrest has fulfilled every level of the hierarchy of needs so that he can attain the highest level of self-actualization.

4 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA 1.2 Problem of the Study

Based on the background presented, in this study researchers put forward the formulation of the problem as follows:

1. How does a person who suffered from autism fulfill his needs as portrayed in

Winston Groom‟s Forrest Gump?

2. What are the characteristics of a person who suffered from autism that support the achievement of self actualization needs as portrayed in Winston Groom‟s Forrest

Gump?

1.3 Objective of the Study

Dealing with the problems above, there are objectives found in this analysis, they are :

1. To find out how a person who suffered from autism fulfills his needs as portrayed in Winston Groom‟s Forrest Gump.

2. To find out what are the characteristics of a person who suffered from autism that support the achievement of self actualization needs as portrayed in Winston Groom‟s

Forrest Gump

1.4 Scope of the Study

In doing this analysis, the scope is needed to determine the limitation of the problem that will be discussed. In discussing a topic, we found some different things that if we analyzed entirely the result would be too confusing and unfocused. This analysis will be focused on how Forrest Gump fulfills every needs in Abraham

Maslow‟s Hierarchy of Needs. The needs are physiological, safety, love/belonging,

5 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA esteem and self actualization. Next this analysis also focused on the characteristic of

Forrest Gump that support the achievement of self actualization. The characteristics are acceptance, problem centering, spontaneity, continued freshness of appreciation and peak experiences.

1.5 Significance of the Study

Based on the problem formulation and researchers objectives above, there are some significances of analysis, they are:

1. To help reader who interested in analyzing the literary works, especially in analyzing novels.

2. As the reference in literature, especially about literary psychology.

3. Could be used for the scientific research dealing with the discussion humanistic

psychology especially in self actualization.

6 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

2.1 Psychology of Literature

According to British Psychological Society, Psychology is the scientific study of people, the mind and behavior. It is both a thriving academic discipline and a vital professional practice. Dr. Singgih Dirgagunarsa (1989:9) said that

“Psikologi menjadi ilmu yang mempelajari tingkah laku manusia. Ini disebabkan karena jiwa yang mengandung arti yang abstrak itu sukar dipelajari secara obyektif. Kecuali itu keadaan jiwa seseorang melatar-belakangi timbulnya hampir seluruh tingkah laku.”

Literature and psychology are actually have a similarity. One is described and the other is discussed about human. The difference is, literature describes about the imaginary human which came from the imagination of the writer. Meanwhile in psychology, it discusses about the real human which created by God, and viewed in psychological way (attitude, character, disorder, etc). Literature and psychology are two branches of science that study human soul. Psychology researches human behaviors and their causes while literature depicts human behavior through fiction.

These two branches of social science studying human behavior are interrelated and mutually beneficial. And the basic building block of the correlation between literature and psychology is a literary work. Literary works study human beings and describe their inner world with all its aspects. The reason is that a literary work is at the same time a product of a certain psychological condition.

Psychology of literature means the psychological study of the writer, as type and as individual, or the study of the creative process, or the study of the

7 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA psychological types and laws present within works of literature, or, finally, the effects of literature upon its readers (Wellek, 1956:81)

Based on what Wellek and Warren said, it can be concluded that psychology and literature are related to each other. The relation between literature and psychology usually describes in the characters which consist in the literature. It is because each characters have different personality which can be analyzed using psychology theories. The study of psychology of literature explores the relationships between text and reader as well as relationships within the text, with particular emphasis on emotion/affect. One central thematic focus of the course, in addition to affect, will be trauma–an experience of maximal affect and long term disruption.

2.2 Humanistic Approach

Humanistic, humanism and humanist are terms in psychology relating to an approach which studies the whole person, and the uniqueness of each individual. Essentially, these terms refer the same approach in psychology.

Sometimes the humanistic approach is called phenomenological. This means that personality is studied from the point of view of the individual‟s subjective experience. The humanistic approach in psychology developed as a rebellion against what some psychologists saw as the limitations of the behaviorist and psychodynamic psychology. The humanistic approach is thus often called the “third force” in psychology after psychoanalysis and behaviorism (Maslow, 1968).

The fundamental belief of humanistic psychology is that people are innately good and that mental and social problems result from deviations from this natural tendency. Humanism also suggests that people possess personal agency and that they are motivated to use this free will to pursue things that will help them achieve their

8 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA full potential as human beings. This need for fulfillment and personal growth is a key motivator of all behavior. People are continually looking for new ways to grow, to become better, to learn new things, and to experience psychological growth and self- actualization.

Humanistic psychologists try to see people‟s lives as those people would see them. They tend to have an optimistic perspective on human nature. They focus on the ability of human beings to think consciously and rationally, to control their biological urges, and to achieve their full potential. In the humanistic view, people are responsible for their lives and actions and have the freedom and will to change their attitudes and behavior.

2.3 Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow's book Motivation and Personality started a philosophical revolution out of which grew humanistic psychology. This changed the view of human nature from a negative point of view, man is a conditioned or tension reducing organism to a more positive view in which man is motivated to realize his full potential. This is reflected in his hierarchy of needs and in his theory of Self- actualization.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid. Maslow (1943, 1954) stated that people are motivated to achieve certain needs and that some needs take precedence over others. Our most basic need is for physical survival, and this will be the first thing that motivates our behavior.

Once that level is fulfilled the next level up is what motivates us, and so on.

9 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA

Figure 2.3 Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

This five-stage model can be divided into deficiency needs and growth needs.

The first four levels are often referred to as deficiency needs (D-needs), and the top level is known as growth or being needs (B-needs). Deficiency needs arise due to deprivation and are said to motivate people when they are unmet. Also, the motivation to fulfill such needs will become stronger the longer the duration they are denied. For example, the longer a person goes without food, the more hungry they will become. Maslow (1943) initially stated that individuals must satisfy lower level deficit needs before progressing on to meet higher level growth needs.

Description of Figure 2.2.1

1. Biological and physiological needs. Biological and Physiological needs are the physical requirements for human survival. If these requirements are not met, the human body cannot function properly and will ultimately fail. Physiological needs are thought to be the most important; they should be met first. This is the first and basic need on the hierarchy of needs. Without them, the other needs cannot follow

10 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA up. Biological and phisiological needs are air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sex, sleep.

2. Safety needs - Safety and security needs are about keeping us safe from harm.

These include shelter, job security, health, and safe environments. If a person does not feel safe in an environment, they will seek to find safety before they attempt to meet any higher level of survival, but the need for safety is not as important as basic physiological needs. Safety needs include: protection from elements, security, order, law, stability, freedom from fear.

3. Love and belongingness needs - After physiological and safety needs are fulfilled, the third level of human needs are seen to be interpersonal and involves feelings of belongingness. This need is especially strong in childhood and it can override the need for safety as witnessed in children who cling to abusive parents.This needs include: friendship, intimacy, trust, and acceptance, receiving and giving affection and love Affiliating, being part of a group (family, friends, work).

4. Esteem needs - Esteem needs are ego needs or status needs develop a concern with getting recognition, status, importance, and respect from others. Most humans have a need to feel respected. This includes the need to have self-esteem and self-respect.

Esteem presents the typical human desire to be accepted and valued by others.

People often engage in a profession or hobby to gain recognition. These activities give the person a sense of contribution or value. Low self-esteem or an inferiority complex may result from imbalances during this level in the hierarchy. People with low self-esteem often need respect from others; they may feel the need to seek fame or glory. However, fame or glory will not help the person to build their self-esteem

11 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA until they accept who they are internally. Psychological imbalances such as depression can hinder the person from obtaining a higher level of self-esteem or self- respect. Maslow classified this needs into two categories:(i) esteem for oneself

(dignity, achievement, mastery, independence) and (ii) the desire for reputation or respect from others (e.g., status, prestige). Maslow indicated that the need for respect or reputation is most important for children and adolescents and precedes real self- esteem or dignity.

5. Self-actualization needs - This level of need refers to what a person's full potential is and the realization of that potential. Maslow describes this level as the desire to accomplish everything that one can, to become the most that one can be. This needs are realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences. A desire “to become everything one is capable of becoming”(Maslow,

1987, p. 64).

2.4 Self Actualization

Self-actualization refers to the person‟s desire for self-fulfillment, namely, to the tendency for him to become actualized in what he is potentially. Self- actualization is the final stage in the linear growth of an individual. Maslow believed that in order to achieve this state of personal fulfilment, the person must first satisfy the preceding needs (i.e. physiological, safety, love/belonging, and esteem, in that order).

Below is a list of the characteristics possessed by self-actualized individuals as outlined by Maslow (1954):

12 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA  Acceptance and realism: Self-actualization reflects the individual's

acceptance of who he/she is, what he/she is capable of, and his/her realistic

and accurate perception of the world around him or her (including the people

within it and how they relate to the individual). When we have an inaccurate

view of ourselves or the outside world, there is a dissonant, unsettling and

deleterious disparity between our internal self and the external world. Self-

actualization is achieved by those who have the most accurate view of

themselves and the world around them.

 Problem-centering: Self-actualized individuals are not purely focused on

internal gain; they appreciate the benefits of solving problems that affect

others so as to improve the external world. The desire to assist others is borne

out of an internal sense of right and wrong, which is grounded in empathy.

 Spontaneity: The self-actualized individual thinks and acts spontaneously, as

a result of having an accurate self- and world-view. In spite of this

spontaneity, these individuals tend to act and think within the accepted social

norms and according to the expectations of others. These individuals are also

usually open in their interactions with others, yet unconventional in their

interaction styles, speech, and other aspects of behavior.

 Continued Freshness of Appreciation: No matter how simple,

straightforward or familiar an experience, the self-actualized individual is

capable of seeing things from new perspectives and appreciating the breadth

and wonder of things in his/her world. This capacity allows these individuals

13 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA to develop new problem-solving strategies, and it fosters creativity as a

result.

 Peak Experiences: These are experiences that display three core

characteristics: significance, fulfillment, and spirituality. These intense

psychophysiological experiences include joy, wonder, awe, and ecstasy, and

in self-actualized people they are thought to be more common. These peak

experiences are thought to produce invigorating feelings such as inspiration,

physical and mental vitality, and a renewed sense of perspective.

2.5 Pervasive Developmental Disorders

According to Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth

Edition (DSM IV) (1994:65) Pervasive Developmental Disorders are characterized by severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development: reciprocal social interaction skills, communication skills, or the presence of stereotyped behavior, interests, and activities. The qualitative impairments that define these conditions are distinctly deviant relative to the individual's developmental level or mental age. This section contains Autistic Disorder, Rett's Disorder, Childhood

Disintegrative Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Not Otherwise Specified.

2.5.1 Autistic Disorder

DSM IV (1994:66) said that the essential features of Autistic Disorder are the presence of markedly abnormal or impaired development in social interaction and

14 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA communication and a markedly restricted repertoire of activity and interests.

Manifestations of the disorder vary greatly depending on the developmental level and chronological age of the individual.

In most cases, there is an associated diagnosis of Mental Retardation, commonly in the moderate range (IQ 35-50). Approximately 75% of children with

Autistic Disorder function at a retarded level. There may be abnormalities in the development of cognitive skills. The profile of cognitive skills is usually uneven, regardless of the general level of intelligence (e.g., a year-old girl with Autistic

Disorder may be able to read, i.e., hyperlexia). In many higherfunctioning children with Autistic Disorder, the level of receptive language (i.e., language comprehension) is below that of expressive language (e.g., vocabulary).

2.5.2 Diagnostic Criteria for Autistic Disorder

DSM IV (1994:70) provides the diagnostic criteria of Autistic Disorder.

A. A total of six (or more) items from (1), (2), and (3), with at least two

from (1), and one each from (2) and (3):

(1) qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at

least two of the following:

(a) marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors

such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and

gestures to regulate social interaction

(b) failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level

15 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or

pointing out object of interest)

(d) lack of social or emotional reciprocity

(2) qualitative impairments in communication as manifested by at least

one of the following:

(a) delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language not

accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of

communication such as gesture or mime)

(b) in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to

initiate or sustain a conversation with others

(d) lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play

appropriate to developmental level

(3) restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests,

and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:

(a) encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted

patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus

(b) apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or

rituals

flapping twisting, or complex whole-body movements)

(d) persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

B. Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following areas, with onset prior to age 3 years: (1) social interaction, (2) language as used in social communication, or (3) symbolic or imaginative play.

16 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA C. The disturbance is not better accounted for by Rett's Disorder or Childhood

Disintegrative Disorder.

2.6 Previous Studies

This thesis studies about needs of a person who suffered from autism in

Winston Groom‟s novel Forrest Gump. It will talk about how Forrest Gump fulfills his needs his characteristics that support the achievement of self actualization. Based on the writer‟s exploration, there are found other research related to this thesis and the writer wants to give a brief description of these previous studies. Here are some previous studies which have done by some researcher that related to “Self

Actualization” or “Forrest Gump”.

The first is Juninada Sari Puspa‟s thesis on 2007 entitled “Aktualisasi Diri

Santiago dalam Novel Sang Alkemis Menurut Psikologi Humanistik Maslow”. This research concern on Santiago‟s accomplishment of Self Actualization and what kind of self actualization characteristics which is seen in Santiago so that it supports his accomplishment of self actualization. The reseach method used in this thesis contain analysis, with the coding.As the result of the study, Santiago‟s accomplishment of self actualization can be achieved since he determines progression choice to pursue his dream calculation togo to Egypt getting out from orderlineness he deserves to have although his work as shepherd he does is due to metamotivation. Beside, Santiago is able to boost up his morale and go on his struggle gaining his self actualization while he undergoes the need declining from B-Needs to D-Needs. He performs it by doing back progression choice although he has already gained enough provision to come back to Spain as a rich man. Self actualization characteristics seen in Santiago give influence to each other. These characteristics do not seddenly comes out, but they are

17 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA parts of him self which is sharpened by his life journey.

The second is Kaniati Zega„s thesis on 2015 entitled “An Analysis Of Morality

Reflected By The Main Characters In Winston Groom’s Novel Forrest Gump”. This thesis analyzes about the good and bad conduct from characters in novel Forrest

Gump and to find out how the morality can bring the happiness for everyone. The goodness and badness is described by three characters, they are Forrest Gump, Jenny

Curran, and Dan. Method which is used in writing this thesis is qualitative descriptive method and the theory that used in analyze the novel is Theory of Jeremy Bentham.

The third is Claudia Meliana Sugianto‟s Journal on 2014 entitled “Kebebasan

Hidup Tercermin Dalam Novel Forrest Gump Karya Winston Groom”. This is a paper on freedom of life that is reflected in the novel Forrest Gump by Winston

Groom. The analysis used is the life experience of the main character in the novel.

The aspects used by the writer in analyzing the novel are words, dialogues, and actions taken by the main character as the main character in the novel. Freedom of life is a condition where a person can freely do anything in his life (not violating legal norms) and choose his way and role in society without coercion and limits. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the freedom of life as experienced by the main character. There are two theories used in answering the problem. First is the

Humanistic theory by Carl Rogers and the characters of Edgar V. Roberts and Henry

E. Jacobs and characteristics by Lee A. Jacobus. What makes this research different from previous research is, this study discusses the needs of Forrest Gump and how he fulfills one by one the step of Hierarchy of Needs. Apart from that, this thesis also discusses what characteristics that support Forrest in achieving self-actualization.

18 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA CHAPTER III

METHOD OF RESEARCH

3.1 Research Design

The research design which used in this analysis is library research and the primary source of the analysis is the novel by Winston Groom “Forrest Gump”. This research is supported by valuable sources such as relevant books and literary books.

The library research will be also supported by the internet exploration in order to make data of the analysis more available. This type of research also uses qualitative research method because all data are analyzed in the form of words and sentences.

Library research is an activity in collecting the data by visiting the library, collecting the source data that related to the object of research, learning and quoting the data from books, documents, and internet as well. In other word, this research does not do research in a field. Its scope is broader than just a field. According to

Moleong (2006:4),

“Qualitative method is used as research procedures that resulted descriptive data containing of spoken and written words and people behavior which can be observed”

3.2 Data & Data Source

The source data of this research is the novel Forrest Gump, written by

Winston Groom. This novel was published in 1986 which consists of 228 pages. The data of this research is words, phrase, and sentence portrayed acceptance and its influence to self actualization of Forrest‟s Autistic .

19 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA 3.3 Data Collecting Procedure

In the step of data collecting procedure, the writer will need the data and data source. First of all, the researcher starts with getting the novel Forrest Gump by

Winston Groom which is the data source of this research and read it over and over until the writer understands the story well. Then the researcher collect the data from the novel.

3.4 Data Analyzing Procedure

After all the required information from the data collected, the researcher will begin to analyze the data. In this step the researcher will analyze the data that has information about self actualization. After finished analyzing the data, the researcher can make conclusions from the data that have been analyzed.

The chart of the method can be summarized in the pattern below:

RESEARCHER

DATA SOURCE:

FORREST GUMP BY WINSTON GROOM

DATA:

QUOTATIONS

SELECTED FROM THE TEXT OF THE NOVEL

20 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA

PSYCHOLOGY OF LITERATURE

HUMANISTIC APPROACH QUALITATIVE METHOD

ANALYSIS

CONCLUSION

21 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA CHAPTER IV

ANALYSIS AND FINDING

4.1 Needs of Forrest Gump

Abraham Maslow‟s hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five tier model of human needs. The needs often depicted as hierarchical levels within the pyramid. The needs are: Biological and

Physiological, Safety, Love and Belongingness, Esteem and last is Self

Actualization. The further explanation of hierarchy of needs is already described in chapter II. In this chapter the writer will analyze those needs and relates it to the quotations in the novel. The analysis of the hierarchy of needs will show that Forrest

Gump fulfills one by one the stage of the hierarchy of needs.

4.1.1 Forrest Gump Biological and Physiological Needs

The first stage of hierarchy of needs is biological and physiological.

Biological and physiological needs are the physical requirements for human survival.

Some of the biological needs are air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sex and sleep. If these requirements are not met, the human body cannot function properly and will ultimately fail. Biological and physiological needs are thought to be the most important; they should be met first. This is the first and basic need on the hierarchy of needs. Without them, the other needs cannot follow up .

In Forrest Gump biological and physiological needs can be seen from the quotation below.

“In the cafeteria I had started getting my food and

going over to set next to Jenny Curran.” (Winston

Groom, 1986:8)

22 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA

The quotation above is about how Forrest is eating at a cafeteria with his best friend Jenny. It shows Forrest fulfilling his biological and physiological needs, namely food. Man will always be motivated to eat, as well as Forrest which he is an autistic person also needs food for survival. Everyone prioritizes eating in addition to other needs. The need for food is a primary need that must be met by everyone in addition to other needs. Man will ignore or suppress all other needs until his biological and physiological needs are satisfied. The need for food has the essence of repetition. After humans eat, they will eventually become hungry again and will continue to search for food and water again. Therefore a man will continue to meet the need for food. Besides need for food, another thing of biological and physiological needs is where to live.

“My mama got a little pension from United Fruit

people an she took in boarders at our house, so we got

by okay.” (Winston Groom, 1986:3)

A residence is usually the form of building houses, shelters, or other structures used as a place to live. The quotation above shows how Forrest fulfills his biological and physiological needs. He lives with her mother at a home in Alabama.

They live in the house and make the house as a place for boarding people. This makes them feel safe and not feel lonely because of the condition of their house is always crowded. It also helps her mother in economic terms other than her husband's pension fund. Everyone needs a place to live even a homeless person needs a place to live even though it is under the bridge. If someone has a place to live then he will feel safe and comfortable and have a place to go home and rest. Forrest's mother is

23 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA the closest person to him. Forrest is the only child his mother has. Although Forrest is an autistic, his mother accepts him wholeheartedly and always loves him. Besides his mother, there is someone very close to Forrest and also accepting his condition, she is Jenny. Because of their close relationship, they both one day decided to have sex.

“When we get home, Jenny begun taking off her clothes. She is down to her underpants, an I am just setting on the couch trying not to notice, but she come up an stand in fron of me an she say, “Forrest, I want you to fuck me now.” You coulda knocked me with feather! I just set there an gawked at her. Then she set down nex to me an started foolin with my britches an next thing I knowed, she’s got off my shirt an was huggin me and kissing me an all.” (Winston Groom, 1986:94)

Sexual intercourse is sexual contact conducted in pairs with the opposite sex or same sex. Sex is one of the biological and physiological needs, but this need does not arise at any time and does not necessarily need to be met immediately like the need for food and shelter. Here Forrest has managed to meet the need for sex. He has sex with Jenny while they are at home. From that quotation, showed that Jenny seduces Forrest to start sex. She undresses and asks Forrest to have sex with her immediately. Not only that, Jenny also seduces him by playing with Forrest pants until they finally kiss and having sex. This shows that sex is a natural necessity of every human being. Although Forrest is an autistic person, it does not mean he does not need sex. He has the same thoughts and desire as other human beings.

24 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA 4.1.2 Forrest Gump Safety Needs

If a person‟s biological and physiological needs are fulfilled, then the desire will arise to fulfill the next needs, the safety needs. Safety needs includes several things like protection from element, security, order, law, stability and freedom from fear. Basically safety needs are the needs for being free from anxiety of physical danger and being taken away from their basic physiological needs.

In Forrest Gump, the need for security is described in some parts of the novel. Forrest is an autistic person where not everyone can accept his condition, and it causes him to get a lot of annoyance from his friends when he was a kid.

“When I was little, she kep me inside a lot, so as the

other kids wouldn’t bother me.” (Winston Groom,

1986:3)

The quotation above shows that Forrest gets a lot of distractions from his friends. For a child, getting distractions from people around is something that can cause mental problems and will affect until he grew up. This shows that Forrest does not get a sense of safety from the environment. Seeing that, his mother puts him a lot in the house to anticipate that it does not happen to her child. It was done by his mother because she loves Forrest very much and does not want his son to get trauma because of it. As a parent, it is a very good act that he has done.

“Then she’d set there an talk to me, just talk on an on

bout nothing particular, like a person’ll talk to a dog

or a cat, but I got used to it an liked it cause her voice

made me feel real safe n nice.” (Winston Groom,

1986:3)

25 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA The main thing that a mother should do is make the child feel safe and comfortable with her at home. The reason, in school or social environment, children are feeling insecure and threatened. The quotation above shows that his mother has done the right thing to take care Forrest. She made sense of security and comfort at home by talking to Forrest about anything, so Forrest felt safe and comfortable because of the warmth given by his mother. Besides all of that, a mother can‟t take care of her child at all the times. Therefore a child must also be able to defend himself from others who disturb him.

“But after wile of this, I started to notice this other guy was there a lot too, an he starts makin wisecracks bout me. Sayin shit like “How’s Dumbo?” an all. And this gone for a week or two, an I was sayin nothing, but finally I says- I can’t hardly believe I said it even now- but I says, “I ain’t no Dumbo,” an the guy jus looked at me an starts laughing. An Jenny curran, she say to the guy to keep quiet, but he takes a cartoon of milk an pours it in my lap an I jump up an run cause it scares me.” (Winston Groom, 1986:9)

The quotation above shows that Forrest is often teased by his friends and he keeps silent and does not fight for a long time. His friend always said "How's

Dumbo?" and it is a rude form of bullying spoken to an autistic like Forrest.

Experiencing it for days to weeks makes Forrest feel depressed and uncomfortable.

One day Forrest dares himself to fight against his friend by saying "I ain‟t no

Dumbo," It was a word spoken by Forrest as an unacceptable expression of his friend's outburst. He doesn‟t agree to be called "Dumbo" because it is the same as a fool or an idiot. But these words do not fully defend him. As an autistic person, his friends doesn‟t t respond to anything to Forrest said and assumes what he says is a funny or stupid thing. His friends laugh at Forrest until even pour milk on him. This is an act of bullying to an autistic child. Because of that Forrest became increasingly

26 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA threatened, he can‟t fight any more until he finally decides to run. He run to save himself from his friend. This is a normal thing that a child should do to get safe.

Forrest feels he can‟t fight his friend and if he just keeps quiet then he will be more disturbed by his friends.

4.1.3 Forrest Gump Love and Belongingness Needs

After physiological and safety needs are fulfilled, the third level of human needs involves feelings of love and belongingness. Love is a symbol of strength to be united in making life full of senses. When there is no love available in the heart of man the result is fear and destroy. Love is one kind of positive thing that everyone needs in this world. Without love the world seems empty because there is no interaction anymore among living people. Love is a kind of glue that ties anyone to live together in harmony. When there is no love there won„t be bond of relationship.

In Forrest Gump, love is shown by Forrest's mother to him.

“When I get home an tell mama what happen, she all

upset, but she say, “Don’t worry, Forrest-everything

gonna be okay.” (Winston Groom, 1986:16)

This quotation shows a mother's affection for her child. Forrest's mother feels empathetic over the problems his son is having. She is upset for what happened to

Forrest. The sense of empathy is an individual's psychological process in which he or she is dissolved in the feelings of others, both greed and sorrow, and as if feeling or experiencing what the person experiences or feels. Besides that, his mother also gives a support to his son. His mother said "Do not worry, Forrest-everything gonna be okay". Providing support is one of the obligations of parents. The support that given by parents can calm a child's heart over the problems he faces. The love gained

27 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA from the parents can be seen from the support and sense of understanding that is given to the child. Thus the relationship between parent and child will be better because of the love given by the parents and vice versa.

The need for love is incomplete if it is only from the parents.. Besides the warmth and comfort that our parents give to us, we also need the love from other people. In this case Forrest got the affection from his best friend, Jenny.

“You know, Forrest, “She say, “I even tried to fall in

love with him, but I jus couldn’t because I was thinkin

of you.” (Winston Groom, 1986:153)

The quotation above shows that Jenny doesn‟t give her heart to anyone else.

She can‟t fall in love with others because she thinks about Forrest. Jenny is a best friend who can accept the condition of Forrest. A couple of friends who have a good relationship since childhood will cause the possibility for them to fall in love.

Although Forrest is an autistic person, Jenny still gives his heart to Forrest.

“And when finally I realized how much I cared for

you-when you came up to Boston-I was the happiest

girl in the world.” (Winston Groom, 1986:174)

A sincere love is shown with affection and caring for someone. Here Jenny says that she really cares about Forrest. With the concern of each person, then a sense of comfort will arise from a relationship. Because of that, Jenny fell in love with Forrest and gave her heart to him. If we fall in love with someone then the meeting is a very happiest thing, that‟s why Jenny is very happy when she met with

Forrest. She says that she is the happiest person in the world. Here can be seen that an autistic like Forrest can gain love and establish a good relationship with someone.

28 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA 4.1.4 Forrest Gump Esteem Needs

The need for self-esteem is the fourth stage in the hierarchy of needs. Once a person fulfills the need for love, he will be encouraged to fulfill the need for self- esteem. In this stage of need gratification, persons also want to be esteemed by the people they are in contact with as well as by themselves. They want to know that they are capable of achievement and success. Here, Forrest is an autistic person but he does everything in his life simply. He doesn‟t have extensive knowledge and he has IQ below 75 but in his life he got many achievements and gave good impression to his environment. One of his achievements can be seen from the quotation below.

“That year I made the All state football team. I couldn’t hardly believe it. My mama give me two pair of socks an new shirt on my birthday. An she done saved up an bought me a new suit that I were to get the All State Football Award.” (Winston Groom, 1986:11)

The above quotation shows an accomplishment obtained by Forrest. He follows the football clubs at his school and he makes good achievements there. He becomes one of the players at the Allstate football team, which is a collection of the best players from every school. It's hard to imagine how an autistic person can achieve that. According to that, we can see that a person who has an autistic condition like Forrest can be accepted in the environment of his soccer club. That is the main reason he can achieve it, if someone has been accepted by his environment, then he will feel comfortable to do something. Besides that, Forrest is also someone who does everything simply, he is aware of his condition and that's why he tries not to make a mistake. When a person gets an achievement, then giving him an award is something that is appropriate. From the quotation above, it can be seen that Forrest earned an award from his mother. Her mother gave her new clothes to wear while attending the awards later. Forrest's mother is very kind to her son, she saves to buy

29 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA Forrest a new outfit. She wants her son to look neat and nice in front of people. By giving a new outfit to Forrest, his mother has shown a very good form of appreciation to his son. In addition to his achievements in the field of football,

Forrest also got other achievements.

“A few days later some munckity mucks from the Field Force Headquarters come over to the hospital all excited and say, “Private Gump, you is been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for extreme heroism an is bein flown back to the U.S.A. day after tomorrow to be decorated by the President of the United States.”” (Winston Groom, 1986:65)

The quotation above shows another achievement for Forrest. He was awarded

Medal of Honor from the army. Since graduating he stopped playing football and went on to join the army. There he trains hard until he is rewarded for his heroic actions on the battlefield. This thing shows that an autistic can achieve a remarkable achievement. If someone wants to get something he wants and he works hard, regardless of his condition whether he is an autistic person or not he will achieve it.

From the achievement of Forrest he was awarded by President U.S.A., It is a very extraordinary thing that was gained on Forrest's achievements. Regardless of his limitations Forrest achieved something big and earned a worthy appreciation.

4.1.5 Forrest Gump Self-Actualization Needs

Self-actualization is reached when all needs are fulfilled, in particular the highest need. Self-actualization refers to the person desire‟s for self fulfillment, namely to the tendency for him to become what he is potentially. Maslow describes this level as the desire to accomplish everything that one can, to become the most that one can be. The need for self-actualization is fulfilled if one can realize what the

30 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA potential in his self, feel peace and when to be or to do something is fulfilled. In this novel self-actualization Forrest is shown at the end of the novel.

“Well, so what? I may be a idiot, but most of the time, anyway, I tried to do the right thing-an dreams is just a dream, ain’t they? So whatever else has happened, I am figgerin this: I can always look back an say, at least I ain;t led no hum drum life.” (Winston Groom,1986:228)

The quotation above shows Forrest already realizing himself and feeling he has fulfilled his needs. He feels that he has done the best he can. Although Forrest is an autistic but by doing his best he feels satisfied with himself. A person who has already familiarized himself will certainly feel at peace when he has done his best.

From here we can see that an autistic person has eliminated his fear to express his potential. Forrest feels that he has a colorful life. Although he's an autistic but he has an interesting life. This can be seen from the words said by Forrest, "at least I am not no hum drum life". Forrest assumes that his life is not boring. He has accepted his situation and realized who he is. Forrest feels his life was a blessing. He does not consider that his autistic condition is an obstacle for him to live his life as well as he can.

4.2 The characteristics of Forrest Gump that support the achievement of his self-actualization

Someone who has actualized himself of course has characteristics that support him. Character is a continuous and eternal quality or nature that can be used as a feature to identify a person. Based on this, it can be concluded that these characteristics not only arise when the individual will begin to fight to actualize himself, but already a part of his personality. Those characteristics are acceptance,

31 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA problem centering, spontaneity, autonomy and solitude, continued freshness of appreciation and peak experiences.

4.2.1 Forrest Gump Acceptance

Self-actualizing people accept themselves what they are, whether it is their weaknesses and strengths. Good self-acceptance makes them present themselves as they are, without pretense. They sees human nature as is, has a lack of crippling guilt or shame, enjoys himself without regret or apology. In the Forrest Gump novel the acceptance characteristic of Forrest are shown in the quotation below.

“Well, so what? I may be a idiot, but most of the time,

anyway, I tried to do the right thing.” (Winston

Groom,1986:228)

Self acceptance is an individual's ability to be able to accept self. Forrest admits that he is an idiot. This is an acceptance of Forrest's. He accepts his state of being different from other people. He realized that it was a reality he has to accept.

Someone who has accepted himself would certainly feel sincere in living his life.

This is an excellent characteristic possessed by an autistic like Forrest. It can inspire other autistic people in the world to accept their circumstances, so they will feel sincere and think that life is a blessing from God. Someone who has accepted himself will certainly do the best he can. Forrest showed that he had done a right thing in his life. With him accepting himself, he is not shy and hesitant to act.

32 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA 4.2.2 Forrest Gump Problem-centering

Problem-centering is a characteristic in which a person focuses on problems outside of themselves and does not attach importance to his ego. People who have this character will usually be more concerned with the sense of responsibility and interests of other people than the personal interest. They are aware of the task or mission that must be done in life, where to do it, they must exert all that they have.

Problem-centering is a characteristic possessed by Forrest and it is showed by the quotation below.

“Well, after that, I done a couple of things. First, I called Mister Tribble an tole him that anything I got comin in the srimp bidness, to give ten percent of my share to my mama an ten percent to Bubba’s daddy, an the rest, send it all for little Forrest.” (Winston Groom, 1986:227)

From the quotation above we can see that Forrest does a remarkable thing in his life. Forrest feels that he has to share the profits of his shrimp business to the people closest to him. Especially when he realizes that he has a son from Jenny. He feels that it is a responsibility he has to fulfill. Forrest feels he doesn‟t really need much money from his business profits and he shares the profits to his mother,

Bubba's father and his son. From this we can see that an autistic like Forrest has an extraordinary trait. He is unselfish and cares for the interests of his closest people because he feels it is an obligation that he must fulfill. This is one of the characteristics that support a person to actualize himself. Although Forrest is an autistic person he has a conscience and can focus on problems outside himself.

Forrest dedicates itself to a greater purpose in life, based on ethics or a sense of personal responsibility.

33 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA 4.2.3 Forrest Gump Spontaneity

Spontaneity is one character possessed by someone who actualizes himself.

A person who has the character of spontaneity is someone who behaves openly and directly without pretending. They can show their emotions honestly. Someone who is in the process of self actualization will tend to have an open mind and unconventional behavior. A person who has this character will think and act in his own way, simply and naturally. He usually does not think such complicated things and says what it is. In the Forrest Gump novel, Forrest's spontaneity character is shown in the quotation below.

“I reckon they be expectin something more, but that’s all I been tole to say, so I jus stand there, everybody lookin at me, me lookin back at them. Then all of the sudden somebody in the front shout out, “What do you think of the war?” an I say the first thing that come into my mind, which is, “It is a bunch of shit.” (Winston Groom, 1986:75)

The quotation above shows that Forrest acted spontaneously answering a question from someone else. This happened when Forrest is being awarded the

Medal of Honor which is a great achievement for Forrest and Forrest giving a welcome speech and answering questions from others. The man asked Forrest what he thought of war, because he was a war hero. For an autistic person like Forrest, he does not think complicated and does things simply. He answers the person's question with a first sentence that immediately appears in his mind. This is an act of spontaneity shown by an autistic person. Forrest said "It's a bunch of shit", it shows that he hates the war, he thinks war is a thing that is not compatible with humanity.

Forrest said as it is without being concerned he is a war hero. For him war is not a way to gain peace. This shows that Forrest said that with his honesty and his honesty

34 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA is accompanied by wisdom. It also shows that an autistic can think rationally, he can determine which one is good and not.

4.2.4 Forrest Gump Continued Freshness of Appreciation

Appreciation is a reward and a positive assessment of something. Someone who has this character will usually appreciate and admire particular experiences even though it happens over and over again. He will not be bored with what he is doing even though it is not seen by others. Someone will always learn new things by appreciating what he likes. In other words this appreciation as well as a sense of gratitude towards something, someone who is grateful for whatever he has and does will never feel bored and always appreciate everything in his life. This sense of appreciation is not only always to the extraordinary things but also to the simple things in life. The appreciation characteristic possessed by Forrest Gump are shown in the quotation below

“After I played around on thing for a wile, I got to where’s I could play pretty good, an Bubba was goin crazy, sayin he’s never such good shit. After it got late, Bubba says for me to take the harmonica with me, an I did, an played it a long time, till I got sleepy and went to bed. Next, Sunday, I went to take the harmonica back to Bubba but he say for me to keep it, cause he got another one, an I was real happy, an went for a walk an set down under the tree an played all day long, till I run out things to play.” (Winston Groom, 1986:28)

Someone who appreciates his life is someone who respects every experience in his life. The quotation above shows an appreciation shown by Forrest to something. It is shown that Forrest learns to play the harmonica with his friend

Bubba. Forrest plays well until Bubba lent his harmonica to Forrest. Responding to that, Forrest tries to learn more in playing the harmonica until he plays it every time.

Giving an appreciation of something will make a person explore and learn new

35 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA things from it. After Forrest can play his harmonica so Bubba gives the harmonica to

Forrest. In response, Forrest is very happy until he plays alone under the trees every time. It shows that if a person is grateful for whatever he has, no matter how big or small he will feel happy and peace. An autistic who has a different mental state than a normal human being can express his appreciation and gratitude for the life he has.

One of his appreciations is shown by his feeling of pleasure having got a harmonica and playing it all the time.

4.2.5 Forrest Gump Peak Experiences

Someone who already actualizes himself will certainly has a peak experiences. This peak experience occurs when a person is in the best condition, where there will be a feeling of calm and deep happiness. This experience is marked by someone who has been grateful for his life. This peak experience is usually characterized by spiritual experiences such as praying to God as a sign of gratitude for the life he has. But the peak experience is not only shown by spiritual activity, this experience can be experienced through books, music or other activities as a sign of one's expression that he has fulfilled himself and is satisfied with what he has done. Peak experience makes the individual more assertive and strong, able to set goals in his life, foster confidence to face the challenges. Forrest's peak experience is shown in the quotation below.

“At night I would set out on the porch of the shack an play my harmonica an on Saturday night I would go into own an buy a six pack of beer an me an sue would get drunk. I finally feel like I belong someplace, an am doin honest day’s work, an I figger that when we get the first shrimp harvested an sold, maybe then it will be all right to find Jenny again, an see if she is still mad at me.” (Winston Groom, 1986:207)

36 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA The quotation above shows one of the Forrest‟s peak experiences. At that time Forrest is at his best condition, a condition where he feels that he has fulfilled his life. Forrest said "I finally like I belong someplace, an am doin a honest day's work". Forrest's words show that he is grateful for what he has accomplished. Even though he's an autistic he can make and run his shrimp business well and because of this achievement he feel calm. His peak experience is shown when he is alone at night sitting and playing his harmonica. It is done as a form of peace that he felt.

Besides that Forrest also took his pet to buy beer on a Saturday night. This shows the gratitude of Forrest for his life, which by buying beer is a thing he does to celebrate his achievements. Everyone must have a peak experience as an expression of gratitude and not only ordinary people can have this experience, an autistic like

Forrest also can have it. Due to that, the expression of joy and gratitude is not only done through spiritual experience, there are many ways that a person can get peace and express his gratitude for what he has. With someone having a peak experience then he will be wiser and able to decide what to do next. It is shown that Forrest determines that he has to find his best friend Jenny after his shrimp business successful. This suggests that peak experiences can give positive impact to an autistic person like Forrest. His peak experience make him more optimistic about his life.

37 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA 4.3 Findings

The writer of this thesis made up his findings as follows: (1) Forrest Gump, as the main character in the novel, has fulfilled every stages in hierarchy of need, starting from biological needs, safety, love, esteem and self-actualization.; (2) His process in building self- actualization is also supported by some self-actualizing characters that he has. Some characters that owned by Forrest are acceptance, problem centering, spontaneity, continued freshness of appreciation and peak experiences.

38 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION

5.1 CONCLUSION

Based on the result of analysis and finding of self-actualization of an autistic which have been conducted on the novel of Forrest Gump, it can be concluded that:

1. Forrest Gump is a person who suffered from autism has fulfilled every stages

in hierarchy of needs. The needs are biological and physiological, safety,

love and belongingness, esteem and self actualization. When these needs are

fulfilled then someone will achieve the last need, self-actualization. First

someone must fulfill the basic needs namely biological and physiological

where this need is food, shelter, sex and others. After this first requirement is

fulfilled, someone will be encouraged to fulfill the next need and so on. If

someone has able to fulfill every needs then he will arrive at the last stage

namely self-actualization, to which he has fulfilled himself and feel that he

has unleashed his potential and done the best he can. Everyone can actualize

himself if he has a will. Not just normal human beings who can actualize

themselves, an autistic like Forrest Gump has proven himself to fulfill the

needs in the hierarchy of needs and actualize himself.

2. Someone who actualizes himself must have some characteristics that

supported him. Forrest Gump has several characteristics that help him in the

process of achieving self-actualization. These characteristics are acceptance,

problem-centering, spontaneity, continued freshness of appreciation and

peak experiences. Acceptance is a condition in which a person can accept all

of his condition whether it is good or not, problem centering is a character in

which a person is able to concentrate himself on an issue outside of himself,

39 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA spontaneity is a character in which someone behaves and speaks

spontaneously or honestly according to what in his mid, continued freshness

of appreciation is where a person appreciates everything he does in his life

even though it happens repeatedly and peak experiences is a character in

which a person can take time to express his grateful of his life. With those

character that owned by Forrest, he is able to fulfill every need in the

hierarchy of needs and achieve self-actualization.

5.2 SUGGESTION

The suggestion that the writer wants to give to the reader is to be what you want. Life is like a box of chocolates. Someone will never know what is in the box of chocolate he has, same with life, we will never know what will be waiting for us in the future. Life is always has a surprise. Based on the experience of Forrest we can see that a person who suffered from autism can fulfill the hierarchy of needs and give a big influence to the environment. Forrest proves that there is no obstacle for a person to become what he wants. If a person has a will then he will succeed.

This thesis can also motivate people who have autistic disorder, they should not be sad and feel shame over the conditions they have. All humans on earth are the same and nobody is perfect. People who are success are determined by how they perceive life and how grateful they are for their life. For that, hopefully through this thesis, the reader can understand the self-actualization described in the novel. So, hopefully readers can be more grateful for the life you have and do the best after reading this thesis. On the other hand, this thesis may still a lot of lacks. There is a welcome and encouragement to all interested readers and want to know how psychological problems can be involved in literature to continue this analysis to make it even more remarkable.

40 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA REFERENCES

Books

Abrurahmat. 2006. Metode Penelitian dan Tehnik Penyusunan Skripsi. Jakarta:

Rineka Cipta.

APA. 1994. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition

(DSM IV). 1994

Dirgagunarsa, Singgih. 1989. Pengantar Psikologi. Jakarta. Mutiara Sumber Widya

Groom, Winston. 1986. Forrest Gump. United States. Doubleday

Mahsun, M.S. 2007. Metode Penelitian Bahasa: tahapan, strategi, metode dan

tekniknya Edisi Revisi. Jakarta: PT Raja Grafindo Pustaka.

Maslow, A. H.1970. Motivation and personality. New York: Harper & Row.

Moleong, Lexy J. 2006. Metode Penelitian Kualitatif. Bandung: Remaja Rosdakarya

Robert, Edgar V and Henry E. Jacobs. 1995. Literature: An Introduction to Reading

and Writing. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Soetjinigsih. 1995. Tumbuh Kembang Anak. Jakarta. EGC.

Taylor, Rhicard. 1981. Understanding The Elements of Literature. London: The

Macmillan Press LTD.

41 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA Wellek, Rene and Warren, Austin . 1956. Literature:Theory of Litereture third

edition. New York: Harcourt, Brace & World, Inc.

Internet

Accessed on March 2018. McLeod, S. A. 2017. Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Retrieved from www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html

Accessed on March 2018. Komninos, Andreas. 2018. Self Actualization: Maslow‟s

Hierarchy of Needs. Retrieved from https://www.interaction- design.org/literature/article/self-actualization-maslow-s-hierarchy-of-needs

42 UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA APPENDICES

Forrest Gump Novel Synopsis

Forrest Gump is a novel by Winston Groom published in 1986. Narrated by the title character, a southern man with a kind nature and an mental retardation. The story begins in Mobile, Alabama, Forrest‟s childhood home. He is diagnosed as intellectually disabled and few in the school hold out much hope for him to succeed. His mother fights doggedly for him to be given a chance. Although Forrest struggles to keep up, he perseveres, and while in school he meets Jenny Curran. They walk home from school together and become close friends. Jenny will wind up becoming one of the most important characters in Forrest‟s story. By the time he reaches high school, Forrest is unusually tall and muscular, making him a star on the high school football team. His success on the football team allows him to make the All-State Team, and gives him the opportunity to meet legendary college football coach Bear Bryant. After high school, Forrest decides to look into joining the army, but after taking the test at the recruitment center, he is told he is temporarily deferred. He goes to college, and there he meets Jenny Curran again. She introduces him to popular culture, the two of them going to see movies including Bonnie and Clyde. However, Forrest flunks out of the University of Alabama after one semester, book learning never being his strength. By this point, the Vietnam War is in full swing, and Forrest is drafted to fight in Asia. While there, he befriends a fellow soldier, Bubba. The two look after each other in the jungle, while Bubba shares with Forrest his ambitions and life on a shrimping boat back home. Forrest makes it home from Vietnam a hero, while Bubba doesn‟t make it back at all. While in the army infirmary recovering from minor wounds, Forrest gains the acquaintance of Lieutenant Dan, an officer who lost his legs in combat and is now embittered. When Forrest returns home from Vietnam, he and Jenny meet up again and become lovers once more, but their lives soon take them in different directions. Forrest‟s life becomes a series of adventures, as coincidence and his unique skills give him opportunities he never would have expected. Forrest goes to Bubba's home town, start a small shrimp farm that grows enormous and profitable. Forrest hires many whom he has met during his adventures. Talked into running for the U.S. Senate, Forrest backs out when newspapers dig into his past. In Savannah, GA, Forrest becomes a famous one-man band, meets Jenny and her son, Forrest, Jr. He settles with Sue in New Orleans, contemplating the better life that Jenny and his son have without him and satisfied that his own life has never been hum-drum.

Winston Groom, The author of Forrest Gump Winston Francis Groom, Jr is an American novelist and non-fiction writer. He is known for writing Forrest Gump, which was adapted into a film by Robert Zemeckis in 1994. The film became a cultural phenomenon, and won six Academy Awards. He published a sequel, Gump and Co., in 1995. He has also written numerous non-fiction works, on diverse subjects including the American Civil War and World War I.

UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA Groom was born in Washington, D.C., and was raised in Mobile County, Alabama, where he attended University Military School (now known as UMS- Wright Preparatory School). Groom's earliest ambition was to become a lawyer like his father; but, instead, while a literary editor in college, he chose to become a writer. Groom attended the University of Alabama, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and the Army ROTC, graduating in 1965. He served in the Army from 1965 to 1969, including a tour of duty in the Vietnam War. Most of his Army service was with the Fourth Infantry Division. Upon his return from Vietnam, he worked as a reporter for the Washington Star, a Washington, D. C. newspaper covering the justice department and federal court system. Groom resigned to pursue a career in writing novels. Groom's first novel was Better Times Than These which was published in 1978. Better Times Than These was about a rifle company in the Vietnam War whose lives and patriotism both are shattered. His next novel As Summers Die (1980) received better recognition. His novel Conversations with the Enemy (1982) follows an American Vietnam War soldier who escapes from a POW camp and takes a plane back to the United States only to be arrested fourteen years later for desertion. Conversations with the Enemy was a Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction finalist in 1984. In 1985, Groom moved back to Mobile, Alabama, where he began to work on the novel Forrest Gump. Forrest Gump was published in 1986, however, it did not make Groom a best-selling author until it was adapted into a film with the same name in 1994, a film starring Tom Hanks in the title role of Forrest Gump. The film propelled the novel to best-seller status, and the novel sold 1.7 million copies worldwide. Groom devotes his time to writing history books about American wars. He has lived most recently in Point Clear, Alabama, with his wife Susan. In November 2011, Groom introduced his latest history book, Kearny's March: The Epic Creation of the American West, 1846-1847. Groom describes how Brigadier General Stephen W. Kearny‟s quest for westward adventure coincides with the expansionist desires of the U.S. President, James K. Polk. Anchored in mid- summer 1846, the context for both the adventures and expansionism is the Texas Annexation from Mexico, the Mexican-American War, and the backdrop to the American Civil War. Just as in the film adaptation of Groom‟s book Forrest Gump, where Gump is introduced through the technology of production company Industrial Light & Magic to a cast of celebrities including a young Elvis Presley, President John F. Kennedy, and President Richard Nixon, Groom weaves into Kearny’s March mountain man Kit Carson, Brigham Young and his Mormon followers, and members of the Donner party. In 2016, El Paso, Groom's first novel in nearly 20 years was published

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