The Hierarchy Of Needs In Octavia E. Butler's Speech Sounds

Ella Nance Mr. Reno English Composition II 29 February 2024 The Hierarchy of Needs in Octavia E. Butler’s “Speech Sounds” “Speech Sounds” by Octavia Butler dives into the psychological connection between humanity’s fundamental needs, the importance of social connection, and purpose beyond just survival. Butler’s short story progresses through several tiers of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, via Rye’s journey from shelter, to solitude and emptiness, to security, and then to love and belonging. It ends with the notion that Rye has regained a purpose in life and a glimmer of hope that self-esteem and self-actualization may be attainable. Rye has her fundamental needs of food, shelter, and safety met at home, but she does not have love or belonging since she is in isolation as a result of the plague. …show more content…

Rye decides to travel to reunite with her brothers and nephews. Even with the heightened danger of traveling solo in the plague-consumed world, Rye is willing to risk her life in order to satisfy her need for love and belonging. Despite the effects of the plague, she maintains a base level of executive function until she reaches a point of loneliness that leaves her with a lack of will to live. Once she meets Obsidian and secures a sense of belonging and safety with him, Rye becomes satisfied. The author states, “Until now, every day had brought her closer to the time when she would do what she had left home to avoid doing: putting her gun in her mouth and pulling the trigger” (pg. 12). The syllable of the syllable. Overall, this story conveys the message that humans desire to belong and connect, and that social connection is a major part of our world. After losing her new-found sense of love and belonging when Obsidian dies, Rye is once again left with no purpose. Shortly after Obsidian’s death, she discovers two orphans who have the ability to