Psychological and Literary Analysis into Tuesday with Morrie through Choice Theory

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14500/kujhss.v8n2y2025.pp572-578

Keywords:

Internal World, External World, Basic Needs, Tuesday with Morrie, Choice Theory

Abstract

The current study examines choice theory, a psychological theory that humans need to live peacefully. Additionally, it explores the psychological development of human beings through literature. A novel, Tuesday with Morrie, proposes that individuals rather than external events shape their lives through the choices they make. To become a resilient individual who can handle life hurdles conveniently, they should consider their inner world and manage their real-life situations in line with the current theory. From deeper view, Morrie Schwartz is analyzed within the framework of Choice Theory's five basic human needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun. The protagonist, Morrie Schwartz, exemplifies this approach by maintaining emotional resilience, purpose, and affection in the face of his terminal illness. Conversely, Mitch Albom faces difficulties with external control psychology, allowing money, success, and work demands to dictate his life negatively. Through Morrie's teachings, he gradually begins to prioritize emotional fulfillment, self-awareness, and meaningful relationships. In the shed of light, the transfiguration in the study uncovers a significant metamorphosis in his character, for this reason pointing to the possibility of inner development, internal growth. In short, the analysis demonstrates how literature can be a tool for self-discovery and mental clarity as well as a means of emotional connection. Morrie is depicted as a mirror to study human nature in literature and how evolution happens by offering psychological insight into human development.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

Ayub M. Edan, Department of English Language Teaching, College of Education, Knowledge University, Erbil 44001, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Ayub Mahdy Edan. He is an Assistant Lecturer at the Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Education, Knowledge University – Erbil. He holds a B.A. and M.A. in English Literature. His teaching experience includes a range of undergraduate courses such as Victorian Literature, Literary Theories, Introduction to Literature, and Research Methods. His academic interests focus on English literature, literary theory, and the psychological aspects of language learning. He has also been involved in curriculum development and student-centered learning approaches. Currently, he is exploring the relationship between language learning and identity transformation among EFL learners.

References

Albom, Mitch. Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lesson. Doubleday, 1997.

Atkins, Mark. "Intergenerational Learning and the Role of Literature in Shaping Positive Perceptions of Aging." Journal of Educational Psychology, vol. 110, no. 4, 2018, pp. 586–590.

Delis, Maria. "Parse’s Theory of Human Becoming in Literature: A Study of Tuesdays with Morrie." Journal of Nursing Theory and Practice, vol. 15, no. 2, 2012, pp. 144–146.

Flinders, David. "Emotional Resilience and the Inner Conflicts of Aging: A Literary Perspective." Studies in Gerontology, vol. 27, no. 3, 2003, pp. 258–262.

Glasser, William. Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom. HarperCollins, 1998.

Glasser, William. Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom. HarperCollins, 1999.

Hyde, John. "Rhetoric and Ethics in Tuesdays with Morrie: Lessons for Education." Philosophy of Education Review, vol. 34, no. 1, 2005, pp. 23–46.

Levin, Howard, and Sarah Milgrom. Understanding Choice Theory: Psychological and Educational Applications. Oxford University Press, 2004.

McAdams, Dan P. "The Redemptive Self and American Identity." American Journal of Personality Studies, vol. 21, no. 1, 2008, pp. 20–27.

Rahmahwati, Siti. "Existentialism in Tuesdays with Morrie: The Search for Meaning." Journal of Literary Studies, vol. 18, no. 2, 2014, pp. 45–67.

Riyanti, Dewi. "Self-Actualization in Tuesdays with Morrie: A Psychological Perspective." Humanities and Social Sciences Review, vol. 22, no. 1, 2007, pp. 33–4.

Covey, Stephen R. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. Free Press, 1989.

Clear, James. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. Avery, 2018.

Carnegie, Dale. How to Win Friends and Influence People. Simon and Schuster, 1936.

Published

2025-11-10

How to Cite

Edan, A. M. (2025) “Psychological and Literary Analysis into Tuesday with Morrie through Choice Theory ”, KOYA UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES, 8(2), pp. 572–578. doi: 10.14500/kujhss.v8n2y2025.pp572-578.

Similar Articles

<< < 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.