Can time and place affect a person’s ability of reaching self-actualization? Self-actualization is the final stage in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. By passing all the other stages, a person is able to realize their personal potential, find self-fulfillment, and seek personal growth and peak experiences. In August Wilson’s Fences, not everyone can reach self-actualization due to their setting. While some are constantly impeded on, others easily grab hold of their potential. Troy Maxson did not have the setting to become self-actualized because of his father and society, while his wife, Rose, was able to reach this stage through the setting he provided her. Troy Maxson’s father placed him in a setting where…show more content… Troy provided Rose’s physiological, safety, and social needs. With a working husband, a house in a good neighborhood and a son. She did not need to do much to get through the first three stages of the Hierarchy of Needs. What Rose achieved for herself were the esteem and self-actualization needs. She has self-respect, which is evident in how she reacted to Troy’s infidelity. After hearing Troy’s confession, Rose responds, “You’re a day late and a dollar short when it comes to an understanding with me” (Wilson 68). Rose stands up for her-self and the rights she deserved. This not only shows her self-respect, but also gains the respect of others. Through this argument, her esteem needs are clearly seen as being met. Rose had achieved self-fulfillment after marrying Troy. Taking care of Troy was what gave Rose her peak of experience. She tells Troy about how she, planted herself in him then “watched and prayed over it” (Wilson 71). Troy held Rose’s potential in him. After planting this seed, Rose was able to reach self-actualization. If it was not for the foundation put down by Troy, Rose would not have been able to work on herself and reach
