Self-Actualization Tendencies in Interpersonal Relationships in Philip Roth’s The Professor of Desire

ABSTRACT Actualization of the self is observed as the paramount detriment for maintaining healthy and long-lasting relationships. The current article is focused on analyzing the self-actualizing tendencies in the protagonists Herbie Brataskky and David Kapesh in Philip Roth’s novel The Professor of Desire. In our current era married relationships are at stake. The divorce rate is increasing day by day and so many people are experiencing trauma. This article is an attempt to locate the solution of such deteriorating relationships through fictional characters. A good relationship between husband and wife is the source for the growth of every civilization. It also helps the people to remain happy and healthy. Through the analysis of the novel, The Professor of Desire, it has been observed that when the protagonist tends to move toward self-actualization, he is able to establish a good and healthy relationship with his partner at the end of the novel by learning self-actualizing techniques.