Challenging Societal Boundaries: A Critical Study of Female Self-Actualization in Amber Reeves’ A Lady and Her Husband

Abstract

This study explores the psychological and social causes of low self-esteem in women and examines the process through which they attain self-realization and self-actualization. The problem is embedded in socially constructed gender roles that shape the thinking of both men and women, often portraying women as inferior and discouraging their intellectual and personal growth. This qualitative research is grounded in Abraham Maslow’s theory of self-actualization from 1943. Through a close textual analysis of Amber Reeves’ novel A Lady and Her Husband (1914), the study reveals how women are expected to conform to patriarchal standards and are often denied autonomy and individuality. The novel presents a journey in which the female protagonist, initially bound by the expectations of others, gradually awakens to her sense of self through observation, reflection, and participation in public life. The findings emphasize that self-realization emerges when individuals are given equal opportunities and are free from judgment and societal constraints. The study contributes to feminist literary discourse by highlighting the need to challenge traditional narratives that limit the personal and intellectual freedom of women.