Connect Alfred Adler's Personality Theory with Rudy Movie (Coursework Sample)

The contents of this reaction paper will be about the movie Rudy(1993) directed by David Anspaugh and will it explain how it is related to Alfred Adler’s personality theory. In relating it to the characters and the plot of the movie, this will be used as the framework of analysis. Adler’s personality theory consists of the following; inferiority feelings and compensation, striving for superiority, style of life, social interest, creative self, fictional finalism and birth order. All of which will be discussed how the following is related in the movie.
Ever since as a child, Rudy Ruettiger is a fan of Notre Dame Football. Along with his father Daniel who is also a Notre Dame fan. Although his dream was to be part of the Football team, he never had the means to achieve his dream because of lack of money, grades and the required physique to join the said football team. Because of this, he settled working in a local steel mill with his father and his best friend, who eventually died in an explosion at the mill.
Inferiority Feelings and Compensation
Rudy, just like every other person, has constant inferiority feelings because he was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He didn’t have the physique to join professional football, he didn’t have the money to enroll himself into college and he wasn’t intellectually capable to get a scholarship for college. Because of this, he tried to compensate for the inequality he is facing by compensating, even though he didn’t qualify for Notre Dame. He still tried get into the school by enrolling in a neighboring college hoping that he will get good grades and transfer. Eventually passing all the obstacles, Rudy became part of the team and and his dreams came true. His persistence along with the death of his bestfriend, these are one the factors on why he still keeps on moving on. These factors are drivers that influenced Rudy on not giving up.
Striving for Superiority
One of the reasons why Rudy is unique compared to any other person is his persistence to follow his dreams. This can also be related to Adler’s Striving for Superiority because Rudy strives to become one of the superior football players. In my opinion, Striving for superiority is not just trying to achieve which is superior, but also having the ability to endure the pain and trials that life gives you and still never give up. In which Rudy excels at. Having the signals that maybe football is not for him, Rudy still didn’t give up and he found ways to be part of the football team.
Style of Life
Rudy grew up in a working class family. His family and friends means so much to him. Prioritizing values over money, Rudy is the kind of person who doesn’t get dazzled by material things. Because of this, he is very down to earth and humble. He knows what to do when problems arises. Not giving up, Rudy realized after his best friend’s death that he needs to pursue his dream. So he can make everyone around him proud, while also fulfilling his own dreams. Rudy having the emotional and inspirational means to achieve his goal, he didn’t give up. Partnered with the lifestyle of not being tempted by material things, he knew what he had to do.
Social Interest
Socialization is a very important aspect of our existence, too much of being alone can drive you mad or insane. While too much of socializing can also drive you insane or mad. The social interest of every person in my own opinion should be balanced. You need to have a time for yourself, and also a time for your family and friends.
Rudy’s relationship with his family is very important, his dad becoming one of the reasons why Rudy likes football. Rudy’s ex-girlfriend became the girlfriend of his brother. Experiencing these hardships, Rudy had the psychological maturity to handle these situations.
Rudy also met many friends while pursuing his dream. One of these people is D-Bob. They agreed on a mutual relationship in which D-Bob tutors Rudy to become a better student while Rudy teaches D-Bob on how to pick up girls.
For me, the death of his best friend is one of the most psychological trauma Rudy can get. But this never stopped Rudy from giving up on life. Instead he focused his negative en...