Final answer:
A story that showcases the three stages of value maturity is 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Brontë, where the protagonist, Jane, transitions from self-concern, to concern for others, and finally to an equilibrium between the two, exemplifying her personal growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Description of Value Maturity Through a Story
The question asks for a description of a story that depicts an individual going through the three major phases of value maturity. Lifespan development is a significant theme in many narrative essays and works of fiction, where characters are shown to evolve through experiences that challenge and transform them.
A classic example of such a story is the Bildungsroman genre, which literally means 'education novel'. This genre focuses on the coming of age of a protagonist, such as in the popular Harry Potter series. Throughout these books, Harry Potter grows from a naive and unknowing orphan into a courageous and adept wizard who faces myriad challenges.
In relation to the phases of value maturity, we might consider Jane Eyre from Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre as a protagonist who develops through these stages. Initially, Jane is primarily focused on her own survival and needs, which aligns with the first stage of value maturity - self-concern. As Jane encounters new environments and characters, she begins to care deeply for others around her, such as her friend Helen Burns and her pupil Adele, demonstrating the second stage of value maturity - concern for others. Ultimately, Jane finds a balance between self-concern and concern for others, as seen in her relationships and decisions towards the end of the book, which illustrates the third stage of value maturity - equilibrium between self-concern and altruism.
While describing Jane's external adventures is crucial, it is through her internal journey - her personal growth, thoughts, and feelings - that readers witness her development. The narrative essay or story employs descriptive imagery and character development to engage readers in this transformative process.