MYTH OF DRUPADI’S CHARACTER
IN MAHABHARATA NOVEL
( AN ANALYSIS OF BARTHES THEORY APPROACH IN
LITERARY TEXT)
A THESIS
Submitted to Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for The Degree of Sarjana Sastra
By:
SWIDANTY ANNISA
Registration Number : 2113220042
ENGLISH AND LITERATURE DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF LANGUAGES AND ARTS
DECLARATION
Except where appropriately acknowledged, this thesis is my own word,
has been expressed in my own words and has not previously been submitted for
assessment.
I understand that this paper may be screened electronically or otherwise
for plagiarism.
Medan, April 2016 The Writer
LEMBAR PERSETUJUAN PEMBIMBING
Skripsi ini diajukan oleh: Swidanty Annisa, Nim: 2113220042, Jurusan Bahasa dan Sastra Inggris
Program Studi Sastra Inggris/S-1 Fakultas Bahasa dan Seni Universitas Negeri Medan
Dinyatakan telah memenuhi persyaratan untuk Memperoleh Gelar Sarjana Sastra
Medan, April 2016
Disetujui oleh: Dosen Pembimbing Skripsi
LEMBAR PENGESAHAN PANITIA UJIAN
Skripsi ini diajukan oleh: Swidanty Annisa, NIM 2113220042 Jurusan Bahasa dan Sastra Inggris
Program Studi Sastra Inggris Strata Satu Fakultas Bahasa dan Seni
Universitas Negeri Medan
Dinyatakan telah memenuhi syarat untuk memperoleh gelar Sarjana Sastra
Panitia ujian
Medan, April 2016
Ketua,
Dr. Isda Pramuniati, M.Hum. NIP. 19641207 199103 2 002
Sekretaris,
LEMBAR PENGESAHAN TIM PENGUJI
Skripsi ini telah diuji dan dinyatakan telah memenuhi persyaratan untuk memperoleh
gelar Sarjana Sastra
Medan, April 2016
Tim Penguji,
Nama Tanda Tangan
1. Prof. Dr. Sri Minda Murni, M.S. NIP. 19630525 198803 2 016
2. Syamsul Bahri, S.S, M.Hum. NIP. 19690104 200312 2 003
3. Prof. Dr. Hj. Sumarsih, M.Pd. NIP. 19581021 198303 2 002
i
ABSTRACT
Annisa, Swidanty, 2113220042. Myth of Drupadi’s Character in Mahabharata Novel (An analysis of Barthes Theory Approach in Literary Text). A Thesis, English, Department, Faculty of Languages and Arts, State University of Medan, 2016.
The study deals with the Myth of Drupadi’s Character in Mahabharata Novel ( An analysis of Barthes Theory Approach in Literary Text). The objective of this study is to identify the myth using the signified and signifier. The source of the data were Mahabharata Novel retold C. Rajagopalachari. The data were collected by sentences of novel that contain the data. The result of this study are stated as follows: interpretation was the way to specify the myth of Draupadi’s life in Barthes theory using two kinds which were signified and signifier and the second Draupadi’s character is a symbol of a tough and independent woman that can beat all obstacles in her life.
ii
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Great thanks and praise to the Almighty Allah SWT who has blessed and given the ability to the write to complete her thesis as the partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Sarjana Sastra at the English Department, Faculty of Languages and Arts, State University of Medan.
This thesis would not have been possible without the guidance and the help of several individuals who always contributed and extended their valuable assistances in the preparation and completion of this thesis. The writer’s special appreciation goes to:
Prof. Dr. Syawal Gultom, M.Pd., the Rector of State University of
Medan.
Dr. Isda Pramuniati, M.Hum., the Dean Faculty of Language and Arts,
State University of Medan.
Prof. Dr. Hj. Sumarsih, M.Pd., the Head of English and Literature
Department and her Thesis Examiners, Dra. Meisuri, M.A., the Secretary of English Department, and Syamsul Bahri, S.S, M.Hum., the Head of English Non-Educational Program and her Thesis Examiners, Faculty of Languages and Arts, State University of Medan.
Prof. Dr. Sri Minda Murni, M.S., her Thesis Supervisor.
Juli Rahmadani, S.S, M.Hum her Thesis Examiners.
Ariatna, M.A and Indra Hartoyo S.Pd., M.Hum., Winda Setia Sari S.S.,M.Hum.,and All The Lecturers who had given very valuable
knowledge through Academic years.
Beloved parents, H. Sucipto S.Pd and Ernawati Nasution for the patience, affection, prayer, financial support and taught the writer many worth things in facing the life. Thanks also given to her sisters Adinda
Ayu Layla S.E., Try Dhiyya Fajrina, her brother Dahril Satria Dandy.
Prof. Drs. H. Darmono M.Ed., for his helps, supports and prayers to the
writers finishing this thesis.
Eis Sri Wahyuningsih, M.Pd., and Pantesas the Administration Staff of
English Department for helping the writer in preparing all the fulfillment in conducting this thesis.
iii
Juli S.S., Manguhal Hutagalung, Raja Bobby Aditya, Nezayana Febriani and others that cannot be mentioned all.
All her lovely best friends Syayu Mutiara, Elvira Lubis S.I.Kom,
Maya Batubara S.Kom, Dyan Rusmiaty S.Kom, Siti Fahrisa Fatin S.Pd and Astika Utami Larassati S.Ked thanks for their support,
kindness, and care to the writer, also warm hearted encouragement friendship in finishing this thesis to the writer.
Her beloved brothers and sisters Swarman, Icha Lubis, Hasbi, Syaiful,
Anggita Kasanra, Nurul Huda, Sylvia Taruna, Arif, Kak Sri Lestari, Sidik, Nayara, Rika Wahyuni, Geby Cindy, Andika,Rizki Odonk, Trisna, Faisal, Fandiin HMJ BSI FBS UNIMED and PERAPUNG.
Thanks for their support, helps, and laughs all these years.
Her special sisters Isma Eriyanti S.Pd, Elnoviamy S.Pd, Nurhamidah
Tanjung S.Pd, Nisha Tita Mutiarni, Zhana Sabrina Amelia and Aini MelbebahwatiSaragih S.Pd the most grateful feeling for having them as
precious friends at the process of completing the thesis as they have encouraged and supported the writer to accomplish the thesis.
Her lovely teacher-friend-parent Mrs. Safithrie Sutrisno for the great love, supports, caring, advises, helps and prayers to the writer as she has become the motivation of the writer to complete the thesis.
Her beloved man Gema Arfantri Putra S.Tthe biggest gratitude for his great love, supports, caring, helps and prayers to the writer as he has become the motivation of the writer to complete the thesis.
The people who direct or indirectly contributed in this study, your kindness means a lot to her.
Medan, April 2016 The writer,
iv
A. The Background of Study... 1
B. The Problem of Study... 6
C. The Scope of Study ... 6
D. The Objective of Study... 7
E. The Significance of Study ... 7
CHAPTER II REVIEW OF LITERATURE ... 9
A. Theoretical Framework... 9
4. Semiological Roland Barthes ... 16
5. Signified and Signifier ... 186
E. Synopsis of Mahabharata ... 20
F. Draupadi’s Character... 24
CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ... 26
v
B. The Source of Data... 26
C. The Technique for Collecting Data ... 26
D. The Technique of Analyzing Data... 27
CHAPTER IV DATA ANALYSIS ... 28
A. Data ... 28
B. Data Analysis ... 28
C. Research Findings ... 37
D. Discussion ... ... 42
CHAPTER V CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION ... 44
A. Conclusion ... 44
B. Suggestion ... 45
REFERENCES... 46
1
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
Nowadays language is very important for human beings to communicate
with each other. Language plays a crucial role in expressing, exchanging and
particularly reproducing ideologies. Language is not produced in a context free
vacuum, but in discourse contexts that is constructed with the ideology of social
systems and institutions. Since language operates within this social dimension, it
tends to reflect and construct ideology. According to (Clark, 1981:1) language is
not only the principal medium that human beings use to communicate with each
other but also the links people together binds them their culture. There are so
many functions of language, some of them are to: give information, deliver
message, express feelings, persuade people, entertain people, and share opinion.
Considering those various functions of language mentioned above, in
simple word it can be concluded that language functioned as a tool of
communication. Communication itself is the activity or process of expressing
ideas and feeling or of giving information or messages (Hornby, 2000:225). It
means when people use language, they need not only to interact with others but
also to get other persons to understand their thought and feeling.
In general, communication can be divided into two forms; they are spoken
and written communication. Spoken communication means the process of
2
written communication is done in written form, available in newspaper,
brochures, letter, script, novel etc.
World of meanings and symbols have been in the spotlight for a long time
language experts. Peirce with trichotomous concept, Umberto Eco, Danesi and
Perron, Husserl era with the concept of "Voice" itself, followed by De Saussure
that states that verbal language as the language of truth, then Barthes by focusing
on studies and cultural criticism (Text), Kristeva, Derrida, and many other figures.
Barthes's many monthly contributions that were collected in
his Mythologies (1957) frequently interrogated specific cultural materials in order
to expose how bourgeois society asserted its values through them. For example,
the portrayal of wine in French society as a robust and healthy habit is a bourgeois
ideal that is contradicted by certain realities (i.e., that wine can be unhealthy and
inebriating). He found semiotics, the study of signs, useful in these interrogations.
Barthes explained that these bourgeois cultural myths were "second-order signs,"
or "connotations." A picture of a full, dark bottle is a signifier that relates to a
specific signified: a fermented, alcoholic beverage. However, the bourgeois
relates it to a new signified: the idea of healthy, robust and relaxing experience.
Motivations for such manipulations vary, from a desire to sell products to a simple
desire to maintain the status quo.
In Western culture there are a number of literary or narrative genres that
scholars have related in different ways to myths. Examples are fables, fairy tales,
3
explain why a thing is the way it is). Another form of tale, the parable, differs
from myth in its purpose and character.
Myth criticism designates not so much a critical approach in literary
studies as the convergence of several methods and forms of inquiry about the
complex relations between literature and myth. So heterogeneous are these
inquiries, connecting with so many disciplines and interdisciplinary issues, that it
is perhaps best to think of myth criticism as the locus for a series of complex, if
powerfully suggestive, questions.
Mythology is subjected to connotations and denotations since theinception
of its incorporation in the mainstream. Warner (1994 : 14) narrates:
Myths offer a lens which can be used to see human identity in its
social and culturalcontext . . . they can lock us up in stock reactions,
bigotry and fear, but they arenot immutable, and by unpicking them,
the stories can lead to others. Myths conveyvalues and expectations
which are always evolving, in the process of being formed,but . . . and
this is fortunate . . . never set so hard they cannot be changed again.
In literature, Structuralism is concerned with an analysis of texts based on
some linguistic principles. Founded on modern linguistic theory of the French
Ferdinard de Saussure, literary Structuralism attempts to define, explain and
analyse literature by concentrating on signs in a given text. On this note, there is
only a thin line of demarcation between Structuralism and Semiotics – the science
4
According to Saussure quoted from Terry Eagleton’s Literary Theory
(1996), language is:
A system of signs, which was to be studied
‘synchronically’ – that is to say as a complete system
at a given point of time – rather than ‘diachronically’
in its historical development. Each sign was to be
seen as being made up of a ‘signifier’ (second image,
or its graphic equivalent) and a ‘signified’ (the
concept of meaning).
Literary Structuralism is an attempt to apply the above linguistic paradigm to
study literature. The term connotes structures and is more concerned with the way
elements relate with one another in a literary production. The focus of this
approach is to analyze deep structures in a given literary text. It sees issues in such
a text in relation to the signs employed by a writer. Thus, “Structuralism focuses
on the text as an independent aesthetic object and also tends to detach literature
from history and social and political implications”. Jerome Beaty (2002: A18)
As laudable and science – based as Structuralism seems to be, literature
transcends an analysis of signs. Literature would not achieve its purpose of
expressing those fundamental and socio-cultural human desires that have passed
through history, if all it preoccupies itself with is an analysis of signs.
Certainly, other crucial elements demystifying the political leaders in Antigua
5
if the author’s emphases were only on the glamour of the V.C. Bird International
Airport. However, it is paradoxical to assert that literary Structuralism is an
evidence of the demystification of the monopoly of early literary theories. In other
words, it provides alternative principles for studying literature as against the
monolithic posture portrayed in the sociology of literature.
In analyzing a literary work, there are many aspect that can be explored. The
analysis of character, setting, and plot have been common aspect in literary
analysis and one of the into language aspect of analysis literary text is exploring
the myth and symbol that might appear in the text. A literary work today is a
matter of poetry, drama and prose.
A novel is a not too unorganized, fictitious narrative in prose of at least, say,
20,000 words.In simple words, we can easily define the novel as a long story in
prose. Novel is not a short story in prose; instead, it is actually an extensive and an
illustrated account of series of events that happened right through the life of a
character. Whatever may be the meaning of the novel, it is apparent that novel is a
picture-perfect image of the time of the writer. It is much the same as a mirror,
which reflects the picture of a thing put against it. Additionally, a novel reflects
the patterns, eccentricities and attributes of the contemporary age with true
colours. He does not think that the novel is a closely definable affair.
Myth has been studied for years in order to dig up more information to believe
and its implications of ethos and ideology. For instances, the myth of success had
played roles in shaping some of American people’s modern habit, opinion and
6
connoted with the attaining of materials objects but not to others’ (Arsanti : 2003).
Furthermore, it was found out that the characters in MetalGear Solid reflect the
myth of American paradox through several elements of character namely physical
traits, how he/she dresses, psychological/personality traits, motivation, behavior
/actions, relationships with other characters in the story, weaknesses/faults,
strengths/virtues, moral constitution, history and background, changes, and
similarities and differences of the characters (Purnama : 2007).
However, signifier and signify in myth of Mahabharata has never been
studied. Therefore, the researcher will present the data of signifier and signify
which are found in the myth of Mahabharata particularly in the character of
Draupadi.
B. The Problem of Study
Based on the background of this study, the research problems are formulated
as the following :
1) What is the myth of Drupadi’s life story?
2) What is the myth in Draupadi’s character?
C. The Scope of Study
This study will analyze the myth in Draupadi’s character of Mahabharata
Novel. Myth generally refers to gods or tales of human origins as the focus of
belief, the new definition includes any cultural activity that implies an ethos or
7
of the novel, the sample of data are 6 selected (Chapter 13. Drona, 17. Draupadi's
Swayamvaram, 18. Indraprastha, 28. Krishna's Vow, 29. Pasupata, and 44. Virtue
Vindicated ) which are selected based on the frequent used of myth. The writer
uses Roland Barthes’s theory to identify myths that is found on Mahabharata
characters or setting especially in Draupadi's character and also in relation to the
problem stated above, the writer focuses the study on describing how the myth
can influence the citizen with their life.
D. The Objective of Study
In relation to the problem mentioned, the objectives of the study are :
1) To find out and describe the way to specify value of myth in Draupadi’s
character.
2) To give some information about myth value in Draupadi’s character and to
enrich the knowledge of people about myth itself..
E. The Significance of Study
The results of the study are expected to :
1) Theoretically provide information about myth, especially for the students of
literature who study about myths.
2) Practically give information about myth to teachers who teach the student in
8
3) Show the readers and the researchers about myth values from characters and
setting in “Mahabharata” novel that reflect the characteristic of human being
44
objects. Semiology theory of Roland Barthes (1915-1980) is obviously
very closely with semiology theory of Ferdinand de Saussure (1857-1913).
The difference, as the father of semiotics Saussure states that "language is
a sign system" is more dichotomous. While Barthes more triadic with the
three elements namely the signifier, signified, and sign. Additionally
semiotic move wider. Seeing this we can compared Barthes semiotic with
Peirce also is triadic: sign, object, interpertant. The parallel is their use of
semiotics in many areas. For Peirce to be underlined is the aspect of
interpretation. Each sign can be interpreted on an ongoing basis. But for
the two figures Roland Barthes and Peirce, semiotics or semiology is the
tool for critical thinking. When Barthes said we should elaborate myth,
Pierce said that we have to decipher the text.
Interpretation was the way to specify the value of myth in
Draupadi’s character in Barthes theory using two kinds which were
signified and signifier. Example like this sentences Draupadi shone with
45
sentences had signifier and signified. The signifier of this sentences was :
Draupadi’s Agreement to accept Arjuna and for signified was “The way
Draupadi accepted Arjuna as his husband has a relation with making
right decision. She succeeded in following her own instinct. This can be
concluded that in making a right decision in tough time, we have to trust
ourselves and follow what our heart tells us to do. Draupadi proves that in
choosing her husband she has to follow her heart with a believe that the
man she chose would be the right man for her.
In modern life, all women have to apply the Draupadi’s character
in their life to face out the world. Nowadays, so many crimes can threaten
women’s life. By having an ability to do a self-defense, all women can
struggle in passing every phase in their life.
Finally, it can be concluded that Draupadi’s character is a symbol
of a tough and independent woman that can beat all obstacles in her life.
B. Suggestion
In studying literature, character should be considered important as
it can being the readers to the theme of the story. It is also useful for the
readers to know the meaning of the people character in the novel or story.
To deepen the understanding about meaning of characterization of
characters the author used the barthes’ theory to described myth meaning
46
More researches and references in different comprehension of
signified – signifier are also needed in order to get deeper understanding
about myth. The researches also expects that the readers will be interested
in discussing other young-adult literature to gain more sources to conduct
46
REFERENCES
Arsanti, RirisEko. (2003). A Thesis of The American Myth as Reflected by John
Grisham in His Best Seller Novel ‘The Firm’.Surakarta :UniversitasSebelasMaret.
Barthes, Roland (1991) MYTHOLGIES.New York - The Noonday Press.
Barthes, Roland (2007). Petualangan Semiologi. Yogyakarta: Pustaka Pelajar.
Barthes, R. 1967. Denotation and Conotation dalam Element of Semiology, London:Jonatahan Cape.
Chandler, Daniel (2012) Semiotics For Beginner. http://visual-memory.co.uk/daniel/Documents/S4B/sem06.html (Accesed on 13-04-2015. 11:44).
Clark, Virginia P. (1981). Language Introductory Readings (thirdedition). New
York: St. Martin’s Press.
Creswell, J. (1994). Research design: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. London: Sage.
Cobley, Paul dan Jansz, Litza. (2002). Semiotika for Beginneres. Bandung. Mizan
Hoed, Benny H (2014). Semiotik & Dinamika Sosial Budaya : Ferdinand de Saussure, Roland Barthes, Julia Kristeva, Jacques Derrida, Charles Sanders Pierce, Marcel Danesi & Paul Prron, dll. Depok : Komunitas
https://courses.nus.edu.sg/course/elljwp/structuralism.htm (Accessed on May 24th 2015)
47
Magoulick, M. (n.d.). What is Myth? from, (Accessed on April 2nd 2016) https://faculty.gcsu.edu/
Octarini,Dewi (2004) Mitos Perempuan Dalam Film 7 Hati 7 Cinta 7 Wanita Karya Robby Ertanto (Suatu Pendekatan Semiotik). Solo : Universitas Sebelas Maret.
Peirce, C.S. 1955. "Logic as Semiotic: The Theory of Signs" in J. Buchler, Ed., Philosophical Writings of Peirce. New York: Dover.
Purnama, SF Lukfianka Sanjaya (2007). A Thesis of TheMyth of American Paradoxas Reflected through The Characters of Metal Gear Solid. Surakarta : Universitas SebelasMaret.
Selden, Raman (1993). Panduan Pembaca Teori Sastra Masa Kini. Yogyakarta: Gajah Mada University Press.
Sharma, Bhavna. (2015). Mythic Re-vision of Prathibha Ray’s Yajnaseni: The Story of Draupadi. International Journal of English Language, Literature and Humanities.
Trifonas, Pieter Pericles. (2003). Barthes dan Imperium Yanda. Yogyakarta. Jendela.
Wellek& Warren. (1977). Theory of Literature. Jakarta: PT Gramedia.
BIOGRAPHY
The writer’s name is Swidanty Annisa. She was born on October, 03rd
1993 in Medan and North Sumatera. People usually call her Danty. She is the
first daughter of H. Sucipto S.Pd and Ernawati Nasution. She has two sisters,
Adinda Ayu Layla and Try Dhiyya Fajrina and a brother, Dahril Satria Dandy.
Her formal education started from primary school in SD Swasta Eria
Medan (1999-2005) . Then, she continued her education in SMP Swasta Eria
Medan (2005-2008). After that, she finished her Senior High School in SMA
Swasta Eria Medan (2008- 2011). Then 2011, she studied on English Literature
Program at State University of Medan and she got her Sarjana Sastra in 2016.
Medan, April 2016 The writer,
