Name : Nisa Purnama
NIM : 107026001463
Thesis Title : Masculinity in Seven Pounds Movie _________________________________________________
Synopsis of the Thesis A. Background of the Study
Literature is a reflection of civilization in human life. The progress of a
civilization can be seen from the appreciation of a literary work. One type of
literature that gets much attention from the public is a movie. The movie has a lot
of understanding of each means that can be described extensively. Movie is a
medium of social communication that is formed from the merger of the two
senses, sight and hearing, which has a core or theme of a story that many express
social realities of the environment around the place where the movie itself grows.1
One of the movies that got people's attention, especially in the year 2008
was Seven Pounds movie. The movie was released on December 19, 2008. This movie was directed by Gabriele Muccino. The movie has drama genre and
starring Will Smith as the main character. This movie tells of a man, Tim Thomas
(Will Smith) who has a tragic experience with his girlfriend, played by Sarah
Jenson (Robinne Lee).
In general, the masculine is defined as something that has the properties of
masculinity, whether in the form of personality, behavior, occupation, or other
objects. For example, aggressive, dominant, ambitious, without emotion, motor
racing, ride a big motorcycle, guns, boxing, body building, construction workers,
1
truck drivers, are the things that are considered masculine. Masculine today has
undergone changes in many aspects. The first assumption of masculine is a strong
man, brave, look for the livelihood in the outside of home and others, and not
related to women’s matters. Masculinity is the quality of being masculine.2 The
main character in Seven Pounds movie shows masculinity. For example, Tim
Thomas has a muscular body, it describes that he is strong. He also has the others
characteristics of masculinity.
From the explanation above the writer wants to analyze masculinity that
showed by the main character, Tim Thomas in Seven Pounds movie.
B. Focus of the Study
Based on the background of the study, the writer restricts the research on
characterization of the main character and analysis of the masculinity as the
representation by the main character in Seven Pounds movie.
C. Research Question
Based on focus of the study, there is one question for discussion, that is:
What types of masculinity are showed by Tim Thomas in Seven Pounds movie
based on Janet Saltzman Chafetz’s concept?
2
D. Benefit of the Study
This research is expected to increase the repertory of scientific field
studies and literary criticism to become more diverse and varied. In addition, the
results of this study are expected to provide the accurate information and suitable
description about the characterization of the main character and masculinity that
represented by the characterization of the main character in Seven Pounds movie.
E. Research Methodology 1. Objective of the Study
In general, this study aims to determine the relationship between the
characterization of the main character and masculinity in Seven Pounds movie.
Specifically the aim of the study is: to know how the characterization of Tim
Thomas in Seven Pound movie and what the masculinity that showed by Tim
Thomas in Seven Pounds movie is analyzed based on Janet Saltzman Chafetz’s
concept.
2. Method of the Research
Based on the formulation of the problem and aim of the research, the
methods that will be used is a qualitative method which is analyzes the data that
have been collected in the form of words and not in the form of numbers.
3. Data Analysis Technique
The collected data will be analyzed with the theory of character and
analyzed by using the Janet Saltzman Chafetz’s concept of masculinity. Finally,
the data will be analyzed through “Descriptive Analyzes Technique”.
4. Research Instrument
The study uses the researcher as the main instrument to obtain qualitative
data about the characterization of the main character in a way to watch movies
repeatedly, identify, and provide notes that can give more information about the
characterization and masculinity.
5. Unit of Analysis
The unit of analysis in this study is Seven Pounds movie, which was
released on December 19, 2008. This movie was directed by Gabriele Muccino.
There is a main man character that represents the identity as the only man in the
movie.
6. Place and Time
This research will be conducted in 2010 in English Letters Department, Faculty of
Adab and Humanities, “Syarif Hidayatullah” State Islamic University. The
activities include the preparation, data collection and analysis, as well as writing
the report.
F. Theoretical Framework
1. Character and Characterization a. Stock Characters and Stereotypes
the film simply because the situation demands their presence. They serve
as a natural part of the setting, much as stage properties like a lamp or a
chair might function in a play. Stereotypes, however, are characters of
somewhat greater importance to the film. They fit into preconceived
patterns of behavior common to or representative of a large number of
people, at least a large number of fictional people.
b. Static and Developing Characters
Developing characters are deeply affected by the action of the plot and undergo some important change in personality, attitude, or
outlook on life as a result of the action of the story. Static characters
remain essentially the same throughout the film. The action does not
have an important effect on their lives (as might generally be the case
with the hero of an action/adventure film). Or they are insensitive to the
meaning of the action and thus are not capable of growth or change.
c. Flat and Round Characters
Flat characters are two-dimensional, predictable characters who lack the complexity and unique qualities associated with psychological
depth. They often tend to be representative character types rather than
flesh-and-blood human beings. Unique, individualistic characters who
categorized are called round characters or three-dimensional characters.3
Characterization
Besides the characters, the other elements which are also very important
in the drama are the characterization. Characters are clearly different with
characterization. If the characters are all individuals or figures in the story, the
characterization is the way how the author shows the figures. The author displays
those characters through several images such as dialogue, behavior, movement,
and so on.
1. Characterization Through Appearance
Because most film actors project certain qualities of character the minute
they appear on the screen, characterization in film has a great deal to do with
casting. A major aspect of film characterization is revealed visually and
instantaneously. Although some actors may be versatile enough to project
completely different qualities in different roles, most actors are not. The minute
we see most actors on the screen, we make certain assumptions about them
because of their facial features, dress, physical build, and mannerisms and the way
they move. Our first visual impression may be proven erroneous as the story
progresses, but it is certainly an important means of establishing character.
2. Characterization Through Dialogue
Characters in a fictional film naturally reveal a great deal about
themselves by what they say. But a great deal is also revealed by how they say it.
Their true thoughts, attitudes, and emotions can be revealed in subtle ways
through word choice and through the stress, pitch, and pause patterns of their
speech. Actors’ use of grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, and particular
dialects (if any) reveals a great deal about their characters’ social and economic
level, educational background, and mental processes.
3. Characterization Through External Action
Although appearance is an important measure of a character’s
personality, appearances are often misleading. Perhaps the best reflections of
character are a person’s actions. It must be assumed, of course, that real characters
are more than mere instruments of the plot, that they do what they do for a
purpose, out of motives that are consistent with their overall personality. Thus,
there should be a clear relationship between a character and his or her actions; the
actions should grow naturally out of the character’s personality.
4. Characterization Through Internal Action
There is an inner world of action that normally remains unseen and
unheard by even the most careful observer/listener. Yet the dimension of human
nature that this world embraces is often essential to a real understanding of a
of secret, unspoken thoughts, daydreams, aspirations, memories, fears, and
fantasies. People’s hopes, dreams, and aspirations can be as important to an
understanding of their character as any real achievement, and their fears and
insecurities can be more terrible to them than any real catastrophic failure.
5. Characterization Through Reactions of Other Characters
The way other characters view a person often serves as an excellent
means of characterization. Sometimes, a great deal of information about a
character is already provided through such means before the character first
appears on the screen.4
6. Characterization Through Contrast: Dramatic Foils
One of the most effective techniques of characterization is the use of foils
– contrasting characters whose behavior, attitudes, opinions, lifestyle, physical
appearance, and so on are the opposite of those of the main characters.
7. Characterization Through Caricature and Leitmotif
In order to etch a character quickly and deeply in our minds and
memories, actors often exaggerate or distort one or more dominant features or
personality traits. This device is called caricature (from the technique used in
cartooning). A similar means of characterization, leitmotif, is the repetition of a
single phrase or idea by a character until it becomes almost a trademark or theme
song for that character. Because it essentially exaggerates and emphasizes
(through repetition), such a device acts very much like caricature.
8. Characterization Through Choice of Name
One important method of characterization is the use of names possessing
appropriate qualities of sound, meaning, or connotation. This technique is known
as name typing. Because a great deal of thought goes into the choice of names, they should not be taken for granted but should be carefully examined for the
connotations they communicate. The connotations of some names, such as Dick
Tracy, are rather obvious and clear: Dick is slang for detective; Tracy derives
from the fact that detectives trace criminals.5
2. Janet Saltzman Chafetz’s Concept of Masculinity
Masculinity is characteristics, pattern, orientation and tendency that build
statement quotation male identity.6 It described that men are explicit, rational,
aggressive and intelligent. Masculinity also described as a traditional value from
men’s attitude or men’s behavior that believes courtesy and morals in public.
Manhood is sometimes used as a synonym for masculinity. The antonym
of masculinity is femininity; femininity in men is sometimes called effeminacy. In
some cultures masculinity may be an indicator of social status as much as wealth,
race or social class. In western culture, for example, greater masculinity usually
brings greater social status for males among their peers. Many English words such
5
Ibid. pp. 54-57.
6
as virtue and virile (all from the Latin vir meaning man) reflect this. An association with physical and/or moral strength is implied. Masculinity is
associated more commonly with men than with boys.
Janet Saltzman Chafetz describes seven areas of traditional masculinity
in Western culture. The first is the image of men’s physical; it concerns virile,
athletic, strong, brave and unconcerned about appearance and aging, it describes
masculinity characteristic from men body whether it is virile and athletic, also
men power such as strong and brave. He is not afraid of anything and he is a
savior for his women, relatives, and himself. The second is the image of men’s
functional, it concerns breadwinner, provider, it is about men as family’s
backbone or for himself. The third is the image of men’s sexual desire, it concerns
sexually aggressive than woman, experienced and in society, they accept single
status. The fourth is the image of men’s emotional; men usually can stoic their
emotional (men having self-control emotion). The fifth is the image of men’s
intellectual, it concerns of logical, intellectual, rational, objective, and practical.
The sixth is the image of men’s interpersonal, it concerns of become a leader, dominating, disciplinarian, more independent, individualistic (applies to western
societies). Then, seventh is the other men’s personal characteristics, it is
concerning of success-oriented, ambitious; proud, egoistical (applies to some
societies); , moral, trustworthy; decisive, competitive, adventurous.7
G. Research Finding 1. Data Description
Seven Pounds movie has the only man main character named Tim Thomas. Tim Thomas represents the masculinity in this movie. From the movie
there are some corpuses to analysis.
No Corpus Scene Explanatory Characterization
2. Data Analysis
The character of Tim Thomas in Seven Pounds movie is independent and
consistency. The writer uses the Janet Saltzman Chafetz’s concept of masculinity
to analyze this movie. Analysis divided into seven areas based on Janet Saltzman
Chafetz’s concept of masculinity. The writer is going to analyze the masculinity
that showed by Tim Thomas in Seven Pounds movie from the scenes and the
character’s dialogue.
A. Physical
Physic means body, which is important of human performance. It is also
related with health and sexy body which is appearing proud and confidence.
Based on Janet’s concept; physical concerns virile, athletic, strong, brave, and
unconcerned about appearance and aging, it describes masculinity characteristic
from men body whether it is virile and athletic, also men power such as strong and
brave. He is not afraid of anything and he is a savior for his women, relatives, and
himself. Tim Thomas is represented as a middle age man, who has strong body. It
can be seen from his athletic and muscular body. Tim Thomas is represented as a
man with a short black hair, black skin and he does not wear any accessories like
earring or necklace. The way his stand looks sturdy and brawny. Beside of the
muscular body Tim also a brave man. He is brave to do something that he never
does before. Tim has a mission to redeem his mistake that he tries to help seven
B. Function
The movie represents the culture of men function as breadwinner or
provider for their family or for himself. Based on Janet’s concept, it is about men
as family’s backbone or for him. Tim is a provider for himself. As a tax collector,
it gives Tim Thomas salary to fulfill his needs. He lives alone in the beach house.
He does not depend on the other person, even his brother. He can stand alone. He
is doing alone at all.
C. Sexual Aggressive
Sexual means intimacy or desire relationship with the opposite sex.
Based on Janet’s concept, it concerns sexually aggressive than woman,
experienced and in society they accept single status. Tim Thomas is not sexual
aggressive but he is a man who appreciates the women and he tries to keep the
relationship with his relatives. He always tries to do anything to get an apology
from his partner when he had a problem. He takes the initiative to get women’s
attention and then he can do something that he should do. Finally he was able to
melt the heart of a woman. Tim Thomas is a man who accepts the single status.
He is not concern about it. He is only thinking about how to redeem his mistake.
D. Emotional
Emotion is a strong feeling of any kinds of love, joy, hate, fear, and
jealously. Emotional means showing a feeling of angry or emotion, belong to
Actually he was feeling sad and depressed with the problem. He was devastated
by the incident which is his mistake. But Tim could hide everything calmly.
Nobody really knows, except his brother. He is calm in its mission to help seven
people. Seven Pounds shows the character of Tim Thomas who has self-control.
Tim Thomas also has a quiet emotion. It is seen that he looks calm to face his
problem. Tim is also able to control the emotion or his passion to love Emily. He
can control it all and it made him hesitate to continue its mission.
E. Intellectual
Intellectual is connected with a person’s powers of reasoning. Belong to
Janet’s concept; intellectual includes logical, rational, objective and practical. As a
Tim Thomas, who works in a corporate tax, it includes an intellectual person. He
is well-educated. He was reached the level of university education. Tim Thomas is
a smart in doing approach to every person who would he help. Tim Thomas is
able to make their hearts feel very close to him. He is able to control their
emotions. He know how he should do when he dealing with them. Tim also shows
logical and rational. Tim was brave to make a decision to help seven people that
can hurt him. Based on his reasoning he have to do it because he killed seven
people in the accident. That is his mistake and he would do something to redeem
F. Interpersonal
Personal means relating to an individual, his character, conduct, motives,
or private affairs. And interpersonal means existing or done between two or more
people where one of them can be leader and dominant. Based on Janet’s concept,
the interpersonal is a leader, dominant, discipline, independent, and individual.
Tim Thomas is showed as a leader in his work. This is also seen in its mission to
help seven people. He tried every way how to help them. He set all the way with
his own way. He also asked his friend to help him in doing his mission in order to
run well. Tim Thomas is a kind of an independent and individual person. He lived
alone. Although he has a brother but he did not want to stay with him. Even when
his house has been given to others, he stayed at the motel and Ben did not know it.
He did not want to rely on his brother to stay with him. He also made his entire
mission alone. Although there are suggestions from some friends, but in his
actions Tim Thomas always set up and run it.
G. Other Personal Characteristics
Men have strong characteristic through Janet’s concept, it includes of
success-orientation, ambitious, proud, egoistical, moral, trustworthy, decisive,
competitive and adventurous. The movie represents the characteristic through Tim
Thomas character. Tim Thomas as success oriented person who do his mission
successfully; he can face the problem in his life. Tim Thomas is a kind of
trustworthy man. Tim Thomas is ambitious. Tim is very ambitious to do his
did not know the risks. He is very confident to do that, even if the risk is very hard
for Tim Thomas. Adventure does not mean just an adventure from one place to
another place. But it can mean brave in doing risk. An adventure is defined as an
exciting or unusual experience; it may also be a bold, usually risky undertaking, with an uncertain outcome.8Tim Thomas is adventurous. It is seen from the way he is responsible for the mistakes he had done. He dared to do anything to redeem
his mistake. It started with he helped her brother to donate lobes of his lungs. He
donated his heart to Emily Posa, his cornea to Ezra, the right of his liver to Holly,
his kidney to George Ristucia, his bone marrow to Nicholas and he gave his home
to Connie. All this he did without any concern for the fate of his own. All of that
is very high risk and hurt himself; even it is the reason for he is being suicide.
H. Conclusion and Suggestion 1. Conslusion
The writer analyses the Masculinity in Seven Pounds movie that is on the
how the masculinity of Tim Thomas is represented in Seven Pounds movie based
on Janet Saltzman Chafetz’s concept of masculinity. This research is to describe
the masculinity through the main character “Tim Thomas”. Seven Pounds movie
represents traditional masculinity than modern masculinity. The traditional
masculinity is based on Janet’s concept that consists of seven areas; they are
physic, function, sexual aggressive, emotion, intellectual, interpersonal and other
8
personal characteristics. The writer found that masculinity is shown by the main character that using Janet Saltzman Chafetz’s concept.
2. Suggestion
In analyzing the masculine characteristics, the writer suggests to the other
researchers to develop their knowledge the concepts of masculinity that will help
the issue of movie. Through this study, the writer hopes that this paper can be
useful to all students who want to study in depth about the masculinity. Finally,
the writer hopes that this study will be useful the future improvement of studying
masculinity, especially for the students of English Letters Department who want
1
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
Literature is a form of human expression; it gives a big contribution for
development of science and art for many years until now. From literature people
not only know the way to express what their feelings, emotion and their
experience, but also open their mind about their culture or another country’s
culture. Besides that literature is the main center of written works such as drama,
short story, novel, and poetry.1 Literature is a reflection of civilization in human
life. The progress of a civilization can be seen from the appreciation of a literary
work. One type of literature that gets much attention from the public is a movie.
The movie has a lot of understanding of each means that can be described
extensively. Movie is a medium of social communication that is formed from the
merger of the two senses, sight and hearing, which has a core or theme of a story
that many express social realities of the environment around the place where the
movie itself grows.2
One of the movies that got people's attention, especially in the year 2008
was Seven Pounds movie. The movie was released on December 19, 2008. This movie was directed by Gabriele Muccino. The movie has drama genre and
starring Will Smith as the main character. This movie tells of a man, Tim Thomas
1
Chris Baldick, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms (New York: Oxford University Press, 1990), p.25
2
2
(Will Smith) who has a tragic experience with his girlfriend, played by Sarah
Jenson (Robinne Lee). When they are in travel, they suddenly have an accident
that causing 6 people were killed and his girlfriend was also killed. How sad that
Tim Thomas when he knew his girlfriend was killed and he thought that he had
killed his happiness only on 7 seconds. During that time, Tim decided to make
atonement for his mistake for the accident which causing 7 people killed. He
decided to help the 7 life’s strangers, even though he was not familiar with them.
He started redemption accident by donating lung lobe to his brother, Ben Thomas
(Michael Ealy). Six months later he donates part of his liver to a child services
worker named Holly (Judyann Elder). After that, he begins searching for more
candidates to receive donations. He finds George (Bill Smitrovich), a junior
hockey coach, and donates a kidney to him, and donates bone marrow to a young
boy named Nicholas (Quintin Kelley). Then, Tim continued to search for the next
other people who deserve his helps.
Character is one of the intrinsic elements contain in literary works. The
term 'character' is usually used in two contexts. The first context, the characters
refer to individuals who appear in the story. The second context, it refers to the
mixing of characters from various interests, desires, emotions, and moral
principles of the individual.3 Characters in a story must have a characterization.
Characterization describes the character or physical condition, psychological and
sociological of the character.
3
Characterization describes the detail how the actual character. Based on
these reasons, the writer wants to analyze the characterization of the main
character. The main character in this movie is a man, and the character of this man
represents masculine character. Masculine is considered typical of men and
feminine is considered typical of women. In essence the nature of a man is above
the female. Men tend to do things or work outside the home, while women work
at home or take care of the household. Although it has now undergone many
aspects of change, but the actual nature of man is to become a leader for women.
In general, the masculine is defined as something that has the properties of
masculinity, whether in the form of personality, behavior, occupation, or other
objects. For example, aggressive, dominant, ambitious, without emotion, motor
racing, ride a big motorcycle, guns, boxing, body building, construction workers,
truck drivers, are the things that are considered masculine. Masculine today has
undergone changes in many aspects. The first assumption of masculine is a strong
man, brave, look for the livelihood in the outside of home and others, and not
related to women’s matters. Masculinity is the quality of being masculine.4 The
main character in Seven Pounds movie shows masculinity. For example, Tim
Thomas has a muscular body, it describes that he is strong. He also has the others
characteristics of masculinity.
From the explanation above the writer wants to analyze masculinity that
showed by the main character, Tim Thomas in Seven Pounds movie.
4
4
B. Focus of the Study
Based on the background of the study, the writer restricts the research on
characterization of the main character and analysis of the masculinity as the
representation by the main character in Seven Pounds movie.
C. Research Question
Based on focus of the study, there is one question for discussion, that is:
What types of masculinity are showed by Tim Thomas in Seven Pounds movie
based on Janet Saltzman Chafetz’s concept?
D. Benefit of the Study
This research is expected to increase the repertory of scientific field
studies and literary criticism to become more diverse and varied. In addition, the
results of this study are expected to provide the accurate information and suitable
description about the characterization of the main character and masculinity that
represented by the characterization of the main character in Seven Pounds movie.
E. Research Methodology 1. Objective of the Study
In general, this study aims to determine the relationship between the
characterization of the main character and masculinity in Seven Pounds movie.
Specifically the aim of the study is: to know how the characterization of Tim
5
Thomas in Seven Pounds movie is analyzed based on Janet Saltzman Chafetz’s
concept.
2. Method of the Research
Based on the formulation of the problem and aim of the research, the
methods that will be used is a qualitative method which is analyzes the data that
have been collected in the form of words and not in the form of numbers.
3. Data Analysis Technique
The collected data will be analyzed with the theory of character and
characterization to reveal the main character. The collected data will also be
analyzed by using the Janet Saltzman Chafetz’s concept of masculinity. Finally,
the data will be analyzed through “Descriptive Analyzes Technique”.
4. Research Instrument
The study uses the researcher as the main instrument to obtain qualitative
data about the characterization of the main character in a way to watch movies
repeatedly, identify, and provide notes that can give more information about the
characterization and masculinity.
5. Unit of Analysis
The unit of analysis in this study is Seven Pounds movie, which was
released on December 19, 2008. This movie was directed by Gabriele Muccino.
There is a main man character that represents the identity as the only man in the
movie.
6. Place and Time
This research will be conducted in 2010 in English Letters Department,
6
The activities include the preparation, data collection and analysis, as well as
7
CHAPTER II
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
A. Character and Characterization
One of the basic elements in a movie is the characters. With other
elements, the characters build a story. Without the character there will not be a
plot and there is no story. The relationship between plot and character is a vital
and necessary one. Without character there would be no plot and, hence, no story.5
When we tell about the character in terms of literary analysis, we
basically have to consider three separate but closely linked. We must note, first,
the ability to build the character and personality of the character itself, and the
ability to understand the main identification intellectual, emotional, and moral
qualities. Second, we must consider the methods and techniques that authors use
to create, develop, and provide character to the reader. Third, we are concern with
whether the characters are presented so credible and convincing.
The term applies to the character of each individual in the literature. For
the purposes of analysis, the characters in fiction commonly described in relation
to the character itself with plot, with the character development level given by the
author, and with whether they occurring or not a significant change in character.6
5
James H. Pickering and Jeffrey D. Hoeper, Concise Companion to Literature (New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., 1981), p. 23
6
8
If we are not interested in a film’s most human elements-its
characters-there is little chance that will be interested in the film as a whole. For the most
part, the characters in a story are believable in the same way that the story is
believable. In other words, they conform to be laws of probability and necessity
(by reflecting externally observable truths about human nature), they conform to
some inner truth (man as we want him to be), or they are made to seem real by the
convincing art of the actor. If characters are truly credible, it is almost impossible
to remain completely neutral toward them.7
1. Stock Characters and Stereotypes
Stock characters are minor characters whose actions are completely predictable or typical of their job or profession. They are in
the film simply because the situation demands their presence. They serve
as a natural part of the setting, much as stage properties like a lamp or a
chair might function in a play. Stereotypes, however, are characters of
somewhat greater importance to the film. They fit into preconceived
patterns of behavior common to or representative of a large number of
people, at least a large number of fictional people.
2. Static and Developing Characters
Developing characters are deeply affected by the action of the plot and undergo some important change in personality, attitude, or
9
outlook on life as a result of the action of the story. Static characters
remain essentially the same throughout the film. The action does not
have an important effect on their lives (as might generally be the case
with the hero of an action/adventure film). Or they are insensitive to the
meaning of the action and thus are not capable of growth or change.
3. Flat and Round Characters
Flat characters are two-dimensional, predictable characters who lack the complexity and unique qualities associated with psychological
depth. They often tend to be representative character types rather than
flesh-and-blood human beings. Unique, individualistic characters who
have some degree of complexity and ambiguity and who cannot easily be
categorized are called round characters or three-dimensional
characters.8
Characterization
Besides the characters, the other elements which are also very important
in the drama are the characterization. Characters are clearly different with
characterization. If the characters are all individuals or figures in the story, the
characterization is the way how the author shows the figures. The author displays
those characters through several images such as dialogue, behavior, movement,
and so on.
8
10
1. Characterization Through Appearance
Because most film actors project certain qualities of character the minute
they appear on the screen, characterization in film has a great deal to do with
casting. A major aspect of film characterization is revealed visually and
instantaneously. Although some actors may be versatile enough to project
completely different qualities in different roles, most actors are not. The minute
we see most actors on the screen, we make certain assumptions about them
because of their facial features, dress, physical build, and mannerisms and the way
they move. Our first visual impression may be proven erroneous as the story
progresses, but it is certainly an important means of establishing character.
2. Characterization Through Dialogue
Characters in a fictional film naturally reveal a great deal about
themselves by what they say. But a great deal is also revealed by how they say it.
Their true thoughts, attitudes, and emotions can be revealed in subtle ways
through word choice and through the stress, pitch, and pause patterns of their
speech. Actors’ use of grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, and particular
dialects (if any) reveals a great deal about their characters’ social and economic
level, educational background, and mental processes.
3. Characterization Through External Action
Although appearance is an important measure of a character’s
11
are more than mere instruments of the plot, that they do what they do for a
purpose, out of motives that are consistent with their overall personality. Thus,
there should be a clear relationship between a character and his or her actions; the
actions should grow naturally out of the character’s personality.
4. Characterization Through Internal Action
There is an inner world of action that normally remains unseen and
unheard by even the most careful observer/listener. Yet the dimension of human
nature that this world embraces is often essential to a real understanding of a
character. Inner action occurs within characters’ minds and emotions and consists
of secret, unspoken thoughts, daydreams, aspirations, memories, fears, and
fantasies. People’s hopes, dreams, and aspirations can be as important to an
understanding of their character as any real achievement, and their fears and
insecurities can be more terrible to them than any real catastrophic failure.
5. Characterization Through Reactions of Other Characters
The way other characters view a person often serves as an excellent
means of characterization. Sometimes, a great deal of information about a
character is already provided through such means before the character first
appears on the screen.9
9
12
6. Characterization Through Contrast: Dramatic Foils
One of the most effective techniques of characterization is the use of foils
– contrasting characters whose behavior, attitudes, opinions, lifestyle, physical
appearance, and so on are the opposite of those of the main characters.
7. Characterization Through Caricature and Leitmotif
In order to etch a character quickly and deeply in our minds and
memories, actors often exaggerate or distort one or more dominant features or
personality traits. This device is called caricature (from the technique used in
cartooning). A similar means of characterization, leitmotif, is the repetition of a
single phrase or idea by a character until it becomes almost a trademark or theme
song for that character. Because it essentially exaggerates and emphasizes
(through repetition), such a device acts very much like caricature.
8. Characterization Through Choice of Name
One important method of characterization is the use of names possessing
appropriate qualities of sound, meaning, or connotation. This technique is known
as name typing. Because a great deal of thought goes into the choice of names, they should not be taken for granted but should be carefully examined for the
connotations they communicate. The connotations of some names, such as Dick
Tracy, are rather obvious and clear: Dick is slang for detective; Tracy derives
13
B. Janet Saltzman Chafetz’s Concept of Masculinity
Masculine or masculinity of the French language, masculinine is an
adjective, adjective which means "kepriaan" or indicate the nature of males. The
antonym is feminine. This term is different from the "kejantanan" (which
opponents said was "kebetinaan"). 11 Masculinity is characteristics, pattern,
orientation and tendency that build statement quotation male identity.12 It
described that men are explicit, rational, aggressive and intelligent. Masculinity
also described as a traditional value from men’s attitude or men’s behavior that
believes courtesy and morals in public.
Manhood is sometimes used as a synonym for masculinity. The antonym
of masculinity is femininity; femininity in men is sometimes called effeminacy. In
some cultures masculinity may be an indicator of social status as much as wealth,
race or social class. In western culture, for example, greater masculinity usually
brings greater social status for males among their peers. Many English words such
as virtue and virile (all from the Latin vir meaning man) reflect this. An association with physical and/or moral strength is implied. Masculinity is
associated more commonly with men than with boys.
Janet Saltzman Chafetz describes seven areas of traditional masculinity
in Western culture. The first is the image of men’s physical; it concerns virile,
athletic, strong, brave and unconcerned about appearance and aging, it describes
masculinity characteristic from men body whether it is virile and athletic, also
men power such as strong and brave. He is not afraid of anything and he is a
11
http://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maskulinitas Accessed on January 2, 2010.
12
14
savior for his women, relatives, and himself. The second is the image of men’s
functional, it concerns breadwinner, provider, it is about men as family’s
backbone or for himself. The third is the image of men’s sexual desire, it concerns
sexually aggressive than woman, experienced and in society, they accept single
status. The fourth is the image of men’s emotional; men usually can stoic their
emotional (men having self-control emotion). The fifth is the image of men’s
intellectual, it concerns of logical, intellectual, rational, objective, and practical.
The sixth is the image of men’s interpersonal, it concerns of become a leader, dominating, disciplinarian, more independent, individualistic (applies to western
societies). Then, seventh is the other men’s personal characteristics, it is
concerning of success-oriented, ambitious; proud, egoistical (applies to some
15
there are some corpuses to analysis.
No Corpus Scene Explanatory Characterization
19
B. Data Analysis
The character of Tim Thomas in Seven Pounds movie is independent and
consistency. The writer uses the Janet Saltzman Chafetz’s concept of masculinity
to analyze this movie. Analysis divided into seven areas based on Janet Saltzman
Chafetz’s concept of masculinity. The writer is going to analyze the masculinity
that showed by Tim Thomas in Seven Pounds movie from the scenes and the
character’s dialogue.
1. Physical
Physic means body, which is important of human performance. It is also
related with health and sexy body which is appearing proud and confidence.
Based on Janet’s concept; physical concerns virile, athletic, strong, brave, and
unconcerned about appearance and aging, it describes masculinity characteristic
from men body whether it is virile and athletic, also men power such as strong and
brave. He is not afraid of anything and he is a savior for his women, relatives, and
himself. Tim Thomas is represented as a middle age man, who has strong body. It
can be seen from his athletic and muscular body. His athletic physic is shown in
his shoulder, arm and chest. The way of his stand shows a bravery man. Tim
Thomas is represented as a man with a short black hair, black skin and he does not
wear any accessories like earring or necklace. The way his stand looks sturdy and
20
P
Picture 1 Picture 2
Beside of the muscular body Tim also a brave man. He is brave to do
something that he never does before. Tim has a mission to redeem his mistake that
he tries to help seven peoples who even he does not know. One of his efforts is to
donate bone marrow to Nicholas. He is so brave man. If he does this, it will be a
big risk to his body and also his health. The doctor says that he is a brave man,
when they are in the hospital. The doctor took his blood as a procedure and he is
just hold the pain.
Doctor : No anesthetic. You ever donated bone marrow before? You're a brave guy. How long have you known Nicholas (Tim : hold the pain)
2. Function
The movie represents the culture of men function as breadwinner or
provider for their family or for himself. Based on Janet’s concept, it is about men
as family’s backbone or for him. Tim is a provider for himself. As a tax collector,
it gives Tim Thomas salary to fulfill his needs. He lives alone in the beach house.
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called a beach house. It is his house. He also has a car. It describes that he is able
to buy all of that by using his salary. As a man who has a house and a car is its
own satisfaction. Man feels that he has been able to live his own life without
depending on others. This time is named as the establishment of a man. Man feels
able if he wants to marry or have a family, because he feels that he already has
what is needed and has been qualified as a man who should provide a decent
livelihood for his family.
Picture 3 Picture 4
3. Sexual Aggressive
Sexual means intimacy or desire relationship with the opposite sex.
Based on Janet’s concept, it concerns sexually aggressive than woman,
experienced and in society they accept single status. Tim Thomas is not sexual
aggressive but he is a man who appreciates the women and he tries to keep the
relationship with his relatives. He tries not to make his relatives be dissatisfied to
him. It was seen when he had a promise with his relatives to go dinner and he
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He tried to apologize to her and he wanted to make everything is well back. Tim
Thomas so appreciates a woman. He has a gentle nature in treating women.
Tim : Now, if you will excuse me...I have a very lovely, very hungry woman at home waiting for me.
Tim : (at home) Sarah.. Honey..
Everyone at work kept saying it was daylight-savings time. Sarah : You were supposed to be here a while ago.
I kept saying it wasn't. This happens all the time. It's work. Tim : I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Sarah : No, I'm angry with you. I'm gonna be angry all night long.
Picture 13
He always tries to do anything to get an apology from his partner when
he had a problem. Finally he was able to melt the heart of a woman. It is seen
when he tries to apologize to Emily because he made a mistake. Tim takes the
initiative to do something for Emily so that she can forgive him. He tries yanking
out weeds growing on the Emily’s yard. It is the way to get her attention. So he
could try to talk to her and apologize to her. Tim Thomas conquers the hearts of
women that he loved. He takes the initiative to get women’s attention and then he
can do something that he should do. It is also seen that he treats women with
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especially the woman he loves. It can be seen how the way Tim treats Emily and
has a great respect for Emily.
Picture 14
Picture 18 Picture 19
Tim Thomas is a man who accepts the single status. Ever since his
girlfriend died in the accident, he does not try at all to get a new girlfriend. He is
not concern about it. He is only thinking about how to redeem his mistake. It
happens when he is looking for the people who would he gives help and then he
meets Emily. At the time he fell in love again to a woman but he does not try to
make a relationship. Although it does not happen for a long time, but Tim felt that
he had fallen in love again to a woman after his girlfriend left him earlier. It is
shown when Tim kissing Emily. Then they have sex. At the time Tim said that he
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Tim : What if we have children?. What if we got married? I love you. I love you.
Emily : I love you too.
Picture 15 Picture 16
4. Emotional
Emotion is a strong feeling of any kinds of love, joy, hate, fear, and
jealously. Emotional means showing a feeling of angry or emotion, belong to
Janet’s concept, men can stability their emotion when they face the problem.
Seven Pounds shows the character of Tim Thomas who has self-control. It is seen when he can control his emotions when he is dealing with someone else. Someday
he went to Connie’s house to solve her problem, but Connie did not like it. At the
time Tim can control his emotion to her, precisely he tried to make her calm
down.
Connie : Who sent you here? Tim : Please sit down.
Connie : I'm not going to sit down. Tim : Please, calm down.
Connie : I'm not going to calm down.
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with Emily’s question. But Tim did not show his regret in front of her. Tim was
trying to restrain his emotions. When Emily has come into her house, Tim shouted
inside his car as a form of these emotions.
Picture 12
Tim Thomas also has a quiet emotion. It is seen that he looks calm to
face his problem. He is being calm when he wants to help everyone. Actually he
was feeling sad and depressed with the problem. He was devastated by the
incident which is his mistake. But Tim could hide everything calmly. Nobody
really knows, except his brother. He is calm in its mission to help seven people.
Tim is also able to control the emotion or his passion to love Emily. He
can control it all and it made him hesitate to continue its mission. It is seen from
Tim's face shows that he was a doubt as to continue its mission to help others. He
thought if he kept doing his mission, then he will automatically leave Emily. At
that time he felt doubtful. But his doubts did not last long. Tim Thomas is able to
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Picture 17
The writer concludes that from the above explanation, Tim Thomas is a
man who can control his emotion. This is seen when he faces some problems or
when he was dealing with other people.
5. Intellectual
Intellectual is connected with a person’s powers of reasoning. Belong to
Janet’s concept; intellectual includes logical, rational, objective and practical.
As a Tim Thomas, who works in a corporate tax, it includes an
intellectual person. He is well-educated. He was reached the level of university
education. It is seen when Tim was talking to Emily. At that moment Emily asked
a lot to him. He was graduated of the institute of technology. But the fact he
worked in a corporate tax. This illustrates that Tim was able to do his job well,
although he was not graduated from taxation’s college.
Tim : I grew up in Oakland.
Emily : Literally. Okay. Where did you go to college?
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Tim Thomas is a smart in doing approach to every person who would he
help. Tim Thomas is able to make their hearts feel very close to him. He is able to
control their emotions. He know how he should do when he dealing with them. He
is able to look for all the information about them until finally he found them so he
could do his mission.
Logical is seeming natural, reasonable or sensible. Rational is able to
think clearly and make decisions based on reason rather than emotions. Tim also
shows logical and rational. Tim was brave to make a decision to help seven people
that can hurt him. Based on his reasoning he have to do it because he killed seven
people in the accident. That is his mistake and he would do something to redeem
his mistake. He has a mistake, so he have to redeem all or he punishes himself.
6. Interpersonal
Personal means relating to an individual, his character, conduct, motives,
or private affairs. And interpersonal means existing or done between two or more
people where one of them can be leader and dominant. Based on Janet’s concept,
the interpersonal is a leader, dominant, discipline, independent, and individual.
Tim Thomas is showed as a leader in his work. It is seen when he was having a
meeting with all partners in the office. At the time he sat down in the middle
around his partners; it describes that he is a leader and dominant, and he gave
some advice in dealing with problems at work, and run the job for their company.
Tim :
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them what you're gonna tell them. Step two, you tell them. Step three, tell them what you told them. We are gonna close by reminding them...that old girl has a 3-percent better impulse from sea level to vacuum... ...and if they pass on that, quite frankly, they deserve another Sputnik.
This is also seen in its mission to help seven people. He tried every way
how to help them. He set all the way with his own way. He also asked his friend
to help him in doing his mission in order to run well. Tim Thomas is a kind of an
independent and individual person. He lived alone. Although he has a brother but
he did not want to stay with him.
Ben : Hello? Hey, it's me. It's your brother. Where are you? Tim : I'm at the beach house.
...
Tim : I'll talk to you later. You take care of yourself.
Ben : Hold on. I know it's been a while, but when you were staying here...you didn't take something of mine by mistake, did you?
Tim : I remember giving you something. You remember that? Because remember that very clearly.
Ben : Yeah. Yeah.
Tim : Just remember I love you.
Even when his house has been given to others, he stayed at the motel and
Ben did not know it. He did not want to rely on his brother to stay with him. He
also made his entire mission alone. Although there are suggestions from some
friends, but in his actions Tim Thomas always set up and run it.
Ben : Where are you staying, Tim? Tell me, because I don't know where my brother lives!
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7. Other Personal Characteristics
Men have strong characteristic through Janet’s concept, it includes of
success-orientation, ambitious, proud, egoistical, moral, trustworthy, decisive,
competitive and adventurous. The movie represents the characteristic through Tim
Thomas character. Tim Thomas as success oriented person who do his mission
successfully; he can face the problem in his life. Tim Thomas is a kind of
trustworthy man. It is seen when Connie trusts him to solve her problem. Connie
wants Tim to take her away from her boyfriend. Finally he gave his house to
Connie in order to her boyfriend never found her. It also describes that Tim is
decisive.
Tim Thomas is ambitious. Tim is very ambitious to do his mission to
atone for his mistake. In performing its mission at the time Tim Thomas needed
help his friend and his brother. This is an effort for all the mission goes smoothly.
At the motel, Tim spoke with his best friend named Dan. Actually, Dan did not
want it happen. Dan knew that if Tim continued his mission, then he would lose
Tim, his best friend since childhood. Dan felt that it is the hardest job he had to do
for his best friend. But Tim still insisted that Dan had to do what Tim said.
Dan : So I lied to you because I was so jealous. And I realized that I've been carrying around this lie...
...in my heart for the last 25...
Tim : Stop it! Stop it. Stay focused. Do what you promised me. Dan : What, you think I'm...?
Tim : Do what you promised me.
Dan : You think I'm gonna let you down now, don't you? I've known you my whole damn life! Okay?
This? This? This is not something you do every day. Okay? This is... This is not easy for me.
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Tim : Thank you.
Tim Thomas has a mission to help the seven people that even he did not
know them before. By the time he met with Connie, he tried to help Connie with
give his house over to her. It is the best way at that time. Tim Thomas persuaded
Connie to accept it as a help. Connie felt very frightened. Connie was afraid with
her boyfriend would be angry if he know it, and he was afraid something would
happen to her and her children. But Tim Thomas tried to convince that her
boyfriend would not know it. Connie was not sure because Tim did not know her
boyfriend at all. Finally Tim was successful to convince Connie. In this case Tim
is very brave in taking action, although he did not know the risks. He is very
confident to do that, even if the risk is very hard for Tim Thomas.
Connie : What if he finds us? Tim : He won't.
Connie : What makes you so sure? Tim : Stop it.
Connie : You don't know him.
Tim : Stop it. Don't be weak. Don't be weak. Connie : I'm not weak.
Adventure does not mean just an adventure from one place to another
place. But it can mean brave in doing risk. An adventure is defined as an exciting
or unusual experience; it may also be a bold, usually risky undertaking, with an uncertain outcome.14 Tim Thomas is adventurous. It is seen from the way he is responsible for the mistakes he had done. He dared to do anything to redeem his
31
donated his heart to Emily Posa, his cornea to Ezra, the right of his liver to Holly,
his kidney to George Ristucia, his bone marrow to Nicholas and he gave his home
to Connie. All this he did without any concern for the fate of his own. All of that
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CHAPTER IV
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
A. Conclusion
The writer analyses the Masculinity in Seven Pounds movie that is on the
how the masculinity of Tim Thomas is represented in Seven Pounds movie based
on Janet Saltzman Chafetz’s concept of masculinity.
This research is to describe the masculinity through the main character
“Tim Thomas”. Seven Pounds movie represents traditional masculinity than modern masculinity. The traditional masculinity is based on Janet’s concept that
consists of seven areas; they are physic, function, sexual aggressive, emotion,
intellectual, interpersonal and other personal characteristics.
In the first point is Physic, Seven Pounds shows the masculinity in the
main character. In this paper the character named Tim Thomas. Tim is represented
as a middle age man, muscular body, brave in action and masculine. The muscular
is seen by his muscle when topless.
In the second point is Function. Tim represents the function of man,
trying to safe his girlfriend and he also has a car and a house. It describes that he
is a breadwinner or provider for himself.
The third point is sexual aggressive, Seven Pounds describes it in the
main character. Tim appreciates the women and he is aggressive to keep the
33
The fourth is emotion. Tim has emotion that represents his masculinity.
Based on Janet’s concept, men can stabilize their emotion when they face a
problem. Tim has a quite emotion. He has self-control to his emotion. He can
control his emotion or someone else emotion. Even when he falls in love with
Emily, he can control it for the success of his mission.
The fifth is intellectual. In Seven Pounds movie, masculinity also appears
in intellectual of the main character, for example Tim was graduated from the
university. He is able to make everyone feels very close to him whereas they do
not know each other before.
The sixth and seventh; the interpersonal and other personal
characteristics also support masculinity of the main character. Tim Thomas is a
leader in his office. He is also independent and individual person. He lives alone
and he does not depend on his brother. Tim tries to be successful in his mission
and finally it works. He is so ambitious to do his mission well and he is brave
enough to do something risk. All the description above is used to show the
characteristics of masculinity.
B. Suggestion
In analyzing the masculine characteristics, the writer suggests to the other
researchers to develop their knowledge or the concepts of masculinity that will
help them to do better analysis of the study.
Through this study, the writer hopes that this paper can be useful to all
34
Finally, the writer hopes that this study will be useful the future
improvement of studying masculinity, especially for the students of English
35
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Baldick, Chris. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms. New York:
Oxford University Press, 1990.
Boggs, Joseph M. and Dennis W. Petrie. The Art of Watching Films, Fifth Edition.
London: Mayfield Publishing Company, 2000.
Farkhan, Muhammad. Proposal Penelitian Bahasa dan Sastra. Jakarta: Cella
Jakarta, 2007.
Hidayat, Rahmat. Ilmu Yang Seksis: Feminisme dan Perlawanan Terhadap Teori
Sosial Maskulin. Yogjakarta: Jendela, 2004.
Hornby, A S. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, 7th Edition. New York:
Oxford University Press, 2005.
Pickering, James H. and Jeffrey D. Hoeper. Concise Companion to Literature.
New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., 1981.
Stanton, Robert. Teori Fiksi Robert Stanton. Yogyakarta: Pustaka Pelajar, 2007.
http://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maskulinitas Accessed on January 2, 2010.
http://psychology.wikia.com/wiki/Masculinity Accessed on March 24, 2010.
http://raachaan.multiply.com/journal/item/2 Accessed on January 2, 2010.
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APPENDICES
37
B. Synopsis of the Movie
Seven Pounds is a movie genre drama, directed by Gabriele Muccino and it is produced by Columbia Pictures. The movie made in November 2008 and
released on 19 December in America.
In this movie there is a main character named Tim Thomas, starring by Will
Smith. He was an employee at a tax firm. He has one brother named Ben Thomas.
At the beginning of the story, Tim Thomas tried to call 911 to know there is a
suicide incident in a motel. He said that he was the one who becomes a victim.
This movie has a flash-back plot. It happened when he wanted to help two peoples
who really need the eyes and heart, so he decided to kill himself.
This story started when Tim Thomas and his girlfriend were traveling out of
the house. It was Tim Thomas drove a car. Because of his negligence, at that time
Tim Thomas and his girlfriend had an accident. The accident caused 7 people was
killed in just over 7 seconds. His girlfriend was also a victim of the accident.
Since then Tim Thomas always lived alone and felt very guilty. Then he decided
to redeem his mistake by helping 7 people who desperately need a help. Even
those people who he did not know before. It started where he helped her only
brother to donate lobes of his lungs. After that incident he was consistent with his
determination to redeem his entire mistake. Next he began to look for other people
who desperately need his help. There are some names on the list of Tim Thomas.
They are Emily Posa, Ezra Turner, George, Nicholas, Holly and Connie. At that
time he was posing as Ben Thomas (Tim Thomas’s brother). He did it for his
38
Ezra, the right of his liver to Holly, his kidney to George Ristucia, his bone
marrow to Nicholas and he gave his home to Connie.
They are always ask Tim Thomas "Why me?". But Tim Thomas cannot
always provide the answer. They were very moved by what he done. Tim Thomas
thought that the goal after that is just to help. Ben is very worrying about where
Tim Thomas lives. But he convinced Ben Thomas that he would be fine. When
almost at the end of the story, Tim Thomas likes Emily and Emily likes Tim also.
Tim Thomas was very difficult if he had to leave Emily. But he must be consistent
with his destination. He could pass all of that. In the end he had to kill himself and
donated his cornea and heart, to Ezra and Emily. After that Emily found out that
so far Tim Thomas has helped some people, even risking his life. It is to
