i ABSTRACT
NAFTALIA INDAH LUKARTONO. The Realization of Excessive Defense Mechanisms of Alma Winemiller in Tennessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke. Yogyakarta: Department of English Letters, Faculty of Letters, Sanata Dharma University, 2015.
Defense mechanism is the common psychological reaction to reduce anxiety caused by the conflict. Resolving conflict with defense mechanism is healthy and normal. However, when it becomes overused, it might be harmful for the psyche. The phenomenon of excessive defense mechanism is found in
Tennessee William’s Summer and Smoke. This play tells about a religious decent girl, Alma Winemiller who experiences significant character transformation at the end of the play. Her character change is generated by her awareness of excessive defense mechanisms.
To be able to accomplish the goal of this study, three questions are formulated. The first question aims to find out the internal conflicts that Alma undergoes. The second question asks about how Alma resolves those conflicts with defense mechanisms and how those defenses become excessive. The last one inquires how the realization of excessive defense mechanism is able to transform
Alma’s character.
Four theories, such as theory of conflict, character and characterization, defense mechanism, and persona and shadow stand for the underlying basis to conduct this research. Since it is a library research, all theories are compiled from either printed or internet sources. Psychoanalytic approach is applied in this research.
ii ABSTRAK
NAFTALIA INDAH LUKARTONO. The Realization of Excessive Defense Mechanism of Alma Winemiller in Tennessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke. Yogyakarta: Department of English Letters, Faculty of Letters, Sanata Dharma University, 2015.
Mekanisme pertahanan adalah sebuah reaksi psikologis untuk mengatasi kegelisahan yang diakibatkan oleh konflik. Menyelesaikan konflik dengan mekanisme pertahanan merupakan suatu hal yang normal dan sehat. Akan tetapi, penggunaan mekanisme pertahanan yang berlebihan dapat berakibat buruk bagi kesehatan jiwa. Fenomena pengaplikasian mekanisme pertahanan yang berlebihan terdapat dalam Summer and Smoke, sebuah drama karya Tennessee William. Drama ini menceritakan tentang seorang gadis dengan kepribadian yang sangat baik dan religius bernama Alma Winemiller yang mengalami perubahan sifat sangat drastis pada akhir cerita. Perubahan sifat ini disebabkan oleh kesadarannya akan mekanisme pertahanan yang berlebihan.
Untuk mencapai tujuan dari penelitian ini, dibuatlah tiga buah pertanyaan. Pertanyaan pertama bertujuan mencari konflik internal yang dialami oleh Alma. Pertanyaan kedua mengacu pada cara Alma menyelesaikan konflik tersebut dengan mekanisme pertahanan serta bagaimana mekanisme pertahanan tersebut berubah menjadi berlebihan. Pertanyaan terakhir menanyakan tentang bagaimana kesadaran akan mekanisme pertahanan yang berlebihan dapat mengubah sifat Alma.
Empat teori dasar yakni teori konflik, teori perwatakan dan penokohan, teori mekanisme pertahanan, dan teori tentang persona dan bayang-bayang berperan sebagai landasan untuk melakukan penelitian ini. Penelitian ini merupakan riset perpustakaan oleh karena itu teori tersebut dikumpulkan baik melalui buku dan internet. Pendekatan psikoanalisis juga digunakan dalam penelitian ini.
Pada akhir penelitian, disimpulkan bahwa Alma mengalami dua macam konflik internal, yakni konflik antara sifat alamiah dan sifat yang terpengaruh dari didikan serta konflik antara harapan dan kenyataan. Alma menanggapi konflik tersebut dengan berbagai macam mekanisme pertahanan, seperti afiliasi, reaksi formasi, somatisasi dan pemindahan. Somatisasi dan pemindahan dianggap sebagai mekanisme pertahanan yang berlebihan. Kesadaran Alma akan penggunaan mekanisme pertahanan yang berlebihan ditunjukan melalui kemunculan doppelganger. Kejadian ini mengubah sifat baik Alma, seperti religius, penuh pertimbangan, taat dan pemalu menjadi sifat yang lebih buruk
THE REALIZATION OF EXCESSIVE DEFENSE
MECHANISM OF ALMA WINEMILLER IN TENNESSEE
WILLIAM
S’
SUMMER AND SMOKE
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra
in English Letters
By
NAFTALIA INDAH LUKARTONO Student Number: 114214097
ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAM DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
ii
THE REALIZATION OF EXCESSIVE DEFENSE
MECHANISM OF ALMA WINEMILLER IN TENNESSEE
WILLIAMS
’
SUMMER AND SMOKE
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra
in English Letters
By
NAFTALIA INDAH LUKARTONO Student Number: 114214097
ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAM DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
vii
Work hard in silence
Let success make the
ix
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This page is dedicated to those who help and support me in the process of writing this undergraduate thesis. First of all, I would like to thank my Almighty God, the one and only Jesus Christ for His overflowing blessings and strength which enable me to overcome difficulties during the process of conducting the research. I realize without His hands, it is impossible for me to finish this thesis.
My second gratitude goes to my thesis advisor, Paulus Sarwoto, S.S., M.A., Ph. D. who is sincerely willing to help and to guide me patiently since the beginning until this time of my writing process. I also would like to thank my co-advisor Drs. Hirmawan Wijanarka, M. Hum. and Erik Hookom who generously helped me to edit my thesis.
Most importantly, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for all love, support and advice that both of my parents, Mami and Papi unwarily give. I am so thankful that I have a lovely sister and brother, Fany and Jerry who keep encouraging me through prayers and motivating teasing.
Last but not least, my special thanks are dedicated to my best friend, Iphe and „Cicik‟ for the hopefully everlasting friendship. My sincere thanks are
addressed to the whole class D batch 2011, Ci Jules, Ci Deph, Den and every one that I cannot mention here one by one who supports and prays for me so that I am able to finish this undergraduate thesis.
x
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE... ii
APPROVAL PAGE... iii
ACCEPTANCE PAGE... iv
xi
CHAPTER IV: ANALYSIS...25 A. Alma Winemiller‟s Internal Conflicts ... 25
B. Alma‟s Defense Mechanism to Resolve Her Internal Conflicts . 31
C. The Contribution of Alma Winemiller‟s Awareness of Excessive
xii ABSTRACT
NAFTALIA INDAH LUKARTONO. The Realization of Excessive Defense Mechanisms of Alma Winemiller in Tennessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke. Yogyakarta: Department of English Letters, Faculty of Letters, Sanata Dharma University, 2015.
Defense mechanism is the common psychological reaction to reduce anxiety caused by the conflict. Resolving conflict with defense mechanism is healthy and normal. However, when it becomes overused, it might be harmful for the psyche. The phenomenon of excessive defense mechanism is found in Tennessee William‟s Summer and Smoke. This play tells about a religious decent girl, Alma Winemiller who experiences significant character transformation at the end of the play. Her character change is generated by her awareness of excessive defense mechanisms.
To be able to accomplish the goal of this study, three questions are formulated. The first question aims to find out the internal conflicts that Alma undergoes. The second question asks about how Alma resolves those conflicts with defense mechanisms and how those defenses become excessive. The last one inquires how the realization of excessive defense mechanism is able to transform Alma‟s character.
Four theories, such as theory of conflict, character and characterization, defense mechanism, and persona and shadow stand for the underlying basis to conduct this research. Since it is a library research, all theories are compiled from either printed or internet sources. Psychoanalytic approach is applied in this research.
xiii ABSTRAK
NAFTALIA INDAH LUKARTONO. The Realization of Excessive Defense Mechanism of Alma Winemiller in Tennessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke. Yogyakarta: Department of English Letters, Faculty of Letters, Sanata Dharma University, 2015.
Mekanisme pertahanan adalah sebuah reaksi psikologis untuk mengatasi kegelisahan yang diakibatkan oleh konflik. Menyelesaikan konflik dengan mekanisme pertahanan merupakan suatu hal yang normal dan sehat. Akan tetapi, penggunaan mekanisme pertahanan yang berlebihan dapat berakibat buruk bagi kesehatan jiwa. Fenomena pengaplikasian mekanisme pertahanan yang berlebihan terdapat dalam Summer and Smoke, sebuah drama karya Tennessee William. Drama ini menceritakan tentang seorang gadis dengan kepribadian yang sangat baik dan religius bernama Alma Winemiller yang mengalami perubahan sifat sangat drastis pada akhir cerita. Perubahan sifat ini disebabkan oleh kesadarannya akan mekanisme pertahanan yang berlebihan.
Untuk mencapai tujuan dari penelitian ini, dibuatlah tiga buah pertanyaan. Pertanyaan pertama bertujuan mencari konflik internal yang dialami oleh Alma. Pertanyaan kedua mengacu pada cara Alma menyelesaikan konflik tersebut dengan mekanisme pertahanan serta bagaimana mekanisme pertahanan tersebut berubah menjadi berlebihan. Pertanyaan terakhir menanyakan tentang bagaimana kesadaran akan mekanisme pertahanan yang berlebihan dapat mengubah sifat Alma.
Empat teori dasar yakni teori konflik, teori perwatakan dan penokohan, teori mekanisme pertahanan, dan teori tentang persona dan bayang-bayang berperan sebagai landasan untuk melakukan penelitian ini. Penelitian ini merupakan riset perpustakaan oleh karena itu teori tersebut dikumpulkan baik melalui buku dan internet. Pendekatan psikoanalisis juga digunakan dalam penelitian ini.
1 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
Humans always have problems in their life and they cannot avoid them. One of the problems that people are familiar with is conflict. Conflict is the most common problem that people encounter. Everyone may face conflict anytime.
While seeing the significance of conflict in human life, conflict is also an important element in literature particularly in prose and drama. It is important because literature is made as the reflection of human life so that people can learn about the human values the literary work holds.
Conflict may result in anxiety and depressed feelings that are uncomfortable, so that people often try to get rid of them (Huffman & Vernoy, 2000: 478). Each individual has his or her own way to resolve the conflict. One common response might be by “preventing painful or dangerous thoughts” by
may cause serious psychological problem (Huffman & Vernoy, 2000: 478).
The conflict may create and add the interest, suspense and tension to the whole plot of the literary work, such as in drama and novels (Holman & Harmon, 1986: 107). Whenever conflict happens, the character responds to it with various defense mechanisms. Because of the important role of the conflict in literary works and its close relation with defense mechanisms, it seems necessary to discuss further the cause-and-effect relation between conflict and defense mechanism in a research.
Summer and Smoke (1948) is one of the literary works that portrays the relation of defense mechanism and conflict. It is a play written by the famous American author and poet, Tennessee William (1911-1983) in the middle of the twentieth century. It tells about a mature and religious girl named Alma who undergoes very significant change in her characteristics. Because of the strong influence of her surroundings, she is forced to perform several good characteristics and unintentionally conceal the bad ones. Being repressed by her surroundings makes her grow up to be an introverted girl. With the nature of an introverted person, Alma experiences many internal conflicts that are hardly found without deep analysis. Hence, it seems necessary to discuss further about Alma‟s internal conflicts.
conflicts, it turns out that she overuses the defense mechanism. These excessive defense mechanisms play an essential role in transforming Alma‟s character at the end of the play.
The fact that Alma‟s reaction towards her conflicts is regarded as the
action of defense mechanisms strengthens the idea that this play is undoubtedly an object worthy of discussion and study. Moreover, fulfilling the nature of good literature, Summer and Smoke perfectly portrays the actual issue of human life because it was written based on human experience. This idea is strongly supported by the statement of Ben Brantley in his critique, “But every character is drawn with sympathy and awareness of William‟s vision of human existence...”
(Brantley, 2006). Despite the fact that this play was written in the middle of the twentieth century, the issue discussed in the play is still relevant up until now. These qualities make this play the right choice to be analyzed in the current study.
B. Problem Formulation
To accomplish the goal of this study, there are three questions in the problem formulation that need to be analyzed. Those questions are:
1. What are the internal conflicts Alma Winemiller faces?
2. How do Alma Winemiller‟s defense mechanisms respond to the internal conflicts and become excessive?
C. Objectives of the Study
This study aims to analyze how the defense mechanism can change Alma Winemiller‟s character. To be able to attain the goal of this study, the writer
formulated three questions, which are stated above in the problem formulation. The first question aims to find the internal conflicts Alma faces. After the internal conflicts are found, the next question inquires about how Alma Winemiller‟s defense mechanisms react to her internal conflicts and how they develop to be excessive. Finally, the last question is formulated to examine the contribution of the realization of excessive defense mechanisms in changing Alma‟s character.
D. Definition of Terms
In order to prevent misinterpretation of particular terms, it is essential to understand about three major terms that will be frequently used in this study. The first term is character. As Merriam Webster’s Encyclopedia of Literature states, character has numerous definitions. Among them, there are two definitions used in this research. Firstly, character is defined as “personality as represented or realized in fiction or drama” (Kuiper, 1995: 229). In this context, character shares
the similar meaning with quality and personality. Secondly, character also means “one of the persons of a drama or novel” (Kuiper, 1995: 229). The second
Another fundamental term in this research that should be understood well is defense mechanism. In her book, Karen Huffmann defines defense mechanism as “a strategy the ego unconsciously uses to reduce anxiety and resolve conflict by distorting our perceptions of reality” (2000: 478). According to Saul McLeod,
defense mechanisms aim to get rid of unpleasant feelings (i.e. anxiety) or make good things feel better (McLeod, 2008). In psychoanalytic theory, it is a common psychological phenomenon that everyone experiences in their life.
Lastly, internal conflict is also an important term mentioned in the title of this study. According to Redman, internal conflict refers to the struggle inside the character‟s mind and heart (1964: 363). In other words, the character should deal
6 CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The second chapter of this study consists of three parts: review of related studies, review of related theories and theoretical framework. Review of related studies aims to provide the undergraduate thesis, journal, academic article or any reliable sources which are relevant to the topic and object of this study. The review of related theories is the compilation of certain theories required to conduct the research. These theories include: theory of conflict, character and characterization, defense mechanism, and persona and shadow. The last part of this chapter discusses the correlation between these theories and the problem formulation and their significance for this study.
A. Review of Related Studies
To be able to support the validity of this study, it is necessary to find similar approaches, topics and concepts from previous research.
The researcher discovered the similar topic in Gerisca Scara Belli‟s undergraduate thesis, “The Interconnection of Self Defense and Conflict in Anna‟s Identity Search Process as Designer Children in Jodi Picoult‟s My Sister’s Keeper”. This study mainly discusses the conflicts experienced by Anna, how those conflicts can influence Anna to reveal her self-defense mechanism and how Anna‟s self defense mechanism affects her true self. To analyze these three
theories: theory of conflict, theory of self defense mechanism, and theory of identity are also applied as the basic theories of this study. In the end of the study, it is found that Anna experiences both internal and external conflict. Her self-defense mechanism reveals when she undergoes the external conflict with her mother. At that time, she notices that in fact, she does not live her own life. Thus, she loses her true self-identity, which is an essential part of being human. Facing the conflicts makes Anna reveal her real self-identity. Moreover, it also influences her characteristic; she undergoes a significant change in her nature (Belli, 2011: IX).
The similar object was found in Augusten Ayunda‟s undergraduate thesis, “Alma Winemiller‟s Psychological Conflict as Seen in Tennessee William‟s Play
Summer and Smoke”. The goal of conducting this research is to find and examine the psychological conflict experienced by Alma. For that reason, this research discusses the characteristic development undergone by Alma, the psychological conflict experienced by Alma and the contribution of other characters in affecting the change of Alma‟s characteristics. The approach used here is the psychological
In the review of Summer and Smoke play performance written by Tom Valeo, it is stated that people have a „dual nature‟ and reconciling these two characteristics is every person‟s problem (Valeo, 2014). This message is what Tennessee William would like to deliver in Summer and Smoke; it is perfectly portrayed through the contrasting characteristics of Alma and John. As Valeo quoted, Alma‟s biggest conflict is that she strongly feels her desire to be loved, but she “repressed her sexual nature and emphasized her spiritual nature” instead
for the sake of her father (Valeo, 2014). This sexual repression, in fact, becomes the main cause of Alma‟s internal conflicts (Bloom, 2005: 407). However, after
falling in love with John, Alma finds that her physical desire is something that she could not resist for it is a human nature (Valeo, 2014).
Although this research shares several similarities with other studies, there are still various differences that make this study outstanding. This study highlights the cause-and-effect-relationship between the overused defense mechanism and character change; it focuses on how the realization of excessive operation of defense mechanisms which is the response towards internal conflict might transform one‟s character according to the psychoanalysis point of view.
B. Review of Related Theories
In this part, there are several theories reviewed as the underlying basis to conduct this study. There are four theories which are the necessary to be elaborated further in this study, i.e. theory of conflict, character and characterization, defense mechanism and persona and shadow.
1. Theory of Conflict
According to X. J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia, a good play should present a conflict (1999: 1244). This expectation is because conflict may create and add interest, suspense and tension to the whole plot (Holman & Harmon, 1986: 107).
Like prose fiction, drama also makes use of plot which includes conflict (Arp & Johnson, 2009: 1023). Thus, the theory of conflict in fiction is regarded to be relevant as well while applied in analyzing drama. Either drama or prose recognizes two kinds of conflict: internal and external conflict. Internal conflict is a kind of conflict that happens inside the character (Stanton, 1965: 16). It refers to the struggle inside the character‟s mind and heart. It means the character has to
deal with his or her own feelings and emotions (Redman, 1964: 363). For that reason, internal conflict does not involve any physical struggle and usually it cannot even be seen in any visible form.
On the contrary, external conflict happens when the character opposes the other characters or the surrounding environment (Stanton, 1965: 16). While facing an external conflict, the character has to deal with the forces coming from outside, e.g. God, the rival, the society or nature (Barranger, 1994: 339). Thus, this kind of conflict may be visible, so the struggle in the conflict is depicted openly.
2. Theory of Character and Characterization
According to Merriam Webster’s Encyclopedia of Literature, character has two meanings, the person presented in drama or fictions and the emotional, intellectual and physical feature of a person (Kuiper, 1995: 229). The first meaning of character stands for each individual involved in the drama or prose while the second meaning represents the set of qualities or personalities of a fictious person in the drama or fictions.
Since drama is the literary work that shows the recent reality by using real human beings, characters in drama are “the images of active human beings”
(Barranger, 1994: 338). Thus, their attitudes and dress should fit their period, place and social class. The way they talk must also suit their age, personality, social class and circumstances (Barranger, 1994: 338).
Either in drama or novels, the characters do not necessarily have the same characteristics from the beginning until the end; the characters may undergo “radical change” either in their characteristic or physical appearance (Abrams
2009: 23). It is then possible that there is a character that is initially good then becomes bad at the end. The motivation and the effect of conflict could drive the characters to experience some personality changes (Abrams, 2009: 23).
character is the “one who is modified by actions and experiences and one
objective of the work in which the character appears is to reveal the consequences of actions he has done” (Holman & Harmon, 2003: 89).
According to Richard Gill, character is “made up by appearance, conversation, action, name and (possibly) thoughts going in his head” (1995: 127). Those elements are simply called characterization. Thus, characterization might be defined as the way the author presents the characters. According to Reaske, there are four devices of characterization (1966: 46-48):
a. The appearance of the character
Most of the time, the physical appearance of the character is described in the prologue or in the stage directions of the script. The physical appearance includes what the character looks like and how he or she dresses. The outlook of the character is one of the important elements to build his or her characteristic since it gives the first impression about what kind of person he or she is to the audience.
b. The way the character thinks and acts
c. The way the character speaks and the language he uses
The way a character speaks and the expressions he or she uses may reflect his or her nature. For example, when one utters sophisticated words, undoubtedly he or she is an educated one.
d. The interaction among characters
“Not only does the language of the characters speaking alone characterize
him, but his language when speaking to others also sheds a great impact on showing his personality” (Reaske, 1966: 47). The way the character interacts with
the other ones may also imply the nature he or she possesses.
3. Theory of Defense Mechanism
sources that possibly contribute in revealing one‟s defense mechanism (Conger,
1977: 79).
In fact, there are numerous types of defense mechanism. However, not all of them will be explained here. There are nine types of Freudian defense mechanisms (Huffman & Vernoy, 2000: 480). However, these traditional defenses cannot accommodate the defenses Alma unvoluntarily operates. Thus, it is necessary to combine those Freudian defenses with others‟ findings. Above all,
only four defenses are reviewed here since Alma Winemiller does not manifest all of them. The compilation of the types of defense mechanism taken from various sources is elaborated below:
1. Reaction Formation
Cirese defines reaction formation as “masking an undesirable thought or
feeling by turning it into its opposite; overreacting in one direction to deny feelings in the opposite direction” (1985: 477). According to George Eman Vaillant‟s defense level, reaction formation is included into neurotic defense.
2. Displacement
Displacement is a type of defense mechanism when one “substitutes a less
threatening object for the original object of impulse” (Huffman & Vernoy, 2000:
480). In displacement, an individual is not able to express his anxiety to the true source that gives him or her unpleasant feeling since it is possibly would further threaten him or her. Hence, he or she finds a less threatening object as the replacement of the true source to express his or her anxiety. Based on Vaillant‟s
defense level categorization, displacement is included into neurotic defense. Simillar to reaction formation, it is generally found in adults (Thomas & Ruth, 2015).
3. Somatization
Somatization is done by “transferring negative feelings about others into
maladaptive defense that might harm both personal and professional life (Wells: 2013).
4. Affiliation
Affiliation is a way to cope with anxiety by turning to others for help or support. This defense mechanism involves other object as the gateway to deal with conflict. According to Defense Mechanism Rating Scale (DMRS) Fifth Edition, affiliation is considered as the high adaptive level defense (Vaillant, 1992: 258). It means that this kind of defense mechanism is the most optimal way to handle the anxiety (eric.vcu.edu, 2015). In other words, affiliation can be equaled to mature defense in Vaillant‟s term.
they result in actions that are out of alignment with an individual‟s values (Ghostpool, 2005).
4. Theory of Persona and Shadow
The theory of persona and shadow is originated from Carl Jung‟s findings. He is one of Freud‟s students who made Freud‟s theory as his basis to develop his own theory although he did not exactly follow all Freud‟s theory. Jungian theory of persona taken from Walker‟s in Senjani‟s journal suggests persona is derived from latin word which means mask. Persona is the image that one builds which represents his or her personal identity among others. Thus, persona works in conscious level. Even though persona usually collects the good character, it does not necessarily reflect the true personality of oneself. Persona might consist of the pretentious or affected characteristics due to good impression that the person would like to present. Therefore, the lack of understanding persona can lead to personal identity crisis since he or she might happen to misinterpret his or her public image to be his or her true self and vice versa (Senejani, 2011: 110).
C. Theoretical Framework
The first question stated in the problem formulation aims to find and examine the internal conflicts that Alma encounters. To answer this question, the researcher must have a good understanding in the theory of conflict. Before going further, it is fundamental to know the meaning of conflict. For that reason, the explanation of conflict by Kennedy and Gioia, Holman and Harmon, and Barranger is provided in the review of theories. Moreover, Stanton‟s two types of conflict—internal and external conflicts are also elaborated here. This theory enables the researcher to find and examine the internal conflict of the character Alma. Some additional information about the theory of conflict is also explained by Holman and Harmon, and Redman.
Originally, there are only nine kinds of defense mechanism proposed by Freud. However, these Freudian defenses cannot provide the complete types that Alma unconsciously uses. Thus, the explanation of defense mechanism‟s type provided here is the compilation of the Freudian and modern perspective taken from several sources either from book or the internet. Furthermore, the theory of excessive use of defense mechanism is also reviewed here since Alma is suspected to overuse defense mechanisms.
The last question stated in the problem formulation asks about the contribution of Alma‟s awareness of her overused defense mechanism in changing her characteristic. To be able to identify Alma‟s characteristic the theory of
character and characterization is discussed in the review of related theories. The definition of character is taken from Merriam Webster’s Encyclopedia of Literature, while the definition of characterization is taken from Gill‟s Mastering English Literature. Two types of character seen from the character change, i.e. static and dynamic characters proposed by Holman & Harmon are used as well. Lastly, Reaske‟s four devices of characterization are also reviewed here. In order to understand Alma‟s dualism, Jung‟s theory of persona and shadow taken from
20 CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY
A. Object of the Study
Summer and Smoke (1948) is a play written by Tennessee William (1911-1983) who is known as one of the greatest American playwrights. It is the fifth play that William created. Summer and Smoke was first published in New York by New Directions Publishers. The book contains 130 pages. The play is divided into two big parts, A Summer and A Winter—the seasons when the plot of the play takes place. It consists of a prologue and twelve scenes; each part contains six scenes; a prologue is added in the first part as well. The entire play is situated during the 1910s; it takes place in Glorious Hill, a fictitious small town located in Mississippi. The setting of the play is varied from the fountain, the rectory, the arbor and ends in the doctor‟s office.
The play mainly tells about the love story of two contrasting figures, Alma, a religious pure spinsterish girl and John, a secular demoniac young doctor. Born as a preacher‟s daughter, Alma becomes a role model of a good person. This is because she has to keep her father‟s pride as a minister. Therefore, she should
consider both her behavior and action very carefully. Besides that, her mother‟s
mental condition also becomes the reason that encourages her to grow up that way. Being shaped by those external factors, her true characteristics are still hidden. Her peculiar characteristics set her apart from the other children of her age. As a normal grown-up girl, Alma falls in love with John, a long-time bachelor that has a contrasting personality with her. Unfortunately, their love story does not run smoothly. Being in love with John, Alma finds herself guilty due to John‟s bad reputation. On the other hand, John finds Alma has too much
„soul‟ elements that cannot fit his excessive „body‟ elements. As a result, they
cannot stay together as a couple; John marries Nellie, Alma‟s singing student
instead. Alma learns that John‟s suspicion is true that her doppelganger (double personality) should not be repressed. John learns that what Alma suggested about soul is right and that he is too secular. As a result, their personality is reversed at the end of the play.
B. Approach of the Study
unconscious may include unconscious thoughts, beliefs, motives, intentions and emotions. Thus, the person who is not able to recognize the real character of his behavior becomes the object of the psychoanalytic research (Phillips, 2014). Freud believed that this unconscious thought is the source of the conflict people face. This kind of thought will lead them to experience the repression, or “the involvement of old memories that are associated with specific events related to the earliest sexual activity of children” (de Mijola, 2014).
In his journal, Sarnoff explains the main discussion of psychoanalysis as follows:
Psychoanalytic theory describes the defense mechanisms which serve to protect the individual against external and internal threat. Where people cannot escape from threatening forces from without, they will often incorporate the hostile forces and identify with the aggressor, as in the case of some members of a minority group taking on the prejudices of the majority toward them. Or people will maintain old attitudes by denying and distorting the reality of existing dangers. Threatening internal impulses may be repressed and projected onto others, or sometimes may lead to the appearance of attitudes directly opposed to the repressed wishes (Sarnoff, 2014).
C. Method of the Study
This research is considered to be a library research since it is conducted by observing the literary work in the form of written document. Tennessee William‟s Summer and Smoke (1948) play script stands as the primary data of the research. Additionally, the secondary data includes the data which are taken as the related theories and studies. The source of related theories is acquired and compiled from several books, such as Huffman and Vernoy‟s (2000) Psychology in Action, Reaske‟s (1966) How to Analyze Drama and Holman & Harmon‟s (2003) A
Handbook to Literature. Apart from that, the source data of related studies are obtained from undergraduate thesis, journals and reviews.
25 CHAPTER IV
ANALYSIS
The analysis aims to answer three questions stated in the research question. There are three parts in this chapter. The first part discusses about the internal conflict faced by Alma. The second part deals with the way Alma responds to the conflict within herself through defense mechanisms and how those mechanisms end up to be overused. Finally, how Alma‟s awareness towards her
excessive defense mechanisms has a contribution to change Alma‟s character is discussed in the last part.
A. Alma Winemiller’s Internal Conflicts
As stated in the previous chapter, Alma‟s internal conflicts are mainly caused by her sexual repression (Bloom, 2005: 407) due to her condition as a preacher‟s daughter. This condition forces her to adopt piety. As a result, she prioritizes her „soul‟ needs and often ignores her physical needs. At this time,
repression then drives her into two kinds of internal conflicts, i.e. expectation vs reality and nature vs nurture. Alma‟s internal conflicts are portrayed through several incidents she experiences. Those incidents are discussed as follows:
1. Expectation Vs Reality
There are two incidents which contain the internal conflicts between expectation and reality. It turns out that Alma‟s expectation is different with the reality. Therefore, these two things cause several conflicts. Those two incidents are elaborated as follows:
a. John Falls for Alma John Makes Fun of Alma
The first incident that triggers internal conflict undergone by Alma happens in the prologue when little Alma is given a “quick rough kiss” by John.
John‟s unexpected action absolutely astonishes Alma. Right after being flirted
with, however, Alma feels humiliated when John leaves her with the mocking laugh as his farewell greeting. Alma‟s first internal conflict is obviously stated in
the narration.
He seizes her shoulders and gives her a quick rough kiss. She stands amazed with one hand cupping the other.
The voice of a child in the distance calls “Johnny! Johnny!”
He suddenly snatches at her hair-ribbon, jerks it loose and then runs off with a mocking laugh.
Hurt and bewildered, Alma turns back to the stone angel, for comfort.... (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 414).
fun of her by leaving her alone after giving her a kiss. Kissed by John, Alma regards that John likes Alma—just like the other way around. However, it turns out that John‟s action of kissing her was only to ridicule Alma as he runs away
with a mocking laugh.
Alma‟s first internal conflict is the conflict between her expectation and
reality. Alma expects that John‟s action of giving her a quick rough kiss
symbolizes his true feeling to Alma. However, her expectation fails to become a reality when it is revealed that John only makes fun of her by leaving her with a mocking laugh. This internal conflict then results in anxious feelings, such as humiliation and irritation.
b. John is Married to Alma John is Married to Another Girl
The second internal conflict portraying the struggle between expectation and reality is after Mrs. Bassets tells Alma the rumor of John and Rosa‟s intention
of getting married; the rumor gives her a big shock. At that time, Alma is drowned in disappointment because of John.
ALMA. Are you—quite certain?
MRS. BASSET. Certain? I‟m always certain before I speak!
ALMA. Why would he—do such a thing? (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 444) Again, Alma‟s internal conflict happens between expectation and reality.
JOHN. You know I like you and I think you‟re worth a lot of consideration (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 435).
However, the rumor said that John is going to marry Rosa. This unfulfilled expectation brings Alma great anxious feelings, such as irritation, madness and disappointment. Her anxiety is depicted clearly from the conversation above. This internal conflict might give her the biggest hit since Alma never expects that John will marry another girl and she cannot admit this hurting fact. Although at this moment, she cannot believe that John is going to marry another girl, the reality forces her to admit this ugly truth.
2. Nature Vs Nurture
The second type of conflict that Alma experiences is the conflict between her nature and nurture. Alma faces the conflict involving the basic characteristics of human and the affected characteristics she picks up from her surroundings. There are two incidents that cover this type of conflict. They are explained below:
a. Ordinary Girl Vs Preacher‟s Daughter
Accused of being in love with John by her mother, Alma encounters another internal conflict. Mrs. Winemiller finds out that Alma is falling for John due to her daughter‟s suspiciously unusual behavior. After John calls Alma, she
smiles enthusiastically. This idea is strengthened by the narration stated in the scene 2 when Alma is called by John.
MRS. WINEMILLER. Alma‟s in love—in love. [She waltzes mockingly]. (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 427).
Capturing Alma spying on John frequently makes Mrs. Winemiller come to a conclusion that Alma is truly falling in love with John.
MRS. WINEMILLER. She spies on him. Whenever he comes in at night she rushes downstairs to watch him out of this window! (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 428).
Though Mrs.Winemiller is mentally unhealthy, she is still Alma‟s mother.
As a mother she still possesses a motherly instinct that is able to recognize her daughter‟s true feeling. Apart from that, Mrs. Winemiller also knows that Alma
has never acted in such a weird way—actions that people usually do when they are in love.
Not only Mrs. Winemiller, Mrs. Bassett also notices the same fact that Alma actually falls for John. Thus, she teases Alma for being in love with John.
MRS. BASSETT. Have you fallen for him, Miss Alma? Miss Alma has fallen for young doctor! ... (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 432)
These two incidents put Alma into another internal conflict, a conflict between her natural desire to show her true feeling and her consideration as a preacher‟s daughter to conceal her love. Just like other ordinary girl, Alma wants
to follow her instinct to be in love with the man she is fond of. On the contrary, as the preacher‟s daughter who should act on behalf of her father, Alma is supposed to reconsider her decision to have a serious relationship with John due to John‟s
norm. As a result of this internal conflict, Alma feels guilty because she falls for John, a bad labeled boy according to the society including his father.
b. Denial of Sexuality Vs Needs of Sexuality
The third event that drags Alma to face her internal conflicts occurs as Alma gets „a little emergency case‟ so she decides to see Dr. Buchanan for a help.
However, John prevents her from doing so and examines her instead.
ALMA. It‟s your father I want to talk to.
JOHN. Be reasonable, Miss Alma. You‟re not that sick.
ALMA. Do you suppose I would come here at two o‟clock in the morning if I were not seriously ill? (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 433).
Even though Alma insists to see Dr. Buchanan, John‟s father, John
prevents her. It is because John considers Alma‟s hysteria attack is not a physical illness which actually does not necessarily require medical treatment despite the fact that he does not disturb his father who is supposed to sleep.
According to John, Alma is not physically ill; it is her mental or soul that is sick.
JOHN. ... There‟s nothing wrong with your heart but a little functional disturbance, like I told you before (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 435). After examining Alma, John suspects there is nothing wrong with her body. It is her mental state that is problematic, not her body. John claims that Alma is lonely because she lacks of love.
Alma‟s third internal conflict involves the nurture and nature element.
Sexuality is a common nature that every human belongs. However, due to the influence of her family background, Alma believes that sexual needs are less important comparing to the soul needs. By denying the importance of sexuality, Alma violates human nature. These two forces put Alma in an internal conflict that she is not aware of. This internal conflict leaves Alma loneliness which is the anxiety caused by the conflict. According to John, her loneliness is the result of her unsatisfied sexual needs. John‟s notion is also strengthened by Harold Bloom who mentions that Alma‟s mental problem is caused by sexual repression (2005:
407).
B. Alma’s Defense Mechanism to Resolve Her Internal Conflicts
From the discussion above, it is known that there are two kinds of internal conflict faced by Alma, i.e. the conflict between expectation and reality, and the conflict between nature and nurture. Each internal conflict causes various anxieties. To get rid of those anxious feelings, Alma responds to those internal conflicts with various types of defense mechanism as well. The types of defense mechanism that Alma unconsciously operates are discussed below:
1. Affiliation
Responding to John‟s action of leaving her after giving a rough quick kiss,
her getaway to cope with her anxiety. Thus, here the stone angel represents Alma‟s guardian angel. This idea is supported by the explanation by St Basil
stated in The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols, every faithful person is “helped by an angel who guides his life and is both teacher and protector” (Chevalier &
Gheerbrant, 1996: 24). Even though the guardian angel here is inanimate, it still plays an important role for Alma in comforting her while she feels bad. This can be found in the last narration of the prologue.
Hurt and bewildered, Alma turns back to the stone angel, for comfort. (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 414).
Her action going back to the stone angel as her comforter is one of Alma‟s
defense mechanism responses. Looking for a particular object that is considered being able to transfer the impulse is the form of affiliation. In frequent case, the individual looks for another person who is willing to listen to his or her problem and most importantly suggest the way to solve the conflict. Thus, parents, friends or spouse play an important role in affiliation. In Alma‟s case, Alma considers the
stone angel as her partner to share her anxiety with. Despite the fact that the stone angel is inanimate, Alma is able to reduce her anxiety as she comes to the stone angel. For Alma, she does not mind the passive reaction of stone angel as long as she can find comfort when she is overwhelmed by anxiety.
stage, the defense mechanism is normal since it does not harm Alma‟s life,
including her psyche and body.
2. Reaction Formation
Being noticed to be in love with John, Alma reacts to this internal conflict with a different type of defense mechanism. It is possible for people to operate different types of defense mechanism (Cramer, 2009). In this case, Alma unconsciously implements the reaction formation to reduce the anxiety caused by the conflict. It is proven through her action when she denies the fact that she likes John and surprisingly turns it into madness when her mother finds out the truth. According to Cirese, this action indicates the unconscious application of reaction formation in which one commits an overreacting action “to deny feelings in the opposite direction” (1985: 477). In this case, Alma would like to conceal her true
feeling towards John due to his bad reputation among the society. However, instead of hiding it, Alma unconsciously expresses her anger as her mother teases her. To keep her father‟s dignity as a preacher, Alma does not let anyone know
about her true feeling, so she conceals it by the exaggerated action which is contrary to the truth. Alma‟s madness towards Mrs. Winemiller as the reflection
of reaction formation is presented below:
Alma more than once responds to Mrs. Bassett‟s teasing with reaction formation. Just like her previous reaction, Alma gets angry when Mrs. Bassett teases her. Surprisingly, she even utters rude words which so rarely come out from her mouth.
ALMA. Stop it! [She stamps her foot furiously and crushes the palm leaf fan between her clenched hands.] I won‟t have malicious talk here! You drove him away from meeting after I‟d bragged so much about how bright and interesting you all were! You put your worst foot forward and simpered and chattered and carried on like idiots, idiots! What am I saying? I—I—please excuse me! (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 432)
Alma‟s madness here is also the form of reaction formation. She is afraid
the others will find out that she is actually in love with John. To prove that she has no feeling toward John, she refuses to admit that she loves John when Mrs. Bassett teases her. However, the way she hides her feeling turns out to be an exaggerating action. Her anger takes the form of the overreacted response reflecting her internal conflict.
According to Vaillant‟s theory of defense level, reaction formation is
included into neurotic defense which might be maladaptive if it is overused (Thomas & Ruth, 2015). Although Alma unconsciously operates reaction formation twice, it is still regarded as an adaptive defense mechanism. It is because the application of reaction formation does not affect Alma‟s life broadly.
3. Somatization
Psychoanalytically, Alma‟s hysteria attack implies that there is something
wrong inside her soul. As the reaction of such mental problem, Alma‟s body
becomes sick. Alma‟s repressed sexuality which makes her lonely also often puts her in hysteria attack. The hysteria attack that Alma often has is the form of defense mechanism that Alma intentionally operates to get rid of her loneliness. This kind of defense mechanism is called somatization, a defense done by transferring negative feelings into bodily symptoms (Wells, 2013). As the characteristic of somatization, her problematic soul harms her body as well. It might happen because the sexual repression is then converted into different negative forms of response which give bad impact to Alma‟s body. The bad impact affecting Alma‟s body is characterized through the increase of heartbeat,
lacking of sleep and exaggerated restlessness. The little emergency case that Alma gets is described below.
ALMA. I do hope so. I wasn‟t able to sleep. JOHN. And you felt panicky?
ALMA. Yes. I felt walled in.
JOHN.You started hearing your heart?
ALMA. Yes, like a drum! (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 434).
ALMA. [suddenly crying out] There he is! [She staggers away from the window. There is a roll of drums and then silence. Alma now speaks faintly] What ... happened? Something ... struck me! [Mr. Winemiller catches her arm to support her.] (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 451) As Alma is seeing John, her grief, irritation and disappointment of John appear again. Alma gets hysteria attack once again because of her inability to maintain the unpleasant feelings and her overwhelming unspoken feelings that she keeps by herself. According to theory of defense mechanism, Alma unconsciously reacts to this internal conflict with somatization by transferring the negative feelings into the bodily symptoms.
According to Vaillant‟s theory of defense level, somatization is included
into immature defense which is commonly found in adolescence. Somatization is considered to be more pathological comparing to the two previous Alma‟s defense
mechanisms. Thus, this immature defense has a bigger chance to affect or possibly ruin Alma‟s life. The chance gets stronger while regarding the existence
of bad signals resulted from negative traits Alma tries to get rid of. The bad signals that affect her body, such as the increase of heartbeat, lacking of sleep and exaggerated restlessness are included into general symptoms of a psychological problem (MFerrington, 2011). These symptoms may imply that defense mechanism has become overused. The existence of the psychological problem indicates Alma‟s defense mechanism is maladaptive in this stage.
4. Displacement
Above all, this fourth incident has the biggest impact for Alma since it totally ruins her life. Initially, after hearing that John is going to marry Rosa, Alma is upset, irritated and disappointed. This statement is supported by the excerpt describing Alma‟s reaction below:
ALMA . [with a faint, hysterical laugh] The pieces don‟t fit! MRS. BASSETT. [to Roger] I shouldn‟t have opened my mouth. ALMA. Will both of you please go!
MRS. BASSETT. I knew this was going to upset you. Good night, Alma [She leaves. Alma suddenly springs up and seizes the telephone.] (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 444).
Alma‟s anger and annoyance is the form of displacement that Alma
responds with in order to get rid of the anxiety. Since Alma is not able to express her anxiety directly to John, she reflects her madness and irritation to both Mrs. Bassett and Roger who are actually innocent. Hence, Alma casts them out. Alma expresses her anxiety to them because John is not present at that time, so it is impossible for her at that time to be mad at John directly. As the substitution for John, Mrs. Bassett and Roger who unintentionally happen to be around Alma are the replaced objects that Alma could vent her madness on.
outlook; she dressed effortlessly. Her behavior also reflects that she has a big problem; she looks so pale, hopeless and worn out.
...She looks as if she had been through a long illness, the intensity drained, her pale face listless. She crosses to the window frame but the parade is not in sight so she returns weakly to the sofa and sits down closing her eyes with exhaustion (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 450).
Furthermore, Alma is not able to do her activities properly due to the broken heart. She decides to give up on teaching singing and ends up staying at home. Alma also mentions that she is going to retire soon from the world. It means that she wants to retreat from the society; she prefers to isolate herself rather than see people. She decides to do this because she is still struggling to admit the truth that John is going to marry other girl, not her.
NELLIE. That you‟ve quit teaching singing and gone into retirement. ALMA. Naturally I had to stop teaching while I was ill and as for retiring
from the world... It‟s more a case of the world retiring from (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 453).
Her action of abandoning her outlook and inability to do the daily activities indicate that Alma suffers from other general symptoms of psychological problem. The existence of these psychological problems implies the excessive defense mechanism that Alma has unintentionally applied.
According to Vaillant‟s defense level category, displacement is included
into neurotic defense which is less pathological rather than immature defense. In Alma‟s case, however, displacement can be considered as maladaptive defense
the psychological problem elaborated above. The maladaptive defense mechanism might affect Alma‟s life widely and even possibly can change Alma‟s life.
C. The Contribution of Alma Winemiller’s Awareness of Excessive Defense Mechanisms in Transforming Her Character
In the beginning of the play, Alma is known as the representation of the ideal preacher‟s daughter which possesses several good characteristics according
to moral values at that time. However, it turns out that those characteristics change into their opposite at the end. According to theory of character and characterization stated by Holman & Harmon, since Alma experiences a significant change in her personality, Alma is considered as a dynamic character (2003: 88-89). However, before going further to discuss the change, it is necessary to analyze Alma‟s initial characteristics.
Alma‟s morally good characteristics are the result of the significant
influence of her family background and social expectation. For Alma, family background has a very significant role in shaping her personality. Ever since she was a kid, Alma was taught to have good manners and behavior because she was born to a minister. Growing up in the Rectory, Alma is educated as a respectable girl with excellent manners and theological knowledge. This idea is strengthened by the author‟s direct showing of Alma‟s characteristic in the narration below:
entertainments, to the position of hostess in a rectory... (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 415).
Other than her family background as a daughter of priest, the condition of Alma‟s mother contributes in defining her characteristics as well. She mentions that her mother is mentally ill. Alma‟s confession about her mother‟s condition is
provided below:
ALMA. She had her breakdown while I was still in high school. And from that time on I have had to manage the Rectory and take over the social and the household duties that would ordinarily belong to a minister‟s wife, not his daughter. And that may have made me seem strange to some of my more critical contemporaries. In a way it may have— deprived me of—my youth... (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 422).
Possessing a mental disturbance makes Alma‟s mother to be called as „a cross to
bear‟ for the family since her mother is not able to do her duty properly either as a
minister‟s wife at the church or a housewife at home. As a result, Alma should
replace her role. This condition makes Alma to have some maturely peculiar characteristics, which rarely belong to a kid of her age.
Growing up in the strict environment, Alma thus adopts several peculiar characteristics which distinguish her from other ordinary kids in her age. Alma‟s eccentric characteristics are shown directly by the author as he states in the narration.
Raised up in the Rectory and having „a cross to bear‟ makes Alma to be regarded
as a „geek‟ by her peers. It is because the common children will neither act nor
behave as mature as Alma.
Despite the fact that Alma‟s characteristics are judged as peculiar by her
peers, her eccentric characteristics are considered good according to social propriety at that time. Written in the middle 20th century, this play adopted people‟s way of thinking at that time. Back in 1940s, people still thought based on
the strict traditional norm that a priest‟s kid should be extraordinarily good since
he or she is expected to be a role model for the other kids. This idealistic notion is strongly agreed by the countriesquest‟s article: “Religious conservatives began calling for a return to traditional values of earlier times—families with a strong father figure, a domestic mother, and obedient children” (countriesquest.com, 2015). This social expectation then also contributes in shaping Alma‟s
characteristics. Alma‟s highly affected characteristics are discussed below:
a. Religious
Living in the rectory makes little Alma grow up as a religious girl because since her early age, Alma has been so familiar with theological doctrine. She even unconsciously adopts the liturgical posture customary in her daily habit.
Alma‟s habit of holding hands that resembles the liturgical posture customary of
receiving the water at Holy Communion might reflect her personality. Since Alma is very young, she has been introduced to liturgical procedures customary by her parents. From that time on, she already adopted the so called „divine things‟ to her
life.
Besides her familiarity with liturgical custom, Alma also has a special bond with the stone angel. Her strong bond to the stone angel is reflected in the beginning of the play. In the prologue of the play, it is told that little Alma is „playing‟ near the stone angel. This statement is supported by the excerpt below:
... She stands like that in front of the stone angel for a few moments; then bends to drink at the fountain. (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 411)
From the narration, it is known that since Alma was very young, she has already been so close with the stone angel. The presence of the stone angel here is considered as the representation of sacred divine thing. Hence, Alma‟s special bond with the stone angel might also show that she is religious ever since her childhood.
b. Considerate
Being a preacher‟s daughter requires Alma to mind her behavior as well as
her action in order to keep her father‟s pride as a preacher. Known as a respectable minister, Mr. Winemiller expects Alma to be a decent girl since Alma‟s action and behavior are secretly watched by the town‟s people. Mr.
effort in keeping his reputable name is proven when he suggests Alma not to teach Nellie Ewell, the daughter of the merry widow in Glorious Hill.
ALMA: ...Father didn‟t want me to take her as a pupil because of her mother‟s reputation... (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 421).
Considering the bad reputation of Nellie‟s mother as a merry widow,
Mr.Winemiller suggests Alma not to take Nellie as her singing student. It is because Mr. Winemiller wants to keep his name clean—away from rumor and gossip. He is afraid if Alma takes Nellie as her student, the people in Glorious Hills will judge Alma that she gets along with the child of „a sinner‟. Mr.
Winemiller also worries that Alma will receive bad impact from Nellie that would possibly affect her behavior. However, Mr. Winemiller‟s prejudice is totally false. Alma remains the same though she makes friends with Nellie.
Being educated in such a way, Alma grows up as a considerate one; she is always being careful while taking steps that involve her family for she is afraid to let down her father. Alma‟s consideration can be seen in her dialogue with John.
JOHN. [from the darkness] I don‟t understand why we can‟t go in the casino.
ALMA. You do understand. You‟re just pretending not to. JOHN. Give me one reason.
ALMA. [coming into the arbor] I am a minister‟s daughter.
JOHN. That‟s no reason. [He follows her in. He wears a white linen suit, carrying the coat over his arm].
ALMA. You‟re a doctor. That‟s a better reason. You can‟t any more afford to be seen in such places than I can—less! (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 438).
secular place. However, according to Alma, it will not bother them if a doctor—an example of occupation that has no strict moral demand related to spirituality comes to a casino. It is because a casino is the place where people gather and play gambling games for money. According to the Bible, play at gambling is considered as a useless and wrong action. Knowing this reason and to avoid gossip about her coming to a casino, Alma does not grant John‟s request.
Due to her deep consideration regarding her father, Alma also thinks carefully when she finds out that she is falling in love with John. It is because John is known as a Casanova who likes to go to the Casino to gamble and drink. Thus, the society judges that he is bad in manner and behavior. John‟s bad
reputation requires Alma to think over and over again whether she is going to admit the truth that she is fond of John. As a result, Alma tries to hide her true feeling through reaction formation as her reaction to her mother‟s finding that she
falls for John. At first, she did not allow others to know the truth for the sake of Mr. Winemiller‟s pride and good reputation as a preacher.
c. Shy
The strong influence of both being a daughter of a minister and social expectation shape Alma to be an introvert since she cannot express her true self independently. Alma‟s introversion is performed through her timid quality. Alma‟s timidity can be seen when she first meets John again after their last
John laughs by the fountain. Alma moves her parasol so that it shields her face from him. She leans back closing her eyes...
... He remains looking down at her with one foot on the end of her bench. His steady, smiling look into her face is disconcerting her (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 417).
From the excerpt above, it could be concluded that Alma is so shy that she wants to avoid John‟s eye when she meets John at the very first time after the last
meeting. Thus, she covers her face with parasol in order to disguise herself not to be caught by John. Not only hiding her face, Alma also closes her eyes wishing her eyes do not meet with John‟s. Despite of being shy, John‟s stare makes Alma
nervous as well.
Being such a reserved person avoids Alma to expose her sexuality independently. Therefore, her sexuality is involuntarily buried in her unconscious since it is judged to be nasty and disgraceful according to religious and moral perspective during that period. The society justifies this quality as a good one although it then leaves Alma irritated doppelganger which causes several internal conflicts.
Adopting the moral and religious values shapes Alma‟s perspective in viewing sexual activity. Alma is taught to stay away from any premarital sexual activity. This notion is supported by the explicit depiction of the dialogue between John and Alma when both of them are at Moon Lake Casino.
JOHN. I know something else we could do. There are rooms above the Casino...
true. What made you think I might be amenable to such a suggestion? ....
ALMA. [rising] Oh! I want to go home. But, I won‟t go with you. I will go in a taxi! [She wheels about hysterically.] Boy! Boy! Call a taxi! JOHN. I‟ll call one for you, Miss Alma—Taxi! [He goes out of the arbor.] ALMA. [wildly] You‟re not a gentleman!
JOHN. [from the darkness] Taxi!
ALMA. You‟re not a gentleman! (Williams in Bloom, 1948: 442)
When Alma and John are at Moon Lake Casino, John asks Alma to sleep with him. Responding to that unexpected request, Alma seems so shocked since the rumor that she always denies about John‟s sleeping with any girls he is hanging
out with is true. Her shock is pictured obviously through her unintentional gesture of stiffening back. Apart from being totally surprised, this unconscious gesture might also indicate her anger caused by John‟s improper request. Alma‟s madness
could be aroused because according to Alma, John disrespects her by asking her to have sexual intercourse. For Alma, premarital sex is not an immoral action makes up a judgment that John is not a gentleman due to his improper request.
d. Obedient
