THE INFLUENCE OF FIRDAUS’ EXPERIENCES WITH MEN
ON HER PERCEPTION TOWARDS MEN AS REFLECTED
IN NAWAL EL SAADAWI’S
WOMAN AT POINT ZERO
ASARJANA PENDIDIKAN THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements to Obtain theSarjanaPendidikan Degree
in English Language Education
By
Anggita Lisa Febriana
Student Number: 071214073
ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS EDUCATION FACULTY OF TEACHERS TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY YOGYAKARTA
THE INFLUENCE OF FIRDAUS’ EXPERIENCES WITH MEN
ON HER PERCEPTION TOWARDS MEN AS REFLECTED
IN NAWAL EL SAADAWI’S
WOMAN AT POINT ZERO
ASARJANA PENDIDIKAN THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements to Obtain theSarjanaPendidikan Degree
in English Language Education
By
Anggita Lisa Febriana
Student Number: 071214073
ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS EDUCATION FACULTY OF TEACHERS TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY YOGYAKARTA
2012
LET US DO OUR BEST
AND
LET GOD DO THE REST
I dedicate this thesis to my beloved mother, my grandfather and grandmother, to my sisters and brothers, Dhiandra Bima Baskara, Mas Inunk, my best friends Eli and Ria, and all people in my life
ABSTRACT
Febriana, Anggita Lisa (2012). The Influence of Firdaus’ Experiences with Men on Her Perception Towards Men as Reflected in Nawal El Saadawi’s Woman at Point Zero.Yogyakarta: Faculty of Teachers Training and Education, Department of Language and Arts Education, English Education Study Program, Sanata Dharma University.
This study analyses a novel by Nawal El Saadawi’s Woman at Point Zero.
Firdaus is the major character who struggles to free herself from men’s domination. The story begins when men dominate many things in her country, Egypt. They control everything. They do anything as they like. On the contrary, women do not have any right to do something without men’s permission. Firdaus is a woman who hates this domination. She tries not to be dominated by men. Her struggle to be free from them leads her to a prison for killing a pimp. As a result, she is sentenced to death.
There are two problems formulated. The first one concerns Firdaus’ character. The second one concerns the influence of Firdaus’ experiences with men which influence her way on seeing men. This study is a library research. There are two sources used to obtain the data. First source is Nawal El Saadawi’s
Woman at Point Zero. Second sources are obtained from books which consist of psychological and literary theories. The literary theories are used to answer the first problem, which deals with the character and characterization of Firdaus. The experience and perception theories are employed to anwer the second problem related to the influence of Firdaus’ experiences on her way she sees men. Some articles from the internet are also used as additional information to support the related issues. The psychological approach is also employed to analyze how society affects Firdaus’ character. It also explains how experiences change her perception about men.
Firdaus is revealed as independent, smart, optimistic, brave, and revengeful. Her character influences her way of seeing men. Based on Firdaus’ experiences with men, she perceives that men are abusers, rapists, oppressors, and liars. They make use of their status to do anything. What men have in mind is about money, authority, women and sex.
This study presents suggestions for future reseachers of the same novel to analyze lesbian issue between Firdaus and Miss Iqbal. Additionally, the future researchers may also analyze Firdaus’ obstinacy in accepting a death sentence.
Keywords: domination, authority, experience, perception, oppression, abuse
ABSTRAK
Febriana, Anggita Lisa (2012). The Influence of Firdaus’ Experiences with Men on Her Perception Towards Men as Reflected in Nawal El Saadawi’s Woman at Point Zero.Yogyakarta: Faculty of Teachers Training and Education, Department of Language and Arts Education, English Education Study Program, Sanata Dharma University
Studi ini menganalisa sebuah novel berjudul Woman at Point Zero
karangan Nawal El Saadawi. Firdaus adalah tokoh utama yang berjuang untuk membebaskan dirinya sendiri dari dominasi kaum pria. Cerita ini dimulai saat pria memiliki peran dominan. Mereka mengatur banyak hal. Mereka melakukan apapun sesuka hati. Sebaliknya, wanita tidak memiliki hak apapun untuk melakukan sesuatu tanpa ijin dari pria. Firdaus adalah seorang wanita yang membenci dominasi ini. Dia mencoba untuk tidak didominasi pria. Perjuangannya untuk bebas dari dominasi dan kaum pria membuatnya dipenjara karena membunuh seorang germo. Dia pun dijatuhi hukuman mati.
Ada dua masalah dalam studi ini. Pertama adalah penggambaran karakter Firdaus. Kedua adalah pengaruh pengalaman Firdaus yang merubah cara pandangnya terhadap pria. Studi ini menggunakan studi pustaka.
Ada dua sumber yang digunakan untuk memperoleh data. Sumber pertama adalah novel Woman at Point Zero karangan Nawal El Saadawi. Sumber kedua diperoleh dari beberapa buku tentang teori psikologi dan kesusastraan. Teori kesusastraan digunakan untuk menjawab permasalahan pertama tentang karakter Firdaus dan penggambarannya dalam cerita. Teori pengalaman dan persepsi digunakan untuk menjawab permasalahan kedua tentang pengaruh dari pengalaman Firdaus yang merubah cara pandangnya terhadap pria. Beberapa artikel dari internet juga digunakan sebagai informasi tambahan untuk menunjang studi ini. Pendekatan psikologi juga digunakan dalam studi ini untuk menganalisa bagaimanakah masyarakat mempengaruhi karakter Firdaus. Pendekatan ini menjelaskan bagaimakah pengalamannya merubah persepsinya terhadap pria.
Firdaus adalah wanita mandiri, pintar, optimis, berani, dan pendendam. Karakternya mempengaruhi cara pandangnya terhadap pria. Berdasarkan pengalaman-pengalaman Firdaus dengan pria, dia beranggapan bahwa pria adalah penyiksa, pemerkosa, penindas, dan pembohong. Mereka memanfaatkan status mereka untuk melakukan apapun. Apa yang mereka pikirkan hanyalah tentang uang, kekuasaan, dan sex.
Studi ini menampilkan beberapa saran untuk peneliti selanjutnya yang membahas novel yang sama untuk menganalisa masalah lesbian antara Firdaus dan nona Iqbal. Peneliti selanjutnya juga dapat menganalisa ketegaran Firdaus menerima hukuman mati.
Kata kunci: dominasi, kekuasaan, pengalaman, persepsi, penindasan, penyiksaan
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My greatest gratitude goes to Jesus Christ, who has made me as I am, for
His blessings, for every chance in my life, and for guiding me to finish this thesis.
He has never left me in every step I take. I am nothing without Him.
I would like to thank the following people who have supported me in
finishing this thesis. I would like to thank my major advisor Drs. L. Bambang
Hendarto Y., M.Hum and Sr. Margareth, who patiently gave me suggestions,
corrections, and encouragement on my thesis. I also thank my academic advisor,
Drs. JB. Gunawan, M.A., for giving me advice during my study. I would like to
appreciate all of the English lecturers for teaching me many things in life.
My sincere gratitude also goes to my beloved mother Theodora Indrastuti,
my grandpa Drs. AJ. Soewardjo, and my grandma MM. Trisiyah. I also thank my
sister Ajeng Ellis Saptarini, my nephew Dhiandra Bima Baskara,and Mas Inunk,
and Lestari Rahayu. I would like to thank them for their love, care, trust, prayers,
patience, tolerance, understanding, encouragement, and financial support. Their
sacrifice and guidance will never be forgotten.
My special thanks to my best friends Eli and Ria, for supporting me in
finishing this thesis, and to my friends Mbak Septi, Amel, Beny, Erna, Ephine,
and Risma for their love and care. I also thank Mbak Dita, Kentung, Herdian,
Rita, Risang, Mbak Pink, Patrick, and Ninggar for sharing their knowledge and
giving me suggestions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE ... i
APPROVAL PAGE ... ii
DEDICATION PAGE... iv
STATEMENT OF WORK’S ORIGINALITY ... v
LEMBAR PERSETUJUAN PUBLIKASI... vi
1.1 Background of the Study ... 1
1.2 Problem Formulation ... 6
1.3 Objectives of the Study... 6
1.4 Benefits of the Study ... 6
1.5 Definition of Terms ... 7
1.5.1 Character ... 7
1.5.2 Characterization ... 7
1.5.3 Experience... 8
1.5.4 Perception... 8
1.5.5 Egyptian ... 8
CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE... 9
2.1 Review of Related Studies... 9
2.2 Review of Related Theories... 10
2.2.1 Character ... 10
2.2.1.1 Definition of Character ... 10
2.2.2 Characterization... 11
2.2.2.1 Definition of Characterization ... 11
2.2.2.2 Ways to Characterize ... 12
2.2.3 Critical Approach ... 12
2.2.4 Experience ... 13
2.2.4.1 Definition of Experience... 13
2.2.4.2 Types of Experience ... 13
2.2.5 Perception ... 15
2.2.5.1 Definition of Perception ... 15
2.2.5.2 Social Perception ... 16
2.2.5.3 Factors Affecting Perception ... 16
2.3 Review of Socio-Historical Background ... 17
2.3.1 The Egyptian Revolution (1952)... 18
2.3.2 Political Environment... 19
2.3.3 Other Economic Sectors... 20
2.3.4 The Ancient Egyptian Society... 22
2.3.5 Household Environment in Egypt ... 23
2.3.6 The Status of Women in Egyptian Society ... 24
2.3.6.1 The Status of Women in Ancient Era ... 24
2.3.6.2 The Status of Women in Modern Era ... 26
2.4 Theoretical Framework... 27
CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY... 29
3.1 Object of the Study ... 29
3.2 Approach of the Study ... 30
3.3 Method of the Study ... 31
CHAPTER 4 ANALYSIS... 33
4.1 The Description of Firdaus ... 33
4.1.1 Independent ... 34
4.1.3 Revengeful ... 36
4.1.4 Smart ... 38
4.1.5 Brave ... 39
4.2 The Influence of Firdaus’ Experiences... 41
4.2.1 Firdaus’ Experiences with Men... 44
4.2.1.1 Mohammadin ... 45
4.2.2 Men in Firdaus’ Eyes ... 55
LIST OF APPENDICES
1. The Summary of the Story ... 74
2. The Biography of the Author ... 76
3. Nawal El Saadawi’s Works ... 79
4. The Egyptians-Society ... 81
5. Ancient Egypt (The Egyptian Timeline) ... 84
6. Modern Egypt (The Modern Timeline)... 85
7. Map of Egypt... 87
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
This first chapter consists of five parts, namely background of the study,
problem formulation, objectives of the study, benefits of the study, and definition
of terms. The background of the study gives the explanation about the topic of this
study. The problem formulation consists of two questions, which generally
describe the problems that will be analyzed in this study. The objectives of the
study state the purpose of writing this study. The benefits of the study explain
who can get the benefits from the study. The last part is definition of terms which
gives the explanation about some terms that are related to the study in order to
avoid misconception in reading this study.
1.1 Background of The Study
God creates men and women in order to complete each other. Men can
find what they do not have in women. On the other hand, women can find what
they do not have in men. Physically men and women are very different. Many
men are stronger and bigger than women. Many of them like to fight, while many
women like something related to nature, such as flowers and landscapes.
Swerdloff (1991) states that “much of the time, women have to depend on men to
provide them with enough food to eat and to protect them” (p. 11). Women deal
with many physical things in life, such as menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth,
by which men’s support is important for them.
Some decades age, women were considered lower than men. People
thought that women lacked ability, competence in education, and knowledge. This
reason made many men treat women unfairly and inappropriately. Nowadays,
many people especially men still have that kind of perception as they think that
women are lower than men.
According to Montagu (1999) “in many cultures, women are considered
lower than men; they are creative human beings but not quite so creative humans
as men” (p. 270). Although there are some women who become presidents, prime
ministers or have high position in their jobs, but in fact the perception that they
are lower than men is still held in the society.
In certain countries like Egypt, people still think that women are lower
than men. It seems that the society cannot change the perception of it. There,
women do not mean a thing. Men can do anything to women just as they like.
Women cannot deny or make demands on men because the patriarchal society
system is strong. Additionally, Amin (1995) states that “from the time of her birth
to the time of her death a woman is a slave because she does not live by or for
herself. A woman lives through and for the man, depending on him for all her
needs” (p. 18). That is why, the perception that women are lower than men cannot
go away from the society.
The fact that in some countries people think that women are lower than
men can be reflected in literary works, such as novel. A novel can portray many
things, such as society, characters of people, science, norms, values, religions,
about other people” (p. 6). In literature, we can find so many aspects of life:
values, emotions, the power of love, and so on. The works of literature are close to
what people think, see, feel, and do in daily experience. So, it is clear that a work
of literature can portray a story of the novel into real society. Moreover, it is
related to many aspects of humans’ life.
A novel entitled Woman at Point Zero is one of the novels that primarily
talks about such issue.The novel is interesting because it talks about women who
become the men’s victim in many aspects of life. The novel is one of the best
seller novels by Nawal El Saadawi in 1983. The story is very interesting and
touching especially for women. The story is about Firdaus as the major character.
A man sends her into the prison because she admits that she has killed a pimp. As
a matter of fact, the judge condemns her to a death sentence. Knowing that,
Firdaus does not try to defend herself. She does not speak to other people at all
while she is in the prison.
Firdaus’ life is full of disappointment, abuse, oppression, and revolt. Many
people, especially men, take advantages from her body. After her parents death,
she tries to get some protection from her uncle who actually has already abused
her in her childhood. Her love for a man makes her think that there is no love in
her society. It is because every man she really loves always betrays her. Then she
does not believe in love anymore. When there is no one to believe, she meets
Sharifa, a professional prostitute who sells her body to men. On the other hand,
Firdaus does not take anything from it and Sharifa does not give anything. Every
anytime they ask that kind of question, she always answers yes. It makes her think
that men are able to make love with every woman they want if they have enough
money.
Firdaus leaves Sharifa’s apartment. She tries to live normally as other
women do. She looks for a job here and there. Finally, she gets it and she works in
an office. There, she meets a man who makes her feel disappointed. It makes her
remember her experiences with men before, by which no one of them treat her
well. She learns a lot from it and then she remembers when Sharifa tells her that a
man does not know a woman’s value. That is why she herself is the only one who
determines her value. Since Firdaus has had many bad experiences with men and
then she concludes that they are unable to be loved, she decides to be a high class
prostitutes like Sharifa. It seems like revenge from her trauma with men because
by being a prostitute she is able to do anything to men.
Firdaus has a wealthy life since she works as a prostitute. She has a much
better life. On the top of her career as a prostitute, many people fight over her.
Men fight over the pleasure they want to get from her and others fight over other
things. Unfortunately, there is a man who comes and forces her to accept him as
her pimp. He knows that Firdaus is a famous and expensive prostitute. She refuses
the pimp. She realizes that the pimp is going to control her life and her money.
The pimp tells her many reasons why it is necessary to have a pimp, but she does
not believe him. The pimp tries to make her believe until she accepts him. Based
him very cruelly. She tells it to a man who actually is a prince. First, he does not
believe because Firdaus looks very gentle and it seems impossible for her to kill a
man. However, she makes him believe it. The prince is very scared and then calls
the police and immediately she is sent to prison and charged to be executed.
Although she can pay for a lawyer to assist her and even send a letter to the
president to release her from the prison, she rejects to do that. She thinks that
being executed for killing a pimp is better than being men’s servant. Based on her
experiences, she knows that men’s authority is quite difficult to be removed. She
wants to assist women’s rights but she has no power to do that. Killing a pimp is
one way of getting revenge.
Fidaus’ bad experiences with men make her have a different way in seeing
men. She thinks that men should not do just as they like. Men and women have
the same rights and opportunities in the society. Besides, there are norms and
values which they have to consider.
However, Firdaus also thinks that men should not treat women unfairly
because women have an important role in the society, such as taking care of the
household and giving birth. On the other hand, men have to support the family’s
needs, not only material but also immaterial. Therefore, men and women should
support each other.
The focus of the analysis of this study is on the influence of Firdaus’
experiences with men and the way she sees men. Psychologically, it is interesting
to find out what kind of experiences she has with men which change her way in
1.2 Problem Formulation
There are two main questions that this study deals with. They are as follows.
1. How is Firdaus described in the novel?
2. How can the experiences with men influence Firdaus’ way in seeing men?
1.3 Objectives of the Study
There are two purposes of this study. First is to describe Firdaus’ character
as the major character in the story. Second is to find out what kind of experiences
that she has which influence her way in seeing men. Those two purposes which
are stated in the problem formulation helps to analyze the story of the novel
Woman at Point Zero.Besides, it can be employed as the inspiration for people to
fight against unfair treatment which usually happens between man and woman.
1.4 Benefits of the Study
This novel is very touching and interesting to read because the readers are
able to know the situation and condition of Egypt without having to go there. The
readers are also able to know the social environment of Egypt in the past time,
such as gender discrimination, feminism, revolt, abuse, oppression, culture, and
many more. This study will give many contributions and benefits to many people
at all levels. It can be useful for people in general, students and especially students
in English language study program (PBI), and of course the researcher as the
writer of this study. People can take values and knowledge from this novel about
bad experiences which influence someone’s life. Not only that, people can also
almost the same experience happening in their society, this novel and study might
give them inspiration to find the solutions.
Students, especially PBI students, are a number of people who are very
lucky. They can use this study as their reference in writing their thesis, research,
or other studies. While for the researcher, the novel “Woman at Point Zero” is
one of my masterpieces.
1.5 Definition of Terms
1.5.1 Character
Abrams (1981) states that “characters are the persons presented in a
dramatic or narrative work, who are interpreted by the reader as being endowed
with moral and dispositional qualities that are expressed in what they say –
dialogue and by what they do- the action” (p. 20). The same idea is also shown by
Abcarian and Klotz (1998), who explain that “character is revealed by what
persons do, say, and by what the other characters say or reveal” (p. 21). Therefore,
the term character in this study refers to the character and behavior in the novel.
1.5.2 Characterization
According to Wiehaardt (2009) characterization is the method used by a
writer to develop a character. The method includes: showing the character’s
appearance, displaying the character’s actions, revealing the character’s thoughts,
letting the character speak, and getting the reactions of others. Additionally,
Rohnberger and Wood, Jr. (2003) defines “characterization as an author’s creative
her” (p. 231). Therefore, the readers are able to conclude the characterization of
each character in the novel by themselves considering the signs or methods giving
by the writer.
1.5.3 Experience
According to Shahan (1990) “experience is a general concept comprises
knowledge of or skill in or observation of some things or some events gained
through involvement in or exposure to that thing or event” (p. 1). In this study,
experience can be described as moments or events which happen during Firdaus’
life which change her mind in seeing men.
1.5.4 Perception
McLeod (2007) states that “perception may be defined as the process by
which an individual selects, organizes and interprets stimuli into a meaningful and
coherent picture of the environment in which he lives” (p. 1). It is a complex
cognitive process and differs from one individual to another, depending on the
needs, values and expectations of the individual.
1.5.5 Egyptian
According to Sharabi (1962) “Egyptian is a member of an indigenous
non-Semitic people who established an advanced civilization in Egypt that flourished
from the late fourth millennium BC” (p. 208). Thus, the Egyptians are people who
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
This chapter consists of four parts. The first part discusses some theories
which support the analysis. They are theories of character, characterization,
experience, Egyptian, and trauma. The second part discusses the cultural
background in Egypt. The third part presents some studies done by the former
researchers. The fourth part is the theoretical framework. It describes how the
theories are applied in the analysis.
2.1 Review of Related Studies
There are four researchers who have discussed the same novel Woman at
Point Zero. The first researcher is Ong Yoelia (2004) who focuses on the
feminism aspect in Egypt which influences the major character in the novel. She
digs out more about feminism and makes a relation to the reasons why the major
character does not refuse the death sentence. The second is Riska Pareka (2008)
who focuses on motivation of the major character in becoming a prostitute in
Woman at Point Zero by Nawal el Saadawi compared toEleven Minutesby Paulo
Coelho. She tries to compare and find the same reasons which support the major
character in two novels to be a prostitute, not to be an obedient wife or other jobs.
The third is Rigen Pratitisari (2004) who focuses on Firdaus’ motivation in
becoming a prostitute. Actually, the point of this study is almost the same as Riska
Pareka’s study. Thing that makes it different is that Rigen does not compare with
other novels. She really focuses on Woman at Point Zero. The fourth is Dewi
Maharani Purba (2006) who focuses on analyzing the motivation of the major
character in accepting the death sentence.
This study discusses a different thing that is the influence of Firdaus’
experiences with men which change her way of seeing men. It talks much about
Firdaus’ experiences with men which most of them are bad. These make Firdaus
change her perception about men. In the beginning she thinks that women have to
be obedient to men’s rule, but then she thinks that it does not have to be like that.
She rebels the culture where men are the head of everything. She shows that a
woman has a power as a man has. As the result, she kills a pimp and then she is
sentenced to death. However, she receives it without rebellion because she thinks
that it is better to die because of killing a man than living under a man’s control.
2.2 Review of Related Theories
This part will review some theories employed in this study. They are
theories of character and characterization, experience, and perception.
Additionally, this part will also review the socio-historical background of Egypt.
2.2.1 Character
2.2.1.1 Definition of Character
Abrams (1981) defines the word character into “two kinds” (p. 81). First,
he defines character as “a literary genre: a short, usually witty, sketch in prose of a
distinctive type of person”. Second, he defines character as “the persons, in a
are expressed in what they say – the dialogue – and what they do – the action”
(para. 5). The same idea comes from Abcarian and Klotz (1998) who define that
“character revealed by what persons do, say, and by what the other characters say
or reveal” (p. 21). Therefore, it can be said that character is the person in a
narrative work and her or his behavior or characteristic.
2.2.1.2 Kinds of Character
E.M. Forster divides “two kinds of character. Those are flat and round
characters” (as cited in Abrams, 1981, p. 155). A flat character is built around a
single idea or quality and is presented without much individualizing detail, and
therefore can be described adequately in a single phrase or sentence. It is a
constant character acting as a good character. This character never change into
bad characters. In other words, constant characters are static. In contrast, a round
character is not static. It is complex in temperament and motivation and is
represented with subtle particularity; such a character therefore is as difficult to
describe with any adequacy as a person in real life, and like real person, is capable
of surprising us. It can change over the time and can be seen from many sides.
2.2.2 Characterization
2.2.2.1 Definition of Characterization
According to Abrams (1981) characterization is the person in a narrative;
showing and telling. The method includes showing the character’s appearance,
displaying the character’s actions, revealing the character’s thoughts, letting the
Wood, Jr. (1984) defines “characterization as an author’s creative process in
creating a character which consists of describing the character’s physical
appearances, style, manner, thought, action and other’s opinion about her” (p.
231).
2.2.2.2 Ways to Characterize
Abrams (1981) states “that there are two ways for characterizing the
persons in a narrative”. They are “showing and telling” (p. 21). In showing which
is also called “the dramatic method”, the author merely presents his characters
taking and acting and leaves the reader to infer what motives and dispositions
behind what they say and do. However, the author may show not only external
speech and actions, but also a character’s inner thoughts, feelings, and
responsiveness to events; for a highly developed mode of such inner showing. It
means that the readers have to think about characters by themselves with some
certain attitude, behavior, speech, and thought shown by the author.
In telling, the author himself intervenes authoritatively in order to describe
and often to evaluate the motives and dispositional qualities of the characters. The
author states the characters objectively, impersonally, and dramatically. This way
makes the readers are able to know the characters easily because the author has
stated clearly.
2.2.3 Critical Approach
According to Rohrberger and Woods, Jr. (2003), there are “five kinds of
total integrity of the literary piece; the biographical approach which asserts the
important or an appreciation of the ideas and personality of the author to
understand the literary object; the sociocultural-historical approach which
considers that literature is not created in a vacuum, but it gains ideas from culture,
so people can have ethical judgment concerning the truth of the author’s
statement; the mythopoeic approach which discover certain universally recurrent
patterns of human thought, that they believe it will be significant works of art; the
last is the psychological approach which views works through the lens of
psychology” (para. 5-8).
2.2.4 Experience
2.2.4.1 Definition of Experience
Shahan (1990) states that “experience is a general concept comprises
knowledge of or skill in or observation of some things or some events gained
through involvement in or exposure to that thing or event” (p. 81). In this study,
experience can be described as moments or events that happen during Firdaus’ life
which makes her change her mind about men.
2.2.4.2 Types of Experience
Shahan (1990) defines “eight types of experience” (para. 8). The first type
is physical experience. This kind of experience is related to a human body. One of
the criteria of this experience is that the effect or result can be seen through the
eyes. The second is mental experience. Mental experience involves aspects of
memory, emotion, willingness and imagination. It means that the effect of this
experience cannot be seen through the eyes, but it can only be felt.
The third is emotional experience. It is clear that by the name, this type is
related to people’s emotion. The real example of this type is when someone is
falling in love. At that time, he/she has an emotional experience. The fourth is
spiritual experience. It can be considered that it is related to mystics. However, it
is not only about mystics, but also about other things such as religious aspect.
Next experience is social experience. It is quite clear that this experience provides
individuals with the skills and habits necessary for participating within the
societies.
Additionally, Shahan (1990) adds that virtual experience and simulation
gaming are related to an experience in virtual reality, such as using computer;
while simulation gaming is related to games such as video game and role-play (p.
99). Next is immediacy of experience. This can be considered as speed. For
example, if someone is forced to be in a certain place immediately, the person
might do or not do. At this time, this person gets an immediacy experience. The
last is subjective experience. It involves a state of individual subjectivity,
perception on which one builds someone’s own state of reality; the reality is based
on her/ his interaction with the environment.
Based on those types above, the researcher concludes some experiences
which Firdaus’ experienced. The first is physical experience. Firdaus experienced
a physical experience when Bayoumi, Sheikh Mahmoud, and some other men hit
by Firdaus’ face that becomes swollen and that her nose is bleeding (p. 46). The
second is mental experience. This experience support Firdaus’ decision to be a
prostitute. Being treated badly by some men, creates a bad perception. She thinks
that men cannot appreciate women. She considers that being a prostitute is better
than a wife. This perception makes Firdaus hates men and decides to be a
prostitute. The third is emotional experience. Firdaus gets this experience when
she falls in love with Ibrahim. Unfortunately, he betrays her by married to the
chairperson’s daughter. Additionally, it also can be seen when Firdaus kills a
pimp in which she kills him cruelty. It shows how Firdaus shows her emotion and
anger to men.
2.2.5 Perception
2.2.51 Definition of Perception
There are some definitions of perception. People, especially experts, may
also have the different opinion about it. Common people may think that
perception is the same as point of view. However, they might be different. In
order to avoid misunderstanding, this is one of the definitions of perception based
on McLeod’s opinion.
The word perception comes from the Latin words perceptio or percipio
which means receiving, collecting, action of taking possession, apprehension with
the mind or senses. McLeod (2007) states that “perception defined as the process
by which an individual selects, organizes, and interprets stimuli into a meaningful
cognitive process and differs from one individual to another, depending on the
needs, values, and expectations of the individual.
2.2.5.2 Social Perception
McLeod (2007) states that “social perception deals with how an individual
perceives other individuals”. The primary factors that affect social perception are
related to psychological processes. If someone understands his/her own
personality well, it becomes easier to understand others accurately. Personal
characteristics of an individual may affect the way he/she perceives others. An
individual who has a high self-esteem is more likely to perceive favorable aspects
in others as well. How accurately an individual perceives others is based on not
just a single skill but involves many other skills. The perceiver’s personal
characteristics play a major role in influencing the way he interprets target or
stimulus. A person’s attitudes, motives, interests, past experiences and
expectations affect his/her perception. An individual’s perception is greatly
influenced by his/her unfulfilled needs and goals.
2.2.5.3 Factors Affecting Perception
McLeod (2007) states that “perception is influenced by the ways the body
is structured to receive and process stimuli from the environment” (p. 8).
Perception reflects the emotion, need, expectation, and learning. There are two
factors that influence what and how people perceive. They are receptors and the
brain. Receptors are the special body parts such as vision, hearing and touch. Each
environment into nervous impulses. On the other hand, the brain also determines
some aspects of perception. The part of the brain that serves vision has different
kinds of cells that respond only under certain conditions of stimulation. Some of
these cells respond only when a light goes off.
McLeod (2007) states “three kinds of characteristics which influence
someone’s perception” (p. 20). The first is characteristics of perceiver which
consist of attitudes, motives, interests, experiences, and expectation. Those
characteristics give an important role for someone’s perception. It is because those
things determine the way someone perceives. The second is characteristics of
target which consist of novelty and familiarity, motives, sound, size, background,
and proximity. The third is characteristics of situation that consist of time, work,
and social environment. It also holds an important role because the social
environment influence someone’ perception and characteristic much. Someone’s
characteristic might change because of the social environment that makes he/she
change to be like that.
2.3 Review of Socio-Historical Background
This part will discuss about the government, society, other economic
aspects, and the status of women in modern Egypt. It is important to know about
the socio historical background of Egypt because it will make the reading process
getting easier; it gives an idea to the readers about the situation or background of
the story when the story happens. Additionally, it gives more explanation about
2.3.1 The Egyptian Revolution (1952)
Sharabi (1962) explains “the history of Egypt such as the revolution,
political environment, other economic sectors, and the status of women in Egypt”
(pp. 314-323). In 1952 Egyptian nationalist viewed the incompetent and corrupt
of King Farouk’s government. They also viewed that King Farouk’s government
were unable to deal effectively with either the British or the problem of Israel. The
solution to overcome these problems was to change the country’s leadership.
On 23 July 1952 the military organization called Free Officers launched a
coup d’etat that established a new system of government. Then on 26 July 1952
King Farouk was forced to abdicate and left the country. Still in the same year, the
military controlled the major instruments of force and there was no significant
opposition to their actions. The government was changed into the Revolutionary
Command Council (RCC) whose titular head was a senior military officer and one
of the few successful Egyptian officers in the 1948 was General Muhammad
Naguib. The immediate concern of the RCC was to dismantle the corrupt
structures of the monarchy and to create a new political order that would institute
major social change. Additionally, the basic goal was to end political corruption
and inefficiency and to prevent further humiliations such as the Arab-Israeli War
of 1948-1949 and the British control of Egypt.
In December 1952 the constitution and the parliamentary form of
government were suspended. The following January General Naguib announced
that all political parties had been banned and their funds confiscated and that
February, an interim constitutional was proclaimed that provided the terms for the
operation of the government. This constitution noted that people were the source
of all authority but all power was clearly vested in the RCC. Then, RCC created a
new political organization called the National Liberation Rally to replace the
banned political parties.
In June 1953 the RCC moved to the next step in the conversion of the
political scene. The monarchy was abolished. A republic, with Naguib as both
president and prime minister, was declared. The main structural changes were
now in place, permitting the processes of government to function within a new
framework. The most crucial factor in Naguib’s period was the emergence of
Gamal Abdul Nasser as the primary force of Egyptian national life. Slowly
Nasser’s role as the guiding force behind the revolution began to clarify and
Nasser emerged as the victor a power struggle within the RCC.
On 14 November 1954, the struggle for control between Nasser and
Naguib went through several stages. In 1954 Nasser changed Naguid as the
president of Egypt. When he led the country, all aspects in Egypt were running
very well. In 1970 Nasser died and was replaced by Anwar El-Sadat. The Sadat
period brought changes in the political, social and economic domains.
2.3.2 Political Environment
Nile River was an important source of revenue and a central factor in daily
life. Egyptian society had been based to a significant degree on the peasants, the
fellahin, who constitute the vast majority of the Egyptian population. The fellahin
economically and educationally, and in terms of life expectancy, wealth, health,
literacy, and most of the other measures of achievement in society.
At the time of the revolution Egypt was a poor country facing a host of
social and economic problems: low per-capita income, unequal income
distribution, disease, early death, low life expectancy, and a low literacy rate. The
Egyptian Revolution of 1952 was launched to deal with political issues. There
were two class systems in the society, a very rich upper class and a very poor
lower class. The upper class consists of bankers, businessmen, merchants, and
landlords controlled the wealth of the country and dominated its political
institution. The poor were mostly landless peasants who constituted more than 75
percent of the population. Additionally, they were illiterate and had little
opportunity to improve their situation. One of the goals of the revolution was the
achievement of social and economic justice by eliminating the corrupt system and
the monopoly of health. The new government attempted to raise the standard of
living of the average Egyptian and to reduce the poverty and disease that had
permeated Egyptian society for so long.
2.3.3 Other Economic Sectors
In 1952 revolution was of little immediate consequence to the Egyptian
economy. By the end of 1950s government’s attitudes had shifted to favor public
participation in and direct regulation of the economy. In 1961 a series of decrees
nationalized all large-scale industry, business, finance, and virtually all foreign
trade. All big businesses were controlled by the government. Modern
transport and communication, finance and wholesale trade were primary owned
by the government while most retail trade, handicrafts and repair, housing,
professional services, and agriculture were privately owned.
In 1962, the Egyptian economy had changed. Ownership of the main
branches of economy had been transferred to the government. Government
budgets accounted for 60 percent of the GNP. Efforts to improve the economic
system were severely hampered by the losses suffered in the 1967 Arab-Israeli
War. As a consequence, Egypt lost substantial revenues from the closure of the
Suez Canal, oil fields in Sinai Peninsula and tourism. The most important thing
here was that those three elements had been important to Egypt’s earning of
foreign exchange for its development.
In the wake of 1973 October, the war situation began to change. It brought
positive results for the Egyptian economy. In 1975 the canal was reopened and the
oil field in Sinai Peninsula was returned to Egyptian control. It made the situation
in Egypt better than before. In a 1974 working paper, President Anwar Sadat set
forth a statement of Egypt’s long-term economic and social objectives. He
discussed the successes of the revolution, including the emancipation of women,
the establishment of many public sector enterprises, the Agrarian Reform Law,
and advances in education and other social services. He brought Egypt into a
better place although not in all aspects of life. However, population was the main
problem in Egypt whose density was one of the highest in the world and it was not
was that Egypt remained a poor and developing country; it was densely populated;
migration to the cities and many more.
2.3.4 The Ancient Egyptian Society
According to Sharabi (1962) ancient Egypt was a civilization that
flourished for over 2000 years, beginning with the Old Kingdom around 2650 BC,
and including the various Kingdoms and dynasties through around 700 BC
(conquest by Assyria), 525 BC (conquest by Persia), or 332 BC (conquest by
Alexander the Great). The Great Pyramid was constructed around 2600 BC, the
Sphinx around 2500 BC, but Ramases II of the 19th Dynasty in the period around 1500 BC (p. 340).
In the ancient Egyptian society, there was a structure classifying the
people based on their caste or job (Historyonthenet, 2000, p. 1). The ancient
Egyptian people were grouped in a hierarchical system with the Pharaoh at the top
and farmers and slaves at the bottom. The groups of people nearest the top of
society were the richest and most powerful.
The Pharaoh was the most powerful person in Egyptian society. He was
responsible for making laws and keeping order. He was also responsible for
ensuring that Egypt was not attacked by enemies. The Vizier was the Pharaoh's
chief advisor and sometimes was the High Priest. He was responsible for
overseeing administration and all official documents had to have approval. He
was also responsible for the supply of food, settling disputes between nobles and
the running and protection of the Pharaoh's household. Nobles ruled the regions
region. Priests were responsible for keeping the Gods happy so that the Nile flood
and there was a good harvest. They spent their time performing rituals and
ceremonies to the God of their temple. Scribes were the only people who could
read and write and responsible for keeping records. The ancient Egyptians
recorded things such as how much food was produced at harvest time, how many
soldiers were in the army, numbers of workers and the number of gifts given to
the Gods.
Soldiers were responsible to protect the country. Many second sons,
including those of the Pharaoh often chose to join the army. Soldiers were
allowed to share riches captured from enemies and rewarded with land for their
service to the country. Craftsmen were skill workers such as - pottery makers,
leatherworkers, sculptors, painters, weavers, jewellery makers, shoe makers,
tailors. Groups of craftsmen often worked together in workshops. Farmers
worked the land of the Pharaoh and nobles and were given housing, food and
clothes in return. Some farmers rent land from nobles and had to pay a percentage
of their crop as their rent. There were no slave markets or auctions in Ancient
Egypt. Slaves were usually prisoners captured in war. Slaves could be found in
the households of the Pharaoh and nobles, working in mines and quarries and in
temples.
2.3.5 Household Environment in Egypt
Arendt, the author of The Human Condition (1990), says that a family is
central in traditional and contemporary Egyptian society (p. 28). The system in the
or traditions which is very different between ancient and modern Egyptian
society. In ancient Egyptian society, men hold the highest position in the
household, the younger have to respect to older people, children have to respect
the parents or older people, and women have to respect men. Arendt adds that the
father holds the authority and responsibility, and expects respect and he does not
want someone to complain for every one of instructions (p. 29). Men control
everything in the household. They forbid the wife to have a job outside the house.
The wife’s job is to take care of the house works, children, and husband.
2.3.6 The Status of Women in Egyptian Society
Seawright (2010) states that “the status of women in ancient and modern
Egyptian society is in contrast” (p. 311). The explanation about it as follows.
2.3.6.1 The Status of Women in Ancient Era
Seawright (2010) explains much about the status of women in ancient
Egypt. They are as follows. Egyptian women had a free life, compared to the
contemporaries in other lands. They were not feminists, but they could have
power and position if they were in the right class. They could hold down a job, or
be a mother if they chose. They could live by themselves or with the family. They
could buy and sell to their heart’s content. They could follow the latest fashions or
learn to write if they had the chance. They loved and laughed and ate and drunk.
They partied and got sick. They helped the husband, they ran the household. They
lived a similar life to that of their mother and grandmother in accordance with
The ancient Egyptian women in general were free to go about in public;
they worked out in the fields and in estate workshops. They could manage and
dispose of private property, including: land, portable goods, servants, slaves,
livestock, and money as well as financial instruments. A woman could administer
all her property independently and according to her free will. She could conclude
any kind of legal settlement. She could appear as a contracting partner in a
marriage contract or a divorce contract; she could execute testaments; she could
free slaves; she could make adoptions. She was entitled to sue at law.
Marriage was a very important part of ancient Egyptian society. Some
people said that marriage was almost a duty to get married. Husbands could marry
more than one wife, and people of close relations, such as first cousins, brothers
and sisters, could also wed one another. There was no age limit as to when people
could be married, but generally a girl did not get married until she had begun to
menstruate at about the age of fourteen. Some documents state that girls may have
been married at the age of eight or nine, and a mummy of an eleven years old wife
has also been found. Marriage required no religious or legal ceremony. There
were no special bridal clothes, no exchange of rings, no change of names to
indicate marriage, and no word meaning wedding.
A girl became universally acknowledged as a wife after she physically left
the protection of her father's house and entered her new home. The new husband
in no way became the new wife's legal guardian. The wife kept her independence,
and still kept control of her own assets. Although the husband usually controlled
of this belonged to the wife; if the marriage ended, she could collect her share. If
the husband died while married, the wife got one-third of her husband's property.
Re-marriage after widowhood was very common, and some gravesites indicate
three or four marriages between one people. Therefore, the status of women in
ancient era can be said as a good condition because Egyptian women in ancient
era are free to do anything. They also have the same status with men. A wife does
not need to ask for a husband’s permission if she wants to do something.
2.3.6.2 The Status of Women in Modern Era
There is no clear explanation from the experts about timeline of modern
Egyptian era. However, Scaruffi (1999) states that modern Egyptian era began
around 1100s. It was began with Christian Crusaders from Europe which invaded
Egypt. In other words, it can be said that modern Egyptian era was began after the
ancient era ended, that was around 640 AD (p. 1).
Amin (1995) states that “when people talk about Middle-Eastern countries
including Egypt, what they have in mind is that a woman was man’s slave, and
the man was the ruler’s slave; he was the oppressor of his wife in his house and he
was oppressed by the ruler when he left his house” (p. 7). The fact is that women
status in ancient and modern era is very different. Amin (1995) adds that “in
modern era women cannot do anything freely” (pp. 10-12). Everything is under
the men’s control. Violence, abuse, and oppression can be found everywhere.
Women do not have enough power to make use of their right in the household and
society. They are really considered as the lowest part of the society. On the
thinks that she makes mistakes. Therefore, it really proves that Egyptian women
in modern era considered do not any right.
According to Scaruffi (1999), the changes from ancient to modern
Egyptian era happen in some aspect. Life in modern Egypt is a study in contrasts,
especially in Cairo, where the constant blasting of the car horns and the
loudspeakers of its thousand minarets proclaim both the hectic present and the
contemplative past. Modern skyscrapers, highways, a subway system, hotels,
restaurants, advertising and western clothing blend together with ancient
pharaonic ruins, Islamic mosques, Coptic churches, Middle Eastern garb, bazaars
and the odor of cattle in a unique mosaic of life in modern Egypt. I once witnessed
a huge caravan of farmers, donkeys and camels making a right turn on a principal
Cairo avenue.Life in modern Egypt is a study in contrasts, especially in Cairo,
where the constant blasting of the car horns and the loudspeakers of its thousand
minarets proclaim both the hectic present and the contemplative past. Modern
skyscrapers, highways, a subway system, hotels, restaurants, advertising and
western clothing blend together with ancient pharaonic ruins, Islamic mosques,
Coptic churches, Middle Eastern garb, bazaars and the odor of cattle in a unique
mosaic of life in modern Egypt. I once witnessed a huge caravan of farmers,
donkeys and camels making a right turn on a principal Cairo avenue.
2.4 Theoretical Framework
There are two problems discussed in this study. The first is the figure of
influence her perception towards men. In answering those problems and analyzing
the novel, there are some theories employed in this study. In analyzing the first
question, the theories needed are character and characterization. These theories
are employed to explore Firdaus’ character as the major character in the novel
Woman at Point Zero. The second question deals with the theory of critical
approach. It employs the psychological approach which consists of theories of
experience and perception. Those theories have an important contribution to
answer the second question. It is because Firdaus’ experiences with men are the
only reason why she changes her perception towards men. The fact that she grows
up in a very poor family and bad treatment that her father does to her mother,
makes her think that her father is not a good man. That is the first time she judges
man. Later, other experiences with men, such as her uncle, Bayoumi, Ibrahim, etc,
METHODOLOGY
This chapter consists of three parts, namely object of the study, approach
of the study, and method of the study. Object of the study deals with the object of
the study itself. Approach of the study covers the approaches used in analyzing
the novel. The last part, method of the study, concerns with the steps and process
that I have undertaken to conduct and complete this study.
3.1 Object of the Study
The novel discussed in this study is Woman at Point Zero. This novel was
written by Nawal El Saadawi, a well known feminist Egyptian writer. She writes
many books which most of them are well published. Woman at point Zero
consists of 114 pages in 3 chapters. It was published in English in 1983 by Zed
Books Ltd., United Kingdom.
The story of the novel Woman at Point Zero was made based on a true
story. It tells about a woman, named Firdaus, who has been sentenced to death for
killing a man. Although she has been sentenced to death, she does not assist
herself at all. Firdaus is a professional prostitute. She gets many abuses from men,
including her uncle. In the beginning of the story, she does not know that others
abuse her because she is still completely innocent. She can do nothing when men
treat her as they like. She also does not know that Sharifa El Salah Dien is only
take the money by selling to men. Firdaus‟ life changes when she meets a woman
who teaches her how to behave well and how to make up softly but glamorous.
She tells many things to Firdaus. This woman is actually the person who
motivates Firdaus to be a prostitute. She tells her that women are able to decide
how much they are. She says that men outside will pay how much the woman
asks. Even, they are able to steal somebody else‟s money to pay it. They will do
anything to get what they want, including a prostitute. After that, Firdaus knows
that she can ask how much a man must pay for her body.
Based on her experiences with men, she finally thinks that being a
prostitute is better than being a wife. It is because a wife cannot do anything when
their husband asks them to do this or that. On the other hand, a prostitute is able to
do anything to a man who wants to have fun with them, and man may not say
„no‟. Besides, she thinks that nobody is able to make any decisions for a
prostitute‟s life moreover for the higher class of prostitute like herself.
3.2 Approach of the Study
There are some kinds of critical approaches which can be employed to
analyze a novel, but in this study the use of the psychological approach to others
as one of the approaches to analyze the novel Woman at Point Zero. The
psychological approach is one kind of approach that is usually used in analyzing a
novel. This kind of approach helps to analyze the characters in the novel by seeing
the behavior, mind, speech, thought and many more of each character. The
psychological approach is the most appropriate approach to answer the second
question stated in the problem formulation and also the title of this study. This
phenomenology motivation, brain functioning, personality, behavior, and
interpersonal relationships. By knowing every element in this approach, makes it
easier to analyze the psychological aspect of Firdaus‟ characteristics.
Additionally, it makes it easier to answer the questions stated in problem
formulation
In analyzing the novel Woman at Point Zerowritten by Nawal El Saadawi,
the researcher uses the psychological approach. The reason why this study uses
the psychological approach is because it is able to explain more about the value
behind the story of the novel. It can also be used to answer the questions stated in
the problem formulation. Rohrberger and Woods, Jr. (2003) state that
“psychological approach involves efforts to locate and demonstrate certain
recurrent patterns, but from a different body of language” (pp. 6-15). The
psychological approach uses theory of psychology to explain human motivation,
personality and behavior patterns written in literary objects, as the focus of the
study Firdaus‟ way in seeing men which is based on her experiences with men
which influence her way in seeing men then.
3.3 Method of the Study
In conducting these studies there were some steps undertaken. First, the
researcher looked for the novel. It was not easy to find a good novel since there
were many interesting novels to be found. Nevertheless, a novel entitled Woman
at Point Zero was chosen as the first source of this study. Second, the researcher
read the novel and tried to have a deeper understanding of the characters and
Third, the researcher made the title. Some problems appeared in making the title
because some of the titles had already been used by the former researchers.
However, the researcher got a better title, “The Influence of Firdaus‟ Experiences
with Men on Her Way She Sees Men as Reflected in Nawal El Saadawi‟sWoman
at Point Zero.” Fourth, the researcher looked for some studies which also
discussed the novel Woman at Point Zero from the former researchers. It was
important to do it in order to have such a comparison among the studies and
enrich the understanding about the story.
Fifth, the researcher started to do chapter one. The researcher looked for
some books as the references and took some statements from the experts. In this
step, the researcher learned how to quote well. Sixth, the researcher moved on to
chapter three. It was not really difficult to work on chapter three because this
chapter was an explanation about object of the study, approaches that were used,
and method of the study which presented the steps in doing this study. Seventh,
the researcher did chapter two. This part was quite difficult because the researcher
had to be careful in doing some parts. Besides, the theories which were explained
had to be reliable. Eight, the researcher did chapter four. In doing chapter four the
researcher had to be careful because this chapter was like the composition of
chapter one until three. Nine, the researcher did chapter five. The researcher got a
little problem on implication. It was revised four times. Finished with chapter one
up to five, the researcher started to make some elements to fulfill this study, such
as table content, dedication page, approval page, appendices, references, and
ANALYSIS
This chapter discusses two questions, which are stated in the problem
formulation. The first question deals with the description of Firdaus as the major
character. The second question deals with Firdaus‟ experiences with men which
influence her way in seeing men.
4.1 The Description of Firdaus
According to E.M Foster „there are two kinds of character, flat and round
characters‟ (as cited in Abrams, 1981, p. 155). Additionally, he adds that a round
character is not static; he changes over the time and can be seen from many sides.
Based on that explanation about characters, Firdaus belongs to a round character.
It is because Firdaus changes from a very gentle woman to a very cruel woman.
Abrams (1981) states „there are two ways for characterizing the person in
narrative; they are showing or dramatic method and telling‟ (p. 21). In order to
know about Firdaus‟ character, the readers have to think by themselves. They can
conclude how Firdaus character is by seeing her speech, action, attitude, and many
more. As Abrams (1981) says, the author merely presents his/her characters taking
and acting and leaves the reader to infer what motives and dispositions behind
what they say and do (p. 21). Related to that, there are some characteristics of
Firdaus which can be seen from her action, attitude, speech, and so on. Those
explanation above can be used to analyze Firdaus‟ character in the novel.
4.1.1 Independent
Firdaus is an independent woman. This character does not change from the
beginning of the story until the end. There are some facts which show that Firdaus
is an independent woman. When she lives in her uncle‟s house, she washes and
cleans the house. She irons her uncle‟s clothes and cooks for him. She does the
household jobs (p. 20). She also prepares things before her uncle comes back from
El Azhar, such as cooking food. When her uncle comes back from El Azhar they
will eat it together (p. 20). Since she has to go to school, her uncle sends her to
school. Another day, her uncle and his wife take her away from the house. They
put her in the boarding girls section of the school. She does not know the reason
why they send her there. Thus, she stays at the boarding house (p. 23).
After graduating, she goes back to her uncle‟s house. She hears her uncle
and his wife talking about her. The wife says that they cannot wait for her to get a
job. Besides, there is no place for her to live in that house. Moreover, if she wants
to continue her study, she says that the children have many needs. Her uncle tells
his wife that Firdaus can help his wife to cook food for them or clean the house,
but his wife does not give the chance. Finally, they decide to get her married
Syeikh Mahmoud. Unfortunately, after marriage Sheikh treats her very badly
seem like they are not a husband and wife.
When Firdaus becomes a prostitute, she earns money by herself. She can
buy anything with her own money. She does not need other‟s help to do
something for her. In fact, she rejects a pimp who offers protection for her as a
protect herself. „He said, “Every prostitute has a pimp to protect her from other
pimps, and from the police. That‟s what I‟m going to do. But I can protect
myself”, I said”‟ (p. 134). Based on Firdaus‟ conversation in rejecting the pimp‟s
offer, she cannot depend her life on others. There is nobody she can believe and
there is nobody who can protect her. That is why she becomes an independent
woman.
4.1.2 Optimistic
From the beginning until of the end of Firdaus‟ life, she always shown as
an optimistic person. In facing her difficult life, Firdaus seems never to give up.
When she faces many bad things in her life, she tries to find another way and
place to go that makes her still alive and safe. Hopes are always shown in her
face. She always thinks that there must be a place, a better place than her
husband‟s house, her parents‟ house, her uncle‟s house for her to live normally.
She keeps trying to find a proper job with her certificate; she hopes she can have a
better life. Therefore, Firdaus is an optimistic person and this character never
changed during her life.
Every time there was an advertisement I applied for the job. I went to all the ministries, departments, and company offices where there might be a vacancy. And finally, by dint of these efforts, I at last found a job with one of the big industrial concerns. (p. 79)
She thinks that working in an office is better rather than being a prostitute,
although she does not have much money and is considered as a lowest woman. By
being a prostitute she lives in an apartment and able to do anything with the
house, a small room exactly where she rents from an old woman. She does not
have the best facilities as she lives in her luxurious house. She has to walk for a
while when she needs go to the toilet. Additionally, she has to join in a queue
every morning when she is going to take a bath (p. 80). She realizes that being an
office worker is harder than a prostitute. She has to work hard, discipline, patient,
and able to be considered as lowest woman. However, she thinks positively. She
keeps working in that job in order to have a normal life.
4.1.3 Revengeful
In the beginning of the story, Firdaus is described as a gentle woman.
However, when she is adult, she is not a gentle woman anymore. Bad experiences
with men make Firdaus hate men very much. The most hurtful thing is that people
whom she loves much hurt her; her father, her uncle, and other men whom she
falls in love (p. 96). Those facts change Firdaus character from a gentle woman to
a revengeful woman. She thinks that women are the victim of men‟s arrogance
and authority. They never think about women‟s heart, whether they are happy or
not. They marry women just to get a free service. If they do not have money to
come to a prostitute, they come to their wives. If they do not have enough money
to rent a servant to wash their clothes, clean the house, take care for the children,
and serve them whenever they want to make love; they have wives to do that (p.
94). Every time she sees a picture of a man in the newspaper, she will spit on it.
She knows that she only spits on a piece of paper and a picture but she pretends
