THE EFFECT OF THE MINOR CHARACTERS TO THE
DEVELOPMENT OF EMMA IN JANE AUSTEN’S
EMMA
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra
in English Letters
By
RENGGANIS HENDRYASARI
Student Number: 094214019
ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAM DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
ii
THE EFFECT OF THE MINOR CHARACTERS TO THE
DEVELOPMENT OF EMMA IN JANE AUSTEN’S
EMMA
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra
in English Letters
By
RENGGANIS HENDRYASARI
Student Number: 094214019
ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAM DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
vii
“Flowers grow out of dark moments.”
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For
My dearest parents
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First of all, I would like to say Alhamdulillah. My deepest gratitude is given to Allah for answering my prayers with guidance so that I can complete this thesis. Without His blessing, I would not be able to complete this thesis.
I would like to express my gratitude to Drs. Hirmawan Wijanarka, M.Hum. for being my thesis advisor. I thank him for guiding me patiently and giving me the best advice that I really need to finish this thesis. I also would like to say thanks to Maria Ananta Tri S., S.S., M.Ed., for being my co-advisor of this thesis who has read and given corrections to make this thesis better. I do not forget to address my thanks to Tatang Iskarna, S.S., M.Hum. and Elisa Dwi Wardhani, S.S., M.Hum. for being my academic advisor during my study.
My special thank goes to my parents; Hery Purnomo and Indrianingsih, for their tireless support and prayers. And also thanks to my elder brother, Rangga, and my little sister, Lita. They will always be the best family in my life.
To my good friends; Lola, Jane, Safiera, Christina ’Key’, Shiane, Tiffany, Dian, Veny, Niko, Alberd, Teguh, Wahyu, Danang, and Olivia thank you for the warm friendship, support, motivation, and times that we had. Thank you for always make me laugh during my hard times. To all my friends from English Letters, especially class of 2009, thank you for the experience and good times.
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B. The Description of the Minor Characters………... 23
C. How the Minor Characters Affect Emma’s Character Development……… 28
1. Changing Emma into a Modest Type of Person toward the Lower Class People……….. 28
2. Changing Emma into a Mature Woman……….. 34
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CHAPTER V: CONCLUSION……….. 42
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ABSTRACT
RENGGANIS HENDRYASARI. The Effect of the Minor Characters to the Development of Emma In Jane Austen’s Emma. Yogyakarta: Departement of
English Letters, Faculty of Letters, Sanata Dharma University, 2015.
This thesis analyzes Jane Austen’s novel entitled Emma. The writer discusses the character development of Emma, the main character in the novel. Emma experiences the character changing affected by the minor characters.
In this thesis, there are three problem formulations. The first problem is the character of Emma as the main character in the novel. The second is the description of the minor characters in the novel. The last is the effect of the minor characters toward Emma’s character development.
This study uses library research to gain the data. The primary source of this research is Jane Austen’s novel entitled Emma. The other references are the previous studies about this novel and also some theories of character and characterization, theories of major and minor character, and theory of character development. This thesis uses New Criticism approach to analyze the character of Emma, the minor characters, and the effect of the minor characters to the development of Emma.
xiii
ABSTRAK
RENGGANIS HENDRYASARI. The Effect of the Minor Characters to the Development of Emma In Jane Austen’s Emma. Yogyakarta: Jurusan Sastra
Inggris, Fakultas Sastra, Universitas Sanata Dharma, 2015.
Skripsi ini membahas novel karya Jane Austen yang berjudul Emma. Penulis mendiskusikan perkembangan karakter Emma sebagai tokoh utama dalam novel. Emma mengalami perubahan karakter yang disebabkan oleh tokoh-tokoh minor.
Dalam studi ini terdapat tiga rumusan masalah. Permasalahan pertama membahas karakter Emma sebagai tokoh utama dalam novel tersebut. Kedua adalah gambaran mengenai tokoh-tokoh minor dalam novel. Terakhir mengenai pengaruh tokoh-tokoh minor terhadap perkembangan karakter Emma.
Studi ini menggunakan metode studi pustaka untuk mendapatkan data-data yang diperlukan. Data utamanya adalah novel karya Jane Austen yang berjudul Emma. Referensi-referensi lainnya adalah studi yang telah ada sebelumnya mengenai novel tersebut. Selain itu, penulis juga menggunakan referensi tentang teori tentang karakter, pembentukan karakter, dan teori perkembangan karakter. Dalam skripsi ini, penulis juga menggunakan pendekatan New Criticism untuk menganalisa karakter Emma, tokoh-tokoh minor, dan pengaruh tokoh-tokoh minor terhadap perkembangan karakter Emma.
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
Literature is one of the works of art and it deals with human’s life and action. Literature can be used in expressing thoughts and feelings in life through the language. Some of the great novelists write their novels as a way to express their ideas on something existed in their daily life and society. Many people read literature because they want to get something for example enrich their experience in life, to merely enjoy them, to spend their time or even to get knowledge.
According to Mayhead, literature can get us out of the track of weary routine by teaching us to understand something of human living. Reading has made us aware of new ways in looking at life and at the same time has enlarged our experience, enlarged our sense of what life (1981: 9).
The writer chooses one of Jane Austen’s novels entitled Emma to be analyzed in this study. The writer is interested in analyzing this novel because of the writer’s admiration to the classic novels that are situated in the early nineteenth century. The writer even read some of them, but Jane Austen’s Emma is the most favorite novel to the writer. Jane Austen is often regarded as one of the best English woman novelists in nineteenth century. She is a young lady who has a great talent in describing the involvements, feeling, and characters of ordinary life. In the whole of her life Jane Austen only wrote six novels: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion.
After reading the novel, the writer finds out that the main character has developed her character. It is interesting because the main character actually changes all of her ideal because the influence of the minor characters. Here, the writer tries to analyze Emma as the main character, Mr. Woodhouse, Mr. Knightley, Frank Churchill, and Harriet Smith as the minor characters and the development in Emma’s character as affected by the minor characters.
B. Problem Formulation
Based on the background of the study and the title that the writer took, the writer develops question in order to examine the character development of the main character as affected by the minor characters.
1. How is Emma’s character described? 2. How are the minor characters described?
3. How do the minor characters affect Emma’s character development?
C. Objective of the Study
D. Definition of Terms
In order to make the study more understandable, the terms that are related to the topic are going to be explained.
The first term is character. According to Abrams, character is person presented in dramatic or narrative work, who is interpreted by the reader as being endowed with moral and dispositional qualities that is expressed in what he says – the dialogue – and by what he does – the action (1999: 20).
The second term is major or main character. According to Stanton, a major character is character that may dominate the whole story and is presented frequently to develop from the beginning to the end (1965: 17).
The third term is minor character. According to Stanton, minor character is presented to explain and to help other characters, especially the major character. He or she may become an important character in the story, yet he is still being the minor character to help the major or other minor characters’ development (1965: 17-18).
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CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
A. Review of Related Studies
Since the novel is classified as a classic or old novel, some studies and criticisms related to the novel were made. The writer looks for some studies related to Emmain order to support this study.
According to George Henry Lewes, the author presents characters clearly from their way of thinking, giving opinion, expressing feeling and behaving in her novel. Furthermore, he comments that it is easy for an artist to choose a subject from everyday life but not for her to represent the characters and their actions that they shall be at one lifelike and interesting. An artist can choose whenever ordinary people are introduced, they are either made to speak a language never spoken out of books, and to pursue conduct never observed in life. Otherwise, they are intolerably wearisome (1970: 7).
Some research about this novel have been done before. The first has been done by Laurentius Siwitanto entitled Analysis on the Inconsistent Behaviour of the Main Character in Jane Austen’s Emma. The second has been done by Ninik Christianawati entitled The Influence of Other Character toward Emma’s Personality Development As Seen In Jane Austen’s Emma.
This novel deals with a story of a smart girl who is misleading herself. During its process, she behaves inconsistent because firstly, she wishes others well but, in fact, her action are turning into ill-directed (2002: 8). Siwitanto found that this novel is interested to be analyzed because of Graham Hough‘s statement in the afterword of the novel that Emma is the only one that bear the name of its heroine and becoming the most perfect of Jane Austen’s novels (Austen, 1816: 387). The story is composed by several characters and events that are woven together.
The second analysis which is done by Ninik Christianawati is different from the previous researcher. In her undergraduate thesis The Influence of Other Character toward Emma’s Personality Development As Seen In Jane Austen’s Emma, she tried to find out the influence of the other character toward the main character development. Christianawati says
The result of this study shows that Emma’s personality changes. The criticism and advice of Mr. Knightley brings great changes in Emma’s attitude and behaviour (2001: 58).
Christianawati found that Emma’s personality has changed because the influence of Mr. Knightley. It is shows that the researcher only focuses on one character who influences the main character’s development.
B. Review of Related Theories
In this part, the writer would like to present the relevant theories. Those theories are theory of character and characterization, theory of setting, and theory of character development. Those theories are useful because those theories help the writer to answer all the questions.
1. Theories of Character and Characterization
Since the problem formulation deals with the main character, first of all the writer considers that understanding the character well is needed in this study because character has an important role in the novel.
A character gives the readers a description about how the story flows thus the readers can imagine what the story tells about. As Robert Stanton said “Every story essentially displays actions. To describe actions in a story, of course, persons who do those actions are needed. In a story, persons who do actions are called characters. It is through the knowledge of fictional characters readers can understand their actions and vice versa” (1965: 17).
Milligan classifies fictional characters into two kinds based on their roles in a story. The first is major characters. Major characters are characters who appear more often than the other characters in a story. Usually, from the beginning to the end of the story, those characters will become the focus. The content of the story is focused on their experiences. They perform the important role in clarifying the theme of the novel. Therefore, the success of the novel is laid on the performance of the major characters.
The second is secondary character or minor character. Secondary or minor characters are characters who appear in certain setting. They necessarily become the background of the major characters and their roles are less important than that of the major characters because the focal experiences are on the major characters (1983: 155).
According to Rohrberger and Woods, characters have particular personalities and physical attributes that distinguish them from other character. The process by which an author creates the character is called characterization (1971: 20). Characterization refers to “the representation of persons in narrative or dramative works”.
Further, M.J Murphy provides nine ways on how the author presents the characters, as follows:
a. Personal description
b. Character as seen by another
Instead of describing a character directly, the author can describe him through the eyes and opinions of another (1972: 162).
c. Speech
The author gives an insight into the character of one of the persons in the book through what the person says. Whenever a person speaks, whenever he is in conversation with another, whenever he puts forward an opinion, he is giving the reader some clues to his character (1972: 164).
d. Past life
A person’s past life can give the reader a clue to events that have helped to shapea person’s character. This can be done by a direct comment by author , through the person’s thoughts, through his conversation or through the medium of another person (1972: 166).
e. Conversations of others
The author can also give the reader a clue to a person’s character through the conversations of other people and the things they say about him. People do talk about other people and the things they say often give us a clue to the character of the person spoken about (1972: 167).
f. Reactions
g. Direct comment
The author can describe or comment on a person’s character directly (1972: 170).
h. Thoughts
The author can give the reader direct knowledge of what a person is thinking about. It can be seen by the readers but cannot be seen by other characters in the story (1972: 171).
i. Mannerism
The author can describe a person’s mannerisms and habits, which may also tell us something about his character (1972: 173)
These are nine ways of the author’s attempt to describe the characteristics of the character. The writer uses several of the ways to describe the characteristics of the character in Jane Austen’s Emma.
2. Theories of Major and Minor Character
According to Koesnosoebroto, character may be divided into two categories:
a. Major character
b. Minor character
Minor characters appear in certain parts, just necessarily to become the background for the major character. Their roles are less important than the major character but they cannot be ignored (1988: 23).
According to Reaske, the main character in dramatic/narrative works is inherently important because he/she is an active character who performs acts. We take a long hard look in him/her in order to understand on the author’s meaning. He/she usually undergoes certain changes as result of the action in the story (1970: 169).
The minor characters in the narrative works are different from the appearance of the major character. Minor characters are characters that enter and depart from action considerable frequency, and while they are often entertain /dramatic, they are less important to the total significance of the work. The minor characters can also act as supporting characters for the major character in the novel.
3. Theory of Character Development
Drs. E Van De Laar and Dr. N. Schoonderwoerd says that action and incident spring out of character and having occurred they changed it, so that at the end of the novel a character should have changed, have developed, and should be different from what it was in the beginning of the novel (1963: 171).
Laurence Perrine states that the character in the novel does not change in a sudden way, but changes step by step. The character must begin the change with smaller change should be sufficiently motivated by circumstances. One cannot changes his or her characteristics so suddenly without any reasons, but it must follow sufficiently time and reason of the changes (1974: 71).
C. Theoretical Framework
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CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
A. Object of the Study
The object of the study is Jane Austen’s novel entitled Emma.It was first published by John Murray in 1816. While the book that the writer analyzed was published in 1988 by Penguin Books Ltd. The novel consists of 387 pages that are divided into three sections. These three sections are divided into chapters. The first and second sections are the same, from chapter 1 until chapter 18. Only the third section which is until chapter 19. The first section tells about the failure of Emma in matchmaking Harriet Smith to Mr. Elton and the postponement of Frank Churchill to visit Highbury. The second section tells about Mr. Elton’s marriage to Augusta Hawkins and Emma’s interest to Frank Churchill who finally arrives in Highburry. The last section tells about the awareness of Emma about her love to Mr. Knightley and the agreement of Emma to let Harriet Smith marry Robert Martin.
B. Approach of the Study
This study applies New Criticism as its approach. Bressler states that the purpose of New Criticism is to reveal the structure of the work of art and its interrelationship and to find out the idea developed from the work itself (1999: 43). This approach is chosen since the study focuses on the elements within the novel, which is characters. Bressler also mentions that the New Criticism features the interrelation and interconnection of each element to reflect the work’s main idea, thus the elements and the form of the work cannot be separable (1999: 43). To discover the overall meaning of the form of a work , all elements must be analyzed and united first (1999: 44).
C. Method of the Study
The method that is used in the study is library research. The writer read and collected data from books and other sources to support the study. It consists of primary and secondary sources.
The first step in doing this study was reading the novel thoroughly and taking some notes from chapter to chapter, to get better understanding. After reading the novel, the writer found an interesting thing in the main character, Emma, and decided to analyze her character. Then, the writer tried to find some studies about Emma. Some studies were used to helped the writer to provide a better information about the novel and the author. After that, the writer analyzing the novel based on the topic using some theories. Those theories were theories of character and characterization, theories of major and minor characters, and theory of character development. The character of Emma could be described as beautiful and generous, but still spoiled, arrogant, meddlesome, and insensitive toward her own feeling.
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CHAPTER IV
ANALYSIS
In this chapter, the writer tries to analyze the problems one by one. The first problem discusses the character of the main character of the novel. The second problem deals with the description of the minor characters in the novel. Meanwhile, the last problem discusses the character development of the main character as affected by the minor characters of the novel. All the discussions are aimed to see how the minor characters may give contribution to the change of one’s character.
A. Character of Emma Woodhouse
1. Beautiful
Emma’s physical appearance is beautiful. From the beginning of the novel, the author gives a description about Emma
Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her (Austen, 1988: 4).
So, Emma, the protagonist, is beautiful, clever and rich young lady with a happy disposition. She is almost twenty-one years old and the second daughter of Mr.Woodhouse.
The other minor character also look at Emma as a beautiful type of person. Harriet says, “I do so wonder, Miss Woodhouse, that you should not be married, or going to be married! So charming as you are!” (Austen, 1988: 69). Indeed, Emma is a young woman who experiences all comforts life has to give.
2. Spoiled
Emma is presented as a woman who is spoiled, besides all her comfortable situation. As the author continues describing Emma
The real evils indeed of Emma’s situation were the power of having rather too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little too well of herself; these were the disadvantages which threatened alloy to her many enjoyments. (Austen, 1988: 4)
Emma is spoiled by being the cleverest of her family. At ten years old, she had the misfortune of being able to answer the questions which puzzled her sister at seventeen. She was always quick and assured: Isabella slow and diffident. And ever since she was twelve, Emma has been mistress of the house and of you all. In her mother she lost the only person able to cope with her. She inherits her mother’s talents and must have been under subjection to her (Austen, 1988: 30).
Mr. Knightley says that Emma’s being spoiled as the cleverest of the family and unrestricted doing are making her to think that she is always clever, she has no faults, believes that she is always true. That kind of condition drives her to become self-centered. This can be shown through the conversation between the two
“To be sure – our discordancies must always arise from my being in the wrong.”
“Yes,” said he, smiling – “and reason good. I was sixteen years old when you were born.”
“A material difference then,” she replied – “and no doubt you were much my superior in judgment at that period of our lives; but does not the lapse of one-and-twenty years bring our understandings a good deal nearer?”
“Yes – a good deal nearer.”
“But still, not near enough to give me a chance of being right, if we think differently.”
“I have still the advantage of you by sixteen years’ experience, and by not being a pretty young woman and a spoiled child.”
“That’s true,” she cried – “very true. Little Emma, grow up a better woman than your aunt. Be infinitely cleverer and not half so conceited. Now, Mr.Knightley, a word or two more, and I have done. I must say that no effects on my side of the argument have yet proved wrong” (Austen, 1988: 79 - 80).
3. Generous
Emma is a generous type of person. It can be seen when she visits a poor family outside Highbury. As the author states
Though now the middle of December, there had yet been no weather to prevent the young ladies from tolerably regular exercise; and on tomorrow, Emma had a charitable visit to pay to a poor sick family who lived a little way out of Highbury (Austen, 1988: 69).
From the quotation above shows that Emma makes a charity work to other people. Besides, she also sends a handquarter of pork to Mrs. and Miss Bates, therefore Miss Bates thanks for her kindness. When Emma hears that Jane Fairfax is ill, she decides to visit her and wish that her condition becomes better.
Her generosity lead her to become the person who also care for other people. She really cares about her father. She does not leave her father alone in Hartfield, even though she finally married to Mr. Knightley. As her father comments, "Emma never thinks of herself, if she can do good to others” (Austen, 1988: 12).
She cares about Mr. Elton, for she finds him a suitable wife. And she also cares about Harriet Smith, an orphan, one of Mrs. Goddard’s older pupils and grew up at Mr. Goddard’s boarding school for girls. Emma took charge of Harriet. She attempts to improve Harriet’s manner, knowledge, and also acquaintances. She tries to improve Harriet into a good society.
4. Meddlesome
Another characteristic of Emma is meddlesome. Her meddlesome regard for her own judgement in matchmaking. In the first chapter of the novel, the author describe that Emma loves to matchmaking in her neighborhood. Therefore, Emma becomes such a bull - headed girl to ignore her father’s comment in asking her to make no more matches and foretell things, because he thinks they always come to pass. She tells her father that she is not going to make a match for herself.
I promise you to make none for myself, Papa; but I must, indeed for other people. It is the greatest amusement in the world …dear Papa, you cannot think that I shall leave off match-making (Austen, 1988: 9).
This becoming clearer when her father asks her once more “My dear, pray do not make any more matches; they are silly things, and break up one’s family circle grievously” (Austen, 1988: 10). Emma refuse her father’s ask by saying
Only one more, Papa; only for Mr. Elton. Poor Mr. Elton! You like Mr. Elton, Papa, -I must look about for a wife for him … I think very well of Mr. Elton, and this is the only way I have of doing him a service (Austen, 1988: 10).
Then she decides to match between Mr. Elton and Harriet Smith. She also influences Harriet in rejecting Robert Martin’s proposal by claiming that a woman should always say no if there is a little bit of doubt.
Emma also says to Harriet that Harriet’s acquaintance, the farmer named Robert Martin, are inappropriate for Harriet. She says that the Martins are too common for her.
But they must be coarse and unpolished and very unfit to be the intimates of a girl who wanted only a little more knowledge and elegance to be quite perfect (Austen, 1988:20).
However Emma’s attempts in improving Harriet would not do well for her. Even though she has a good intentions towards Harriet, but this drives her to become meddlesome. Emma is wrong in thinking that Mr. Elton is interested in Harriet, but actually in Emma herself. This is also the same as her own thinking that there is an affair between Frank Churchill and Harriet Smith.
5. Arrogant
Emma is a kind of person who has some sense of arrogance. She is snobbish for the people lower than her social position. She tells Harriet that she never wishes to be married because she has not yet found someone superior to herself. She says that the status of Mr. Elton is lower than her.
But he must know that in fortune and consequence she was greatly his superior. He must know that the Woodhouses had been settled for several generations at Hartfield, the younger branch of a very ancient family, and that the Eltons were nobody (Austen, 1988: 110).
She also reminds Harriet that even she is not married, she would never be like Miss Bates, a poor old maid woman who lacks of money. She would be a single woman with a fortune.
Another character of Emma that shows her arrogance is that she does not like to be equaled with anyone else. Therefore, the presence of Jane Fairfax in Highbury makes her jealous. She dislikes Jane Fairfax because she equals Emma in the beauty, education, and talent. Emma also dislikes Augusta Hawkins, the wife of Mr. Elton. For the first time Emma saw Augusta Hawkins at church, she really dislikes her. Emma dislikes Augusta Hawkins because she presumes herself to be higher in society than she actually is. The author says
She did not really like her. She would not be in a hurry to find fault, but she suspected that there was no elegance; ease but not elegance. She must almost sure that for a young man , a stranger, a bride, there was too much ease. Her person was rather good; her face not unpretty; but neither feature nor air nor voice nor manner were elegant. Emma thought, at least, it would turn out so (Austen, 1988: 213).
Emma’s sense of arrogance also can be seen in the way she treats the lower class people rudely. It shows when she treats Miss bates. She make fun of Miss Bates when they are at Box Hill. When Miss Bates begins to chatter on incessantly, Emma puts her down harshly by telling her that she is limited to only three dull things and that is hurts Miss Bates’ feeling.
7. Insensitive
Emma is also a type of person who has less sensitivity towards her own feeling. From the beginning, when Emma tries to meddle between Mr. Elton’s and Harriet Smith’s love affair, she is not aware that actually Mr. Elton has fallen in love with Emma herself, not with Harriet.
She does not know until Mr. Elton professes his love to Emma. In fact, Mr. Elton gives some hints showing his romantic attachment to Emma; when Emma decides to draw a portrait of Harriet Smith for Mr. Elton, he seems more interested in Emma, rather than Harriet. Emma is also unaware of her feeling towards Mr. Knightley that she actually loves, and she never really cares for Frank Churchill.
She saw that there never had been a time when she did not consider Mr. Knightley as infinitely the superior or when his regard for her had not been infinitely the most dear. She saw that in persuading herself, in fancying, in acting to the contrary, she had been entirely under delusion, totally ignorant for her own heart, and, in short, that she had never really cared for Frank Churchill at all (Austen, 1988: 327-328).
B. The Description of the Minor Characters
1. Mr. Woodhouse
Mr. Woodhouse is Emma’s father. He is an old man who is spoiled with his youngest daughter (Emma) and also a nervous man. He hates changing, therefore greets marriage as a misery. He also obsesses too much to his health. He often shares his fears with people around him. He does not like a big parties, or late nights. As the author describe
He was a nervous man, easily depressed; fond of everybody that he was used to, and hating change of every change. Matrimony, as the origin of change, was always disagreeable (Austen, 1988: 6).
2. Mr. Knightley
Mr. Knightley is an old friend of the Woodhouse family. He is a sensible man about seven or eight-and-thirty. He is not only a very old and intimate friend of the Woodhouse, but particularly connected as the elder brother of Isabella’s husband. His house is about a mile from Highbury and he is frequent visitor to Hartfield. (Austen, 1988: 7).
Mr. Knightley is one of the few people who can see faults in Emma and the only one who ever told her of them. Although sometimes Emma does not appreciate his advice, but Mr. Knightley always be there. When Emma tries to improve Harriet Smith, Mr. Knightley reminds her that Harriet is not suitable friend for her because of the difference intelligence. It is because Emma has a superior position and she also has a better education than Harriet. It makes Emma wants to dictate Harriet. Mr. Knightley tells Mrs. Weston
Another example that Mr. Knightley tries to improves Emma is when Emma insults Miss Bates at Box Hill. Emma says a rude word toward Miss Bates. Because of this, Mr. Knightley reminds her that it is not right.
I cannot see you unfeeling to Miss Bates? How could you be so insolent in your wit to a woman of her character, age and situation? -Emma , I had not thought it possible (Austen, 1988: 297).
It shows that Mr. Knightley is a kind person because he wants to improve Emma. His kindness also revealed when he saves Harriet at the dance. He dances to Harriet because Mr. Elton refuses her. Therefore, to cure her heart and to save her from feeling ashamed he asks Harriet to dance with him.
Mr. Knightley leading Harriet to the set! –Never had she been more surprised, seldom more delighted, than at that instant (Austen, 1988: 260). Mr. Knightley is also a rational man. It can be seen when he gives opinion about Mr. Martin. He thinks that Mr. Martin is a good match for Harriet because he is close to her rank. According to Mr. Knightley, Mr. Martin’s rank is higher than Harriet. On the contrary, Emma thinks that Mr. Martin has a lower rank than Harriet. As the result, they debate each other.
3. Frank Churchill
Frank Churchill is the son of Mr. Weston with his first wife. His aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Churchill raises him. He is charming and attractive person.
The Frank Churchill so long talked of, so high in interest, was actually before her. He was presented to her and she did not think too much had been said in his praise. He was a very good looking young-man; height, air, address – all were unexceptionable; and his countenance had a great deal of spirit and liveliness of his father’s – he looked quick and sensible (Austen, 1988: 152).
When he visits Highbury, he plans to meet Jane Fairfax, a niece of Miss Bates. He meets her in Weymouth, and in that place he makes a secret engagement with her. In the contrary, the Westons hope that he will marry Emma. Therefore to fulfill their hopes, he flirts with Emma. He does it because he thinks that Emma has known the secret of engagement. Unfortunately, it is wrong and Emma trapped in her feeling, she falls in love with him.
‘I certainly must,’ said she. ‘This sensation of listlessness, weariness, stupidity, this disinclination to sit down and employ myself, this feeling of every thing’s being dull and insipid about the house! I must be in love; I should be the oddest creature in the world if I were not – for a few weeks at least’ (Austen, 1988: 208).
4. Harriet Smith
When Harriet meets Emma for the first time, she is very happy and proud of it. She thinks that Emma Woodhouse is a great person in Highbury. Therefore, it is an honour for her to meet and be friend with Emma.
The happiness of Miss Smith was quite equal to her intentions. Miss Woodhouse was so great a personage in Highbury, that the prospect of the introduction had given as much panic as pleasure- but the humble, grateful, little girl went off with highly gratified feelings, delighted with the affability with which Miss Woodhouse had treated her all the evening, and actually shaken hands with her at last! (Austen, 1988: 19-20).
Harriet admires Emma quietly even Harriet sleeps at Hartfield, house of Woodhouses. It indicates that Harriet thinks of herself as a resident of Hartfield, which will obviously fit her greater status than she deserves.
Harriet slept at Hartfield that night. For some weeks past she had been spending more than half her time there, and gradually getting to have a bed-room appropriated to herself (Austen, 1988: 47).
C. How the Minor Characters Affect Emma’s Character Development
According to Forster, a character is developed if she or he experiences a change from some aspect of disposition, personality, or outlook. He is not the same person as he was at the beginning of the story. He changes into a new character. The changing depends on the condition and experiences as it is in the story (1974: 54). Through Forster’s theory on character development, the writer found that Emma’s character has been developed. She is not the same person as she was at the beginning. The minor characters in the novel give contributions toward Emma’s character development.
1. Changing Emma into a Modest Type of Person toward the Lower Class
People
Firstly, Emma is told as a young woman who is arrogant. Emma’s sense of arrogance can be shown in the way she treats the lower class people. Emma born in a respectable family. Her social position as the highest class person makes her to be an arrogant and snobbish towards the lower class people.
When the Coles, a family who involved in trading, invites her to have dinner, Emma thinks that she should refuse it. As the author states
From Emma’s thought, it is very improper if the Coles would invites her for dinner because they are not from her class. In Highbury society, the higher ranked families prescribe the rules of their acquaintance. The Coles are new rich and Emma does not want to accept them in her circle. As a women in a high place in society she may decide her own social circle, not the Cole family, although they are wealthy, but should not determine the society in which they are interact with the higher members of the society. The author continues describe Emma’s feeling.
She felt that she should like to have had the power of refusal; and afterwards, as the idea of the party to be assembled there, consisting precisely of those whose society was dearest to her, occurred again and again, she did not know that she might not have been tempted to accept (Austen, 1988: 166).
When Emma does not want to accept the invitation while Mr. Woodhouse and the Westons did, she is not happy with that either. Mr. Woodhouse and the Westons have different respons toward the invitation. Mr. Woodhouse says
You will make my excuses, my dear, as civilly as possible. You will say that I am quite an invalid, and go no where, and therefore must decline their obliging invitation; beginning with my compliments, of course. But, you will do every thing right. I need not tell you what is to be done. I know what worthy people they are. My dear Emma, we must consider this. I am sure, rather than run the risk of hurting Mr. and Mrs. Cole, you would stay a little longer than you might wish (Austen, 1988: 167-168).
Emma’s character changing also shown when she invites Jane Fairfax to the party. Formerly in the previous part of the analysis, the writer tells that Emma dislikes Jane Fairfax, a niece of Miss Bates, because she equals to Emma in beauty, education, and talent. Therefore, the presence of Jane Fairfax in Highbury makes her jealous.
But then, Mr. Knightley reminds Emma that Jane Fairfax become friends with Mrs. Elton because nobody pay attention to Jane, except Mrs. Elton. To make the situation better, Emma decides to have a dinner party at Hartfield and she invites Jane. The Eltons, Harriet Smith, and Mr. Knightley also invited to the party. Although it is obvious that Emma dislikes Mrs. Elton, she is forced to invites her. But she invites Jane sincerely. The author describes.
She was delighted with the fortitude of her little friend – for fortitude she knew it was in her to give up being a company and stay at home; and she could now invite the very person whom she really wanted to make the eight, Jane Fairfax. Since her last conversation with Mrs. Weston and Mr. Knightley, she was more conscience-stricken about Jane Fairfax than she often been. Mr. Knightley’s words dwelt with her. He had said that Jane Fairfax received attentions from Mrs. Elton which nobody else paid her (Austen, 1988: 231).
When Emma afterwards heard that Jane Fairfax had been wandering about the meadows, at some distance from Highbury, on the afternoon of the very day on which she had, under the plea of being unequal to any exercise, so her that she was given so little credit for proper feeling or esteemed so little worthy as friend (Austen, 1988: 310).
The minor characters affect Emma’s character development also happens when Emma was in a public sphere. There is a party at Box Hill. Mrs. Weston and Emma wanted to go to Box Hill for a long time, so they are planning to go there.They only want two or three more people to join them. But, at the same time, Mrs. Elton is planning to go to Box Hill. Therefore, Mr. Weston proposes to combine the two parties.
When the group arrives at Box Hill the whole party is a bit dull at least Frank Churchill and Emma think so. Both of them are a bit bored and that makes them reckless. Their action could even be called flirtation. However, this bothers the others a lot because it was very improper to flirt so openly.
The quotation shows that Frank Churchill and Emma are not aware of their flirtation because they do not want a romance between them. This is not clear for the rest of the group, they think there is a romance going on between Frank and Emma and this flirtation is an example of it. When they are bored again, Frank pretends that Emma ordered him something.
I am ordered by Miss Woodhouse to say, that she waives her right of knowing exactly what you may all be thinking of, and only requires something very entertaining from each of you, in a general way. Here are seven of you, besides myself, (who, she is pleased to say, am very entertaining already,) and she only demands from each of you either one thing very clever, be it prose or verse, original or repeated – or two things moderately clever – or three things very dull indeed, and she engages to laugh heartily at them all (Austen, 1988: 293).
This plan is in itself doubtful, but when Miss Bates says that it is not hard for her to say three things very dull indeed, Emma adds that she has to limit herself to only three things. The author describes Miss Bates feeling.
Miss Bates, deceived by the mock ceremony of her manner, did not immediately catch her meaning; but when it burst on her, it could not anger, though a slight blush showed that it could pain her (Austen, 1988: 294). It can be seen that this mockery is instantly recognized by Miss Bates and she is hurt by it. She does not know why Emma makes such a comment towards her and says “I must make myself very disagreeable, or she would not have said such a thing to an old friend” (Austen, 1988: 294).
As the author continue describes
They walked off, followed in a half minute by Mr. Knightley. Mr. Weston, his son, Emma, and Harriet, only remained; and the young man’s spirits now rose to a pitch almost unpleasant. Even Emma grew tired at last of flattery and merriment, and wished herself rather walking quietly about with any of the others, or sitting almost alone, and quite unattended to. And the are very disappointed of Emma’s behaviour toward Miss Bates. When they go back, Mr. Knightley criticizes Emma’s action for treating Miss Bates so rudely. He also points out to that it was very wrong to Emma to act in such a mean way to Miss Bates. It is even more wrong because of Miss Bates position.
Her situation should secure your compassion. It was badly done, indeed! You, who she had known from an infant, whom she had seen grow up from a period when her notice was an honour – to have you know, in thoughtless spirits and the pride of the moment, laugh at her, humble her – and before her niece, too – and before others, many of whom (certainly some) would be entire guided by your treatment of her (Austen, 1988: 297).
Never had felt so agitated, so mortified, grieved, at any circumstance in her life. She was most forcibly struck. The truth of his representation there was no denying. She felt it at her heart. How could she has been so brutal, so cruel to Miss Bates! How could she has exposed herself to such ill opinion in any one she valued! And how suffer him to leave her without saying one word of gratitude, of concurrence, of common kindness! Time did not compose her. As she reflected more, she seemed but to feel it more. She never had been so depressed. Happily it was necessary to speak. There was only Harriet, who seemed not in spirits herself, fagged, and very willing to be silent; and Emma felt the tears running down her cheeks almost all the way home, without being at any trouble to check them, extraordinary as they were (Austen, 1988: 298).
The quotation shows that Emma regrets her improper behavior toward Miss Bates and wants to make it up again. Therefore, she decides to visit the Bates the next morning. Emma’s action indicates that she has changed from rude person become the person who is modest to the lower class people.
2. Changing Emma into a Mature Woman
From the beginning of the novel, the author gives explanation that Emma is spoiled and loves to matchmaking in her neighborhood. When Emma is being introduced to Harriet Smith, she is pleased with her manners and decides to continue the acquaintance. She loses no time in inviting and encouraging her. She decides to notice her, improve her, introduce her into good society and form her opinions and manners. It seems like well efforts, but this drives her to become a meddlesome. Mr. Knightley told Mrs. Weston, who is Emma’s governess, about Emma’s and Harriet’s friendship. In their discussion, he disagrees Emma’s friendship with Harriet.
Emma always decides what Harriet should do, therefore Harriet depends on Emma for all of her decisions and opinions. When Harriet asks Emma about Robert Martin’s proposal, Emma advises her to reject the proposal. According to Emma, Robert Martin is not equal to Harriet. She says that the Martins are coarse and inappropriate for Harriet. “But they must be coarse and unpolished and very unfit to be the intimates of a girl who wanted only a little more knowledge and elegance to be quite perfect” (Austen, 1988: 20). Then, she tells Mr. Knightley about the idea between Harriet and Mr. Elton, the vicar of Highbury. He dismisses the idea of Harriet and Mr. Elton. He says
Depend upon it, Elton will not do. Elton is a very good sort of a man and a very respectable vicar of Highbury, but not at all likely to make an imprudent match. He knows the value of a good income as well as anybody. Elton may talk sentimentally, but he will act rationally (Austen, 1988: 54). According to Mr. Knightley, Mr. Elton will marry someone who will ensure his place in society, he want a woman who will bring him respect and financial security. Then he thinks that Robert Martin is a suitable husband for Harriet.
Most prudent men would be afraid of the inconvenience and disgrace they might be involved in when the mystery of her parentage came to be revealed. Let her marry Robert Martin, and she is safe, respectable, and happy forever; but if you encourage her to expect to marry greatly, and teach her to be satisfied with nothing less than a man consequence and large fortune, she may be a parlour-boarder at Mrs. Goddard’s all the rest of her life (Austen, 1988: 53).
Emma thinks that Mr. Elton is interested in Harriet. She does not know that actually Mr. Elton’s love poem is directed to Emma herself. Finally, Emma realizes that Mr. Elton has no interest in Harriet. When she and Mr. Elton are in the same carriage, he professes his love to her and insults Harriet because of her low class.
Emma realizes that it is her fault because she tried to meddle between Harriet’s and Mr. Elton’s love affair. She feels ashamed of what she has done and resolves to herself not to do the same thing again.
The first error, and the worst, lay at her door. It was foolish, it was wrong, to take so active a part in bringing any two people together. It was adventuring too far, assuming to much, making a light of what ought to be serious – a trick of what ought to be simple. She was quite corcerned and ashamed, and resolved to do such thing no more (Austen, 1988: 110).
In regard to Harriet Smith, Emma gives a chance to Harriet to contact the Martins. Emma wants to avoid Harriet of thinking and speaking about Mr. Elton. She also gives a chance for Harriet to think of someone else excepts Mr. Elton. Even she suggests Harriet to visit the Martins, it is only a formal visit.
After much thinking, she could determine on nothing better than Harriet’s returning the visit; but in a way that if they had understanding, should convince them that it was to be only a formal acquaintance (Austen, 1988: 148).
3. Changing Emma’s Perspective of Marriage
In Highbury society, social status becomes the main consideration for marriage. It is shown in the way each character tries to marry with other character, in order to reach a higher status.
For example, Mr. Elton prefers to marry Emma than Harriet Smith because it is very clear that Emma has both status and financial security to ensure his position in society. But, Emma rejects Mr. Elton’s proposal because he does not come from a respectable family. Emma says
But he must know that in fortune and consequence she was greatly his superior. He must know that the Woodhouses had been settled for several generations at Hartfield, the younger branch of a very ancient family , and that the Eltons were nobody (Austen, 1988: 110).
She also tells Harriet that she never wishes to be married because she has not yet found someone superior to herself. “My being charming, Harriet, is not quite enough to induce me to marry; I must find other people charming – one other person at least. And I am not only, not going to be married, at present, but have very little intention of ever marrying at all” (Austen: 1988: 69).
Now, it so happened that in spite of Emma’s resolution of never marrying, there was something in the name, in the idea of Mr. Frank Churchill, which always interested her. She had frequently thought – especially since his father’s marriage with Miss Taylor – that if she were to marry, he was the very person to suit in her age, character and condition. He seemed by this connexion between the families, quite to belong to her (Austen, 1988: 95). Emma is pleased by the beginning of her acquaintance with Frank Churchill. Emma thinks that he is a wonderful person. It seems that she likes Frank Churchill at the first sight. As the author describes.
The Frank Churchill so long talked of, so high in interest, was actually before her. He was presented to her and she did not think too much had been said in his praise. He was a very good looking young-man; height, air, address – all were unexceptionable; and his countenance had a great deal of spirit and liveliness of his father’s – he looked quick and sensible. She felt immediately that she should like him; and there was a well-bred ease of manner, and a readiness to talk, which convinced her that he came intending to be acquainted with her, and that acquainted they soon must be (Austen, 1988: 152).
The acquaintance between Emma and Frank Churchill becomes intimate. On the other hand, Mr. Knightley has a little doubt about Frank. He suspects Frank Churchill in postponing his visit to Highbury. He tells Emma that Frank Churchill is more interested in leisure activities, whereas as the son, it is his duty to pay attention to his father. But, Emma defends Frank Churchill at nearly every opportunity. She automatically assumes that Frank has a good intentions and perfectly honorable.
A few awkward moments passed and he sat down again, and in a more determined manner said, “It was something to feel that all the rest of my time might be given to Hartfield. My regard for Hartfield is most warm –“ . He stopped again, rose again, and seemed quite embarrassed. - He was more in love with her than Emma had supposed (Austen, 1988: 207).
Then, Emma believes that Frank Churchill may be in love with her and Emma convinces herself that she also may be in love with him. This is the part when Emma starts to feel love. She begins to think about love. She has opened herself to the idea of love.
‘I certainly must,’ said she. ‘This sensation of listlessness, weariness, stupidity, this disinclination to shit down and employ myself, this feeling of every thing’s being dull and insipid about the house! I must be in love; I should be the oddest creature in the world if I were not – for a few weeks at least’ (Austen, 1988: 208).
But, Emma considers that she is not in love with Frank Churchill. She thinks that without Frank’s presence she is still happy, though she is very often thinking of him. She can exist so well with or without Frank. She considers that her relationship with Frank Churchill is only a friendship. As the author says
Their affection was always to subside into friendship. Everything tender and charming was to mark their parting but still they were to part. When she became sensible of this, it struck her that she could not be very much in love (Austen, 1988: 209).
Emma is angry and she criticizes Frank Churchill for pretending to show affection for her when he was engaged to Jane. Emma claims that by hiding his engagement to Jane Fairfax, he has deceive his family and his friends. Emma realizes what Mr. Knightley said to her was right, Frank Churchill is not as perfect as in her mind. In their discussion about Frank’s and Jane’s engagement, Mr. Knightley tells all his feeling to Emma. He says that he always had a low opinion of Frank Churchill, while he learns that actually he did not want to deceive Emma.
I have never had a high opinion of Frank Churchill. I can suppose, however, that I may have underrated him. My acquaintance with him has been but trifling. And even if I had not underrated him hitherto, he may yet turn out well. With such a woman he has a chance. I have no motive for wishing him ill – and for her sake, whose happiness will be involved in his good character and conduct, I shall certainly wish him well (Austen, 1988: 339). Emma finally forgives Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax, and let them happy together. At the same time, Mr. Knightley also admits that he envies with Frank and professes his love to Emma. He professing himself as the lover of Emma since she was thirteen.
My dearest Emma, for dearest you will always be, whatever the event of this hour’s conversation, my dearest, most beloved Emma – tell me at once. Say ‘No’ if it is to be said … I have been indifferent lover. But you understand me. Yes, you see, you understand my feelings, and will return them if you can. At present, I ask only to hear – once to hear your voice (Austen, 1988: 340-341).
In the other hand, Harriet who is actually being interested in Mr. Knightley, shows her greatness of her heart by letting them married and blaming nobody. She admits her stupidity to expect Mr. Knightley as her husband. Harriet herself is going to be married with Robert Martin. She says to Emma
Emma, my love, you said that this circumstance would not now make you unhappy; but I am afraid it gives you more pain than you expected. His situation is an evil - but you must consider it as what satisfies your friend; and I will answer your thinking better and better of him as you know him more; his good sense and good principles would delight you. As far as the man is concerned, you could not wish your friend in better hands. His rank in society I would alter if I could, which is saying a great deal, I assure you, Emma. - You laugh at me about William Larkins, but I could quite as ill spare Robert Martin (Austen, 1988: 375).
Finally, Emma accepts Robert Martin as an appropriate husband for Harriet. It shows that Emma’s perspective of married has been changed. Formerly Emma thinks that the most important consideration for marriage is social status. Then she realizes that marriage is not because of one’s social status, but love. It also shows that she has opened herself to the idea of love.
42
CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION
This thesis has three problem formulations stated in the first chapter. After conducting the analysis of the novel Emma, the writer can make conclusion as follows. From the first problem, it can be concluded that Emma was presented as a beautiful woman. She is also clever, but still spoiled and arrogant. Her comfortable disposition as the highest class person makes her to be an arrogant toward lower class people. Another character of Emma are meddlesome, and she has less sensitivity toward her own feeling.
The third problem was about the effect of the minor characters to the development of Emma. The minor characters has a significant role toward Emma. The minor characters give contributions toward Emma’s character changing. The development of Emma starts appear when the invitation from the Coles arrives, Mr. Woodhouse gives advice to Emma to accept the invitation, whereas Emma does not want to do that. But, she finally decides to accept the invitation because of Mr. Woodhouse’s advice. Mr. Woodhouse also reminds Emma not to make any more matches in her neighborhood.
Frank Churchill is also an important person who shapes Emma’s character development. He is the person who gives Emma a new idea about love and marriage. Previously, Emma’s consideration for marriage is social status. Emma never thinks about love in marriage. But, because of Frank’s presence, Emma starts to think about love. Harriet Smith also has a great role in shaping Emma’s character. When Emma knows that Harriet want to marry Mr. Knightley, Emma begins to realizes her own feeling that actually she loves Mr. Knightley.
45
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Abrams, M.H. A Glossary of Literary Terms Seventh Edition. Massachusetts: Earl Mc Peek Inc., 1999.
Austen, Jane. Emma. New York: Penguin Books Ltd. 1988.
Bressler, Charles E. Literary Criticism: An Introduction to Theory and Practice. 2ndEdition.New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1999.
Christianawati, Ninik. “The Influence of Other Character toward Emma’s Personality Development”. Undergraduate Thesis. Yogyakarta: Sanata Dharma, 2001.
Forster, E.M. Aspects of the Novel. New York: Harcourt Inc., 1980.
Hudson, William Hendry. An Introduction to the Study of Literature. London: George S Harrap. 1956.
Koesnosoebroto, B. S. The Anatomy of Fiction. Jakarta: Departemen Pendidikan Kebudayaan Indonesia, 1988.
Laar, E. Van and Schoonderwoerd. An Approach to English Literature. S-Hertogenbosch: L. C. G. Malmberg, 1963.
Lemme, Barbara H. Development in Adulthood. Boston: Allyn and Bacon Co., 1995.
Magill, Frank N. Masterpieces of World Literature. New York: Harper and Row Ltd, 1989.
Mayhead, Robin. Understanding Literature. London: Cambridge University Press. 1981.
Murphy, M.J. Understanding Unseens: An Introduction to English Poetry and English Novel for Overseas Students. London: George Allen &Unwin, 1972.
Perrine, Laurence. Literature: Structure, Sound, and Sense. New York: Hartcourt Brace Jovanovich Inc, 1974.
Rohrberger, Mary and Samuel H. Woods, Jr. Reading and Writing about Literature. New York: Random House, 1971.
Siwitanto, Laurentius. “Analysis on the Inconsistent Behaviour of the Main Character in Jane Austen’s Emma”. Undergraduate Thesis. Yogyakarta: Sanata Dharma, 2002.
THE EFFECT OF THE MINOR CHARACTERS TO THE
DEVELOPMENT OF EMMA IN JANE AUSTEN’S
EMMA
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra
in English Letters
By
RENGGANIS HENDRYASARI
Student Number: 094214019
ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAM DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
ii
THE EFFECT OF THE MINOR CHARACTERS TO THE
DEVELOPMENT OF EMMA IN JANE AUSTEN’S
EMMA
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra
in English Letters
By
RENGGANIS HENDRYASARI
Student Number: 094214019
ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAM DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
vii
“Flowers grow out of dark moments.”
viii
For
My dearest parents
ix
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First of all, I would like to say Alhamdulillah. My deepest gratitude is given to Allah for answering my prayers with guidance so that I can complete this thesis. Without His blessing, I would not be able to complete this thesis.
I would like to express my gratitude to Drs. Hirmawan Wijanarka, M.Hum. for being my thesis advisor. I thank him for guiding me patiently and giving me the best advice that I really need to finish this thesis. I also would like to say thanks to Maria Ananta Tri S., S.S., M.Ed., for being my co-advisor of this thesis who has read and given corrections to make this thesis better. I do not forget to address my thanks to Tatang Iskarna, S.S., M.Hum. and Elisa Dwi Wardhani, S.S., M.Hum. for being my academic advisor during my study.
My special thank goes to my parents; Hery Purnomo and Indrianingsih, for their tireless support and prayers. And also thanks to my elder brother, Rangga, and my little sister, Lita. They will always be the best family in my life.
To my good friends; Lola, Jane, Safiera, Christina ’Key’, Shiane, Tiffany, Dian, Veny, Niko, Alberd, Teguh, Wahyu, Danang, and Olivia thank you for the warm friendship, support, motivation, and times that we had. Thank you for always make me laugh during my hard times. To all my friends from English Letters, especially class of 2009, thank you for the experience and good times.
x B. The Description of the Minor Characters………... 23 C. How the Minor Characters Affect Emma’s Character
Development……… 28 1. Changing Emma into a Modest Type of Person toward the
xi
CHAPTER V: CONCLUSION……….. 42
xii
ABSTRACT
RENGGANIS HENDRYASARI. The Effect of the Minor Characters to the Development of Emma In Jane Austen’s Emma. Yogyakarta: Departement of
English Letters, Faculty of Letters, Sanata Dharma University, 2015.
This thesis analyzes Jane Austen’s novel entitled Emma. The writer discusses the character development of Emma, the main character in the novel. Emma experiences the character changing affected by the minor characters.
In this thesis, there are three problem formulations. The first problem is the character of Emma as the main character in the novel. The second is the description of the minor characters in the novel. The last is the effect of the minor characters toward Emma’s character development.
This study uses library research to gain the data. The primary source of this research is Jane Austen’s novel entitled Emma. The other references are the previous studies about this novel and also some theories of character and characterization, theories of major and minor character, and theory of character development. This thesis uses New Criticism approach to analyze the character of Emma, the minor characters, and the effect of the minor characters to the development of Emma.
xiii
ABSTRAK
RENGGANIS HENDRYASARI. The Effect of the Minor Characters to the Development of Emma In Jane Austen’s Emma. Yogyakarta: Jurusan Sastra
Inggris, Fakultas Sastra, Universitas Sanata Dharma, 2015.
Skripsi ini membahas novel karya Jane Austen yang berjudul Emma. Penulis mendiskusikan perkembangan karakter Emma sebagai tokoh utama dalam novel. Emma mengalami perubahan karakter yang disebabkan oleh tokoh-tokoh minor.
Dalam studi ini terdapat tiga rumusan masalah. Permasalahan pertama membahas karakter Emma sebagai tokoh utama dalam novel tersebut. Kedua adalah gambaran mengenai tokoh-tokoh minor dalam novel. Terakhir mengenai pengaruh tokoh-tokoh minor terhadap perkembangan karakter Emma.
Studi ini menggunakan metode studi pustaka untuk mendapatkan data-data yang diperlukan. Data utamanya adalah novel karya Jane Austen yang berjudul Emma. Referensi-referensi lainnya adalah studi yang telah ada sebelumnya mengenai novel tersebut. Selain itu, penulis juga menggunakan referensi tentang teori tentang karakter, pembentukan karakter, dan teori perkembangan karakter. Dalam skripsi ini, penulis juga menggunakan pendekatan New Criticism untuk menganalisa karakter Emma, tokoh-tokoh minor, dan pengaruh tokoh-tokoh minor terhadap perkembangan karakter Emma.
1
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
Literature is one of the works of art and it deals with human’s life and action. Literature can be used in expressing thoughts and feelings in life through the language. Some of the great novelists write their novels as a way to express their ideas on something existed in their daily life and society. Many people read literature because they want to get something for example enrich their experience in life, to merely enjoy them, to spend their time or even to get knowledge.
According to Mayhead, literature can get us out of the track of weary routine by teaching us to understand something of human living. Reading has made us aware of new ways in looking at life and at the same time has enlarged our experience, enlarged our sense of what life (1981: 9).
