CONFLICTS OF THE MAIN CHARACTER IN POE’S
THE SPECTACLES
MADE DODY ARYAWAN
1201305040
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF ARTS
UDAYANA UNIVERSITY
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First of all, I would like to say thanks to my parents. My Mother who always give me spirit and make me finish this study. My Father in heaven, in which I believe
he always help me when I am in trouble during this study. My special gratitude to Pro f. Dr. Sutjiati Beratha, M.A. as the Dean of Faculty of Arts, I Gusti Ngurah Parthama, S.S., M.Hum. as the Head of English Department for all of the support given to me as
well as all of the lecturers in English Department for moral support that was given to me during this study. I would like to express my greatest gratitude to both my
supervisors, Prof. Dr. Drs. I. B. Putra Yadnya, M. A. as my first supervisor and Dr. I. G. A. G. Sosiowati, M. A. as my second supervisor for all their time and patience to
guide me along the way until I am able to finish this study.
I am also would like to say thanks to all of “Mahasiswa Moksa” group: Indra,
Aldi, Widhya, Nita, Lilik, Dwi, Juni, Ogek, Bintang, Meldy, Desak, and Arif who
gave me physical support, moral support, and every support they could give to me. The same goes to “Autis” group: Linda, Yenni, Ipus, Udin, Enno and Tema for all
support that was given to me. My very warm gratitude goes to my beloved girl for
always being there patiently through all this time.
Denpasar, April 2016
ABSTRACT
The title of this study is “Conflicts of the Main Character in Poe’s The Spectacles”. This study is done because conflict in a story is essentials because it makes a literary work, especially short story, more attractive and entertaining. Therefore, a conflict conveys a message from the author to the reader and should make the reader able to feel the same like the main character felt. This study discuss about the conflict faced by the main character and how the main character manage the conflict to find solutions.
The data source of this study was taken from Edgar Allan Poe’s work entitled The Spectacles that was written in 1844. This short story was taken from the collection of the Edgar Allan Poe’s short story entitled “Complete Tale and Poems” that was taken from electronic source in web-book.com. Documentation method was used in collecting data from this data source. The method was done by reading intensively and taking note for the conflicts in the short story. The method used in analyzing the data was qualitative method. The theory used in this study propose by Myers in his book “A Laboratory Approach” 1992 for the conflict analysis and Deetz and Stevenson in their book “Managing Interpersonal Communication” 1986.
The result of this study shows that the main character faced two kinds of conflict, internal and external conflict. The participants are with other character and environment surround the main character. The main character able to manage his conflicts mostly using compromise strategy.
TABLE OF CONTENT
iv
3.1 Synopsis of The Spectacles ... 17
3.2 Biography of Edgar Allan Poe ... 19
3.3 Setting and Plot ... 20
3.3.1 Setting ... 21
3.3.2 Plot ... 23
3.4 Main and Secondary Character in The Spectacles ... 26
3.5 Conflict ... 28
3.5.1 Internal Conflict ... 29
3.5.2 External Conflict ... 31
3.6 Conflict Management Strategies ... 46
3.6.1 Conflict Management Strategies of Internal Conflict ... 46
3.6.2 Conflict Management Strategies of External Conflict ... 48
CHAPTER IV CONCLUSION ... 55
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Literature means writing valued as work of art. It also refers to composition that tells stories, dramatizes situation, and express emotions. Taylor (1981:81) states: “Literature, like other arts, is essentially an imaginative act of the writer’s
imagination in selecting, ordering, and interpreting life experience”. Literature also
cannot be separated in daily life. It means that literature is based on daily life. In conclusion, literature is how someone being able to communicate with society
through his works.
Diyani states (2001:7), there are three major types of literary work such as: poetry, drama, and fiction. All of these are the works of imagination of the capacity for invention of writers’ world. Meanwhile, fiction can also be divided into novel,
novelette, and short story.
Literary works developed by two elements, intrinsic and extrinsic elements.
The function intrinsic element is to build up the literary creation itself such as theme, plot, setting, character, conflict, point of view, etc. Kenney states (1966:19), “the
In reference in what Kenney states about conflict above, it was found that conflict referred to person which dealt with life situation. It is only situation that offers a conflict. The focus of this study is the main character’s conflict as portrayed
in The Spectacles short story.
Conflict is about how the main character faces his conflicts; his conflict with
himself, his conflict with another individual, and also his conflict with society. It is conflict that makes a story full with intense. How it is started, faced, and solved for a
better solution in order to get wisdom living.
1.2 Problem of the Study
Based on the background above, these were the problems that writer would like to discuss:
1. What kinds of conflict can be identified in the story The Spectacles?
2. How does the main character manage the conflict and find the solution?
1.3 Aims of the Study
The aims of this paper are divided into two, based on the problem formulated above. The aims of this study were as follows:
1. To find out what kind of conflict can be identified in the story The Spectacle.
1.4 Scope of Discussion
The Scope of Discussion of this study is limited to the following points:
1. This study has the focus on the main character’s conflict found in The Spectacle. The discussion of this study was limited to internal and external
conflict of the main character. An internal conflict suggests that the main character is in conflict with himself; while, external conflict means that the main character is in conflict with things outside of himself such as another
individual and society
2. The study is limited to how the main character of the story solves the conflict
based on Conflict Management Strategies by Deetz and Stevenson (1986) in their book Managing Interpersonal Communication (Deetz and Stevenson, 1986: 210 – 218).
1.5 Research Method
In conducting research, there are some steps applied in the process of finding,
collecting and analyzing the data. The research method in this study deals with three sections namely: data source, method and technique collecting data and method and
1.5.1 Data Source
The data source of this study was a short story entitled The Spectacles by Edgar Allan Poe (1844). The data source was chosen because it could provide much information related to the conflict on characters which was very interesting to be
analyzed. The main character was identified first before the writer identified the conflict that was faced by the main character.
1.5.2 Method and Technique of Collecting Data
Documentation method was used in collecting the data. Firstly, the data was collected through reading the short story The Spectacles (1844) intensively and
repeatedly. The important information was marked by underline from the sources which explained about the conflict in the story. Then, notes were taken from the
collected data in order to make the writer easier to find the conflict from the story. Secondly, the writer used books and several other resources about conflict as references related to the subject matter being analyzed. That step helps the writer to
understand more about conflict in a story.
CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE, CONCEPT, AND THEORETICAL
FRAMEWORK
2.1 Review of Literature
In order to make a good undergraduate thesis, it is important to search and find other undergraduate theses which are similar to our field of study. Many researchers had already conducted the same research and already made their findings.
Since they have already been conducted, writing a review is necessary in order to know the similarities and differences of these theses.
Jayanti (2007) stated in her thesis entitled “The Analysis of Conflict Reflected
in the main character on the Novel ‘Where The Heart is’ by Billie Letts”. The
theories applied in this thesis are proposed by Renne Wellek and Austin Warren in
their book entitled Theory of Literature (1973). This thesis has two kinds of conflict those are external and internal conflict. The type of external conflict of the main
character is interpersonal conflict, which happened between people. The type of internal conflict is personal conflict that is conflict between characters and his own mind. In this thesis the analysis conflict is natural part of communication relationship.
Windari, in her thesis entitled “Conflict Analysis of the Major Character in
Bronte’s Wuthering Height (2007) analyzing Heathcliff as the main character in the
story. In term physiological, sociological, and psychological the main character describe clearly. The theories applied in this thesis are proposed by Nurgiyantoro
(2005), and Wellek Warren (1973) in their book Theory of Literature about identifying character. This thesis is different with this study because the data source
and the theory used to analyze data is different.
Dewi (2007) write a thesis entitled “Conflict of the Main Character in The
Beautiful and Dammed”. The theory of literature proposed by William Kenney
(1966) in his book entitled How to Analyze the Fiction is applied in this thesis. This thesis from Dewi is different because in talks a lot about the main characters and how it become the main character. But, the discussion just discuss a little about the
conflict faced by the main character in the novel while in this study, mainly discuss about conflict as where does the conflict come from and the resolution of the
conflicts.
Journal review related to this study is an international article taken from HighBeam Research Article: Toward peace: Using Literature to Aid Conflict
Resolution written by Jennifer L. Luke and Catherine M. Myers (2009). Conflict not only occur in adults, but in children of school age is also common. The factors that
According to this journal using the literature as a medium of solving problem is useful to aid conflict resolution. In addition, the role of teacher in delivering conflict
resolution based on literature should be in a language that is easy to understand for the children. The type of literary work they have read at least make children more
easily to solve the problem without violence but solving the problem with purpose to benefit both parties in trouble. This journal discuss about the conflict that are faced by children. It has similar topic with this study. Both of these works have their own
problem to be discussed. But the differences between this journal and this study are the data source and the main character that faced the conflict. This journal was
analyzed the children conflict in their daily life, meanwhile this study is discuss conflicts are faced by adult.
As for the journal reviews, taken from The English Journal, Vol. 84, No, 5
(Sep., 1995), pp. 38-42 entitled Conflict and The Story of Our Lives: Teaching English for Violence Prevention by Barbara Stanford. This approach seemed
particularly appropriated for middle school students who are beginning to shift from concentrate thinking to what Piaget calls formal operation-the ability to reflect on structure and from as well as content. Contemporary interdisciplinary curriculum
approaches, with star with student interest. Violence and conflict are closely related. In this study, the author of the article concentrated on how conflict and violence are
in the phase of finding their own identity. Students in this age usually will get engaged with conflict more often because of their mental are not ready for socializing
and determining which one is good or bad. As the object of this study are human being, this research is concentrated on a short story which is not living being.
2.2 Concept
In Concept, explained about the definition of Conflict, Conflict Management Strategies which are discussed in this research. In this section, every concept of the
study will be discussed and explained in order understanding to the readers. There are also other concepts that supporting this research discussed further. These concepts will be explained below according to several experts’ definition.
2.2.1 Concept of Character
Kenney (1966:21) states the character is the actor of story. He also adds that a
character is obviously relevant to us and to our experience if he is like ourselves or like others whom we know. A character is relevant if there many people like him in
the real world. According to Diyanni (2001:36) character can be divided into some categories: they are major, minor, and static, dynamic characters.
Nurgiyantoro (2012: 177) states that from the role aspect and the important
secondary character and supporting character. Character is an important part in a literary work, through character we are guided to the author’s mind and imagination
expressed through his character in his work. However, characterization is how the author develop the traits of the character. Characterization is a process of expressing
or portraying human character in a story. An individual states himself through speech and action in which can be used to analyze the characters.
Diyanni (2001:55) states that character in fiction can be classified as major
and minor, state and dynamic. Diyanni (2001:36) also states that characterization is the means by which the writers present and reveal characters.
A major character is an important figure at the center of the story’s action.
Usually character status as major or minor is clearly stated. On other occasion, not one but two characters may dominate a story, their relationship being what matter
most.
Major character also sometimes called protagonist whose conflict with an antagonist may spark the story’s conflict. Supporting the major character is one or
more secondary or minor character whose function is to illuminate partly the major character. Minor character are often static or unchanging. They remain the same from
Dynamic character on the other hand, change their attitude of purpose of behavior as the story progress. We should be careful not to automatically equate
major character as dynamic one or minor character with the static one.
2.2.2 Concept of Conflict
According to Myers (1992 : 268), conflict was associated with anger, aggressiveness, physical and verbal fights and violence, all basically negative feelings and behaviors. On the other hand, the behavioral view argue that conflict is not
necessarily bad. It is natural phenomenon in groups and organization and has constructive as well as destructive effects.
Conflict is also determined as any struggle between any opposing forces. Usually happen with the main character in which he is struggling with any other forces. This conflict, then, the one that run a story and form the storyline. It is also to
make readers to get involved in the story as the reader feel the struggle that is faced by the main character. Without conflict, a story would be meaningless and without
purpose. A main character who faced a conflict in a story may find that he would deal within a single man, between man, between man and society, and between man and
nature or environment. (Kenney,1966:21)
the story, and if those characters have freedom to choose, surely (they) will not
choose for being such kind of characters.
In order to analyze the conflict that is happen in the story The Spectacles (1844) written by Edgar Allan Poe, the writer use definition of Conflict purpose by
Myers (1992).
2.3 Theoretical Framework
Theoretical framework describes the literature theory applied in this writing.
The theory of conflict that is used to analyze what kind of conflict faced by the main character is proposed by Myers in his book A Laboratory Approach (1992). While
analyzing the source of conflict and manage the conflict that is faced by the main character is using the theory proposed by Deetz and Stevenson (1986) in their book
entitled Managing Interpersonal Communication.
2.3.1 Theory of Conflict
Conflict is considered as natural in our life. Conflict is necessary because
conflict can stimulate innovative thinking when it is managed in the right way. Lacking conflict, thoughts and actions are performed because they are habitual. Conflict allows an examination of the necessity of these thoughts and actions. The
third assumption points out that people find out easier to live with unresolved misunderstanding than facing the fact that fundamental differences do exist, they
Conflict also become a natural part of daily communication. According to Myers (1992 : 268), conflict associated with anger, aggressiveness, physical and
verbal fights and violence, all basically negative feelings and behaviors. On the other hand, behavioral views argue that conflict is not necessarily bad. It is natural part of
an organization that has both constructive and destructive effects.
1). Internal Conflict
Internal Conflict is one of the basic form of confrontation that is faced by the characters in the literature, and also later on will giving impact to the
character as the result of the characters’ decision. The characters were forced to faced two or more option inside their mind. These options often different in every aspect and they have to choose one of them. The one
that is usually faced Internal Conflict usually main character. This internal conflict is important in later on concluding the story in the end as the result of the decision made by the main character. The main character’s
inner conflict can be what he thinks, what he wants, and what he really wants. Inner conflict may be difficult when the main character find it
really hard to choose between one options to another.
Not like Internal Conflict, External Conflict happens when a character or main character face another person or situation that is working against the main character’s desire or goal. This can be happen between main
character with another character or with nature. External conflict included
extra personal which involves outside force, goal or threat.
2.3.2 Conflict Management Strategies
Conflict management strategies are important in handling a conflict. Through managing conflict, people can develop and maintain cooperative relationship where
they combine their different perspective to solve the problems (Dean and Mary Tjosvold, 1995:184). There are numbers of potentially good strategies available for conflict management which has strength in certain situation. Deetz and Stevenson in
their book Managing Interpersonal Communication (1986:210 – 218) give their brief explanation about conflict management strategies and divide them into five:
avoidance, pacification, competition, compromise, and creative integration.
1) Avoidance
Avoidance is a common and passive way to deal with the conflict. Conflict
avoidance can take place by avoiding context in which conflict might arise, by giving in to the other in a conflict situation or by agreeing to put the conflict to another time
will be able in the future. On the other hand, avoidance may be a negative way of handling conflict. This strategy is generally used when the issue is trivial or other
issues are more pressing. (Deetz and Stevenson,1986:212)
2) Pacification
Pacification strategy works to block the discussion of a conflict issue by undermining rather than avoiding the conflict discussion. Pacifying messages appear to deal with the problem, but actually subvert the conflict discussion. It debilitates
individual and relationship problem solving by incapacity decision making and it can expand the complexity of the issues, pacification may be desirable to think and
preplan the way to deal with the conflict. (Deetz and Stevenson,1986:213)
3) Competition
Competition refers to instance where each individuals in a conflict decides
they wish to win, to get what they want. Conflict which based on differences of opinion or differing information can be best worked out by argumentation. In this
conflict, relationship is enhanced by good discussion and useful answer, but they are damaged when people lost sight of the issue and only want to win. As long as the goal of maintaining a positive relationship is held higher than winning a particular
engage on competitive strategy should be preceded with a consideration of accepting
loss positively. (Deetz and Stevenson,1986:214)
4) Compromise
Compromise is an approach with a desire to keep everyone a little happy,
perhaps not as happy as they would have liked, but happier than they would have been they lose. The actual working of compromises, however, does not maximize the collective satisfaction. Instead, it equalize dissatisfaction of the participants. It works
to make sure no one is unhappy than others rather than to assure happiness. Compromising tends to reduce moral of the participants in the relationship rather than invigorate the relationship, solve problem, compromise tends to reduce energy and
evokes passivity. (Deetz and Stevenson,1986:215)
5) Creative Integration
Creative integration is the most complex and energy consuming strategy but offer the greatest opportunity to satisfy each participant’s goals and to enhance the
long term relationship. Conflict integration temps to break the conflict context by demonstrating that the way conflict is being perceived is not only possible way to see it. One has a choice to see a conflict in another context rather than to examine it
within the present one. Creative integration has three steps process, those are:
(2) Combine the goals of all participants and think of them as if they were all the desire of each
