Informasi Dokumen
- Penulis:
- Nadya Rahmi Safitri
- Pengajar:
- Abu Fanani, S.S., M.Pd.
- Sekolah: State Islamic University of Sunan Ampel
- Mata Pelajaran: English
- Topik: Allie’s Absurdism in Nicholas Spark’s The Notebook
- Tipe: Thesis
- Tahun: 2016
- Kota: Surabaya
Ringkasan Dokumen
I. Introduction: Allie's Absurdism in Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook
This thesis examines the concept of absurdism as it manifests in Nicholas Sparks' novel, The Notebook, focusing specifically on the character of Allie Nelson. The analysis will explore Allie's characterization and how her choices in love exemplify an absurd situation, according to the philosophical framework of Thomas Nagel. The study's significance lies in its application to literary analysis and its pedagogical value in illustrating complex thematic concepts within a popular narrative.
1.1 Background of the Study
The thesis begins by establishing a context for the study of literature and absurdism. It introduces the concept of literature as imaginative writing, contrasting it with purely factual accounts. The evolution of literature is discussed, highlighting the rise of modernism and its reaction against realism. The concept of absurdism in literature is introduced as a confrontation between human needs and the seemingly meaningless universe, drawing upon the works of Camus and other existentialist thinkers. The novel The Notebook serves as a specific case study to explore these concepts, focusing on Allie's unusual choices in love as a representation of absurdity.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The core research questions are defined: How is Allie characterized in The Notebook? And, how does Allie's behavior in her romantic relationships demonstrate absurdism? These questions frame the subsequent analysis, guiding the interpretation of textual evidence and the application of theoretical frameworks.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The study aims to achieve two primary objectives: to provide a detailed characterization of Allie Nelson and to analyze her actions within the context of absurdist philosophy, specifically Nagel's concept of absurdity as a discrepancy between aspirations and reality. These objectives provide a clear structure for the analysis.
1.4 Scope and Limitations
The scope is clearly delineated, focusing exclusively on The Notebook and Allie’s character. The analysis is limited to exploring Allie's absurdist tendencies in her romantic relationships, not encompassing other potential aspects of absurdism present in the novel. This focus ensures a concentrated and manageable analysis.
1.5 Significance of the Study
The significance of the thesis is articulated in terms of its contribution to literary studies and its educational potential. It aims to enrich readers' understanding of character analysis and the application of theoretical frameworks to interpret literary works. The study also aims to contribute to pedagogical resources for students of English literature, demonstrating the practical application of theoretical concepts.
1.6 Method of the Study
The methodological approach is described as a descriptive qualitative study using a library-based research design. This involves collecting data from the novel itself and relevant secondary sources like articles and journals. The data collection process involves a careful reading of the novel, identifying relevant passages, and using selected theoretical frameworks to analyze and interpret the data. This method ensures the rigorous analysis of textual data
1.7 Definition of Key Terms
Key terms are defined to establish clarity and consistency. This includes defining terms such as 'character,' 'consciousness,' 'choice,' and 'love,' grounding the analysis in precise and unambiguous definitions. These clear definitions avoid ambiguity and support a well-defined argument.
II. Review of Literature
This section provides a review of the relevant literary theories that underpin the analysis. The discussion focuses on two main areas: New Criticism, used to analyze characterization, and Absurdism, specifically Nagel’s philosophy, used to understand Allie's actions. Related studies are also reviewed to position this research within the existing body of academic work.
2.1 New Criticism Theory
This subsection introduces the principles of New Criticism, emphasizing its focus on textual evidence and formal elements as the primary means of interpreting literary works. It explains how the theory helps in understanding characterization through analysis of dialogue, action, and narrative techniques within the text. The distinction between round and flat characters is also elaborated, providing a framework for characterizing Allie.
2.2 Absurdism in Literature
This section delves into the concept of absurdism as a literary genre and philosophical perspective. It traces the historical and intellectual context of absurdism, linking it to existentialism and nihilism. The ideas of Camus and Nagel regarding the nature of absurdity are discussed, providing the theoretical basis for analyzing Allie's experiences. The differences between Camus’ and Nagel’s understanding of absurdity are clarified.
2.3 Review of Related Studies
A review of existing scholarship on The Notebook is presented, highlighting relevant themes and methodologies. The thesis distinguishes itself from previous works by focusing on Allie's character and applying Nagel's specific concept of absurdity. This contextualization positions the current research within the broader field of literary studies.
III. Analysis
This section presents the core analysis of The Notebook, applying the theoretical frameworks discussed in the literature review. It begins by characterizing Allie, followed by an analysis of her love life through the lens of absurdism.
3.1 Allie’s Characterization
This subsection analyzes Allie’s character using the tools of New Criticism. Her personality traits (high-class, socialite, romantic) are identified and supported with textual evidence. The evolution of her character throughout the narrative is examined, highlighting any significant changes or contradictions. This detailed characterization provides a robust basis for the subsequent absurdist analysis.
3.2 Allie’s Absurdism in Love
This section applies Nagel's theory of absurdity to Allie's romantic choices. It analyzes the discrepancy between Allie's aspirations for a perfect, upper-class marriage and the reality of her falling in love with Noah, a man of a lower social class. This analysis explores how Allie's actions represent the conflict between pretension and reality that defines Nagel's concept of absurdity and the choices she makes to resolve this conflict.
IV. Conclusion
This section summarizes the findings, reiterating the key aspects of Allie’s characterization and the manifestation of absurdism in her love life. The concluding remarks emphasize the pedagogical value of the study, highlighting its contribution to the understanding of literary analysis and the application of philosophical concepts to interpret literary narratives.
Referensi Dokumen
- The Absurdity of Life ( Thomas Nagel )
