ix
RIDHO CHRISTINA SARI ARITONANG. A Study on Occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida. Yogyakarta: Department of English Letters, Faculty of Letters, Sanata Dharma University, 2015.
Occultism (or it is well known as paranormal) is a controversy topic for centuries. There is a debate on occultism that occultism is considered as a source of fear and occultism possesses evil power. On the other hand, occultism is considered as a part of culture. The writer finds that the controversy cannot be separated from the nature of occultism itself. Besides, the writer also realizes that the various definition of occultism depends on who views it. Because of these facts, the writer chooses occultism as the topic of this study. The writer wants to know what occultism really is from the view point of the occultist. The writer argues that Paulo Coelho’s Brida is a
novel which describes the definition of occultism from the view point of the occultist. In order to reveal occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida, the writer formulates
two research problems. The first problem is related to the characteristics of the major characters. The second one is related to how occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is
represented by the major characters.
After formulating those two research problems, the writer then uses two kinds of sources which provide supporting theories in answering those problems. Those sources are the primary and secondary sources. Primary source is Paulo Coelho’s
Brida itself. The secondary sources are books and e-books which provide theories on
character and characterization, theories on occultism, and also theory on study. These sources can be found through library and internet research.
By using Paulo Coelho’s Brida and the other secondary sources, the writer
finds that occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is the occultism which consists of
theosophy and occult science. Occult science in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is the practice
of witchcraft which includes exploring Brida’s past life and magic. Another part of occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is theosophy. Theosophy is a theoretical occultism which can lead Brida, as a major character, into the self transformation through a new way of looking at Brida’s self and world. Besides leading one to self transformation, theosophy also helps Magus, another major character, in finding his own wisdom. Therefore, the writer concludes that occultism which is described in Paulo Coelho’s
Brida is the practice of witchcraft which can also lead the major characters into self
x
RIDHO CHRISTINA SARI ARITONANG. A Study on Occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida. Yogyakarta: Jurusan Sastra Inggris, Fakultas Sastra, Universitas Sanata Dharma, 2015.
Okultisme (atau yang lebih dikenal sebagai paranormal) merupakan sebuah topic yang kontroversi selama berabad-abad. Ada sebuah perdebatan tentang okultisme bahwa okultisme dianggap sebagai sumber ketakutan dan okultisme memiliki kekuatan iblis. Di sisi lain, okultisme dianggap merupakan kepunyaan dari kebudayaan. Penulis menemukan fakta bahwa kontroversi ini tidak terlepas dari sifat okultisme itu sendiri. Selain itu, penulis juga menyadari bahwa pengertian okultisme dapat menjadi sangat beragam tergantung siapa yang melihatnya. Oleh karena itu, penulis memilih okultisme sebagai topic dalam penyelidikan ini. Penulis ingin mengetahui okultisme yang sebenarnya dari sudut pandang okultist. Penulis membuktikan bahwa novel Paulo Coelho yang berjudul Brida adalah novel yang menggambarkan pengertian okultisme dari sudut pandang okultist.
Untuk mengungkap pengertian okultisme, penulis merumuskan dua masalah penelitian. Masalah yang pertama berkaitan dengan karakteristik dari karakter-karakter utama dalam novel Brida. Masalah yang kedua berkaitan dengan bagaimana okultisme digambarkan melalui karakter-karakter utama tersebut.
Setelah merumuskan kedua masalah penelitian tersebut, penulis kemudian menggunakan dua jenis sumber yang menyediakan teori-teori pendukung untuk menjawab masalah-masalah tersebut. Sumber-sumber data tersebut berupa sumber data yang pertama dan kedua. Sumber data yang pertama adalah novel Brida. Sedangkan sumber data yang kedua adalah buku-buku dan buku-buku elektronik yang menyediakan teori tentang karakter dan karakterisasi, teori tentang okultisme, dan teori untuk penyelidikan ini. Sumber-sumber data tersebut dapat ditemui melalui penelitian perpustakaan dan juga internet.
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra
in English Letters
By
RIDHO CHRISTINA SARI ARITONANG Student Number: 094214041
ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAMME DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
i
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra
in English Letters
By
RIDHO CHRISTINA SARI ARITONANG Student Number: 094214041
ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAMME DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
viii
First of all, the writer would like to express the humble gratitude to Lord Jesus Christ for his blessing and unconditional love so that the writer can finish this undergraduate thesis. However, the writer also realizes that this undergraduate thesis cannot be finished without the support given by the writer’s family. Therefore, the deepest gratitude goes to the writer’s
beloved father, mother, brother. The writer thanks them for their endless love, patience, and prayers.
The writer’s sincere gratitude goes to the thesis advisor, Dr. F.X. Siswadi M.A. The
writer is really grateful that he is the man who shows the writer that goal requires not only effort but also determination to move forward. Besides, the writer is really thankful to Drs. Hirmawan Wijanarka, M.Hum, and also Ni Luh Putu Rosiandani S,S., M.Hum. for all the suggestion to the writer.
The special gratitude goes to my friends such as Dias Dwi Iswarindi, Andreas Hargo Satrio Wibowo, Novie R.S and other friends who cannot be mentioned one by one here. The real friendship is the real support to the writer in finishing this undergraduate thesis.
The last but not least, the warm gratitude goes to William AdiPutra de Jesus Tavares. The writer is really grateful to God for the fact that he does exist.
ix
……….
APPROVAL PAGE ……….. ii
ACCEPTANCE PAGE ……… iii
LEMBAR PERNYATAAN PERSETUJUAN PUBLIKASI KARYA ILMIAH.. iv
STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY ……… v
MOTTO PAGE ………. vi
DEDICATION PAGE ……….. vii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ………. viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ………. ix
ABSTRACT ……….. x
ABSTRAK ………. xi
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION ……… 1
A. Background of the Study ……….. 1
B. Problem Formulation ………. 5
C. Objectives of the Study ………. 5
D. Definition of Terms ……… 5
CHAPTER II: THEORETICAL REVIEW ……… 7
A. Review of Related Studies ………. 7
B. Review of Related Theories ……… 10
C. Theoretical Framework ……… 20
CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY ……….. 22
A. Object of the Study ………. 22
B. Approach of the Study ………. 23
C. Method of the Study ……… 24
CHAPTER IV: ANALYSIS ……… 26
A. The Characteristics of Major Characters ……….. 26
B. Occultism as Represented by Major Characters ……… 39
CHAPTER V: CONCLUSION ……… 55
x 2015.
Occultism (or it is well known as paranormal) is a controversy topic for centuries. There is a debate on occultism that occultism is considered as a source of fear and occultism possesses evil power. On the other hand, occultism is considered as a part of culture. The writer finds that the controversy cannot be separated from the nature of occultism itself. Besides, the writer also realizes that the various definition of occultism depends on who views it. Because of these facts, the writer chooses occultism as the topic of this study. The writer wants to know what occultism really is from the view point of the occultist. The writer argues that Paulo Coelho’s Brida is a
novel which describes the definition of occultism from the view point of the occultist.
In order to reveal occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida, the writer formulates two research
problems. The first problem is related to the characteristics of the major characters. The second one is related to how occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is represented by the major characters.
After formulating those two research problems, the writer then uses two kinds of sources which provide supporting theories in answering those problems. Those sources are the primary and secondary sources. Primary source is Paulo Coelho’s Brida itself. The secondary sources
are books and e-books which provide theories on character and characterization, theories on occultism, and also theory on study. These sources can be found through library and internet research.
By using Paulo Coelho’s Brida and the other secondary sources, the writer finds that
occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is the occultism which consists of theosophy and occult
science. Occult science in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is the practice of witchcraft which includes
exploring Brida’s past life and magic. Another part of occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is
theosophy. Theosophy is a theoretical occultism which can lead Brida, as a major character, into the self transformation through a new way of looking at Brida’s self and world. Besides leading one to self transformation, theosophy also helps Magus, another major character, in finding his own wisdom. Therefore, the writer concludes that occultism which is described in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is the practice of witchcraft which can also lead the major characters into
xi
Okultisme (atau yang lebih dikenal sebagai paranormal) merupakan sebuah topic yang kontroversi selama berabad-abad. Ada sebuah perdebatan tentang okultisme bahwa okultisme dianggap sebagai sumber ketakutan dan okultisme memiliki kekuatan iblis. Di sisi lain, okultisme dianggap merupakan kepunyaan dari kebudayaan. Penulis menemukan fakta bahwa kontroversi ini tidak terlepas dari sifat okultisme itu sendiri. Selain itu, penulis juga menyadari bahwa pengertian okultisme dapat menjadi sangat beragam tergantung siapa yang melihatnya. Oleh karena itu, penulis memilih okultisme sebagai topic dalam penyelidikan ini. Penulis ingin mengetahui okultisme yang sebenarnya dari sudut pandang okultist. Penulis membuktikan bahwa novel Paulo Coelho yang berjudul Brida adalah novel yang menggambarkan pengertian okultisme dari sudut pandang okultist.
Untuk mengungkap pengertian okultisme, penulis merumuskan dua masalah penelitian. Masalah yang pertama berkaitan dengan karakteristik dari karakter-karakter utama dalam novel Brida. Masalah yang kedua berkaitan dengan bagaimana okultisme digambarkan melalui karakter-karakter utama tersebut.
Setelah merumuskan kedua masalah penelitian tersebut, penulis kemudian menggunakan dua jenis sumber yang menyediakan teori-teori pendukung untuk menjawab masalah-masalah tersebut. Sumber-sumber data tersebut berupa sumber data yang pertama dan kedua. Sumber data yang pertama adalah novel Brida. Sedangkan sumber data yang kedua adalah buku-buku dan buku-buku elektronik yang menyediakan teori tentang karakter dan karakterisasi, teori tentang okultisme, dan teori untuk penyelidikan ini. Sumber-sumber data tersebut dapat ditemui melalui penelitian perpustakaan dan juga internet.
Dengan menggunakan novel Brida dan sumber kedua, penulis menemukan bahwa okultisme dalam novel Brida merupakan okultisme yang terdiri dari teosofi dan ilmu okult. Ilmu okult dalam novel Brida adalah praktek ilmu sihir yang mencakup eksplorasi kehidupan
masa lalu Brida dan juga sihir. Bagian okultisme yang lainnya adalah teosofi. Teosofi merupakan okultisme teoritis yang dapat menuntun Brida, sebagai seorang karakter utama, menuju sebuah transformasi diri melalui sebuah cara pandang baru dalam melihat dirinya dan
dunianya. Selain itu, teosofi juga menuntun Magus, karakter utama lainnya, dalam menemukan kebijaksanaannya. Oleh karena itu, penulis menyimpulkan bahwa okultisme yang
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
Occultism (or it is well known as paranormal) has word occult as its root
word. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance states that ‘the word “occult” is derived from the Latin word “Occultus” which means “hidden”.’ (religioustolerance.org, April 12, 2013). Besides, according to Tiryakian, occult deals with hidden forces in nature which cannot be measured by the science. It is stated by
Mercia Eliade as below
“By ‘occult’, writes Tiryakian, I understand intentional practices, techniques, or procedures which: a) draw upon hidden or concealed forces in nature or the cosmos that cannot be measured or recognized by the instruments of modern science…” (1976:48)
Therefore, it can be concluded that the nature of occultism is hidden forces which
cannot be recognized or measured by modern science.
The nature of occultism as stated above gains controversy toward occultism itself. There are so many debates on occultism through many years and even centuries. Melton (2000:viii) shows some controversies on occultism in the past. In
the 17th century many people believed in occultism while others considered it as “a source of fear” and it caused death. The controversy on occultism continued in the 18th century. Nevertheless the topic of controversy changed. In the 18th century, the existence of occultism was questioned by the emergence of Deism. Deism was a
belief that merely admits the existence of God as the Creator of the world. The belief in Deism which questioned occultism is explained by Melton as below.
Deism affirmed the existence of God the Creator, but suggested that God had merely established a system of natural law, leaving the world to govern itself by that law. By implication, God was divorced by the world, and supernatural events did not occur, rather the “supernatural” was merely the misobserved “natural”. Furthermore, neither angels nor spirits communicated with humans, and, in turn, prayer did not reach God. (2001:viii)
According to the quotation above, Deism considered occultism with supernatural power never existed. According to Deism, world was not governed by God since God only created world. Therefore, according to Deism, there was no angel and prayer was not required since it did not reach God. This view point of Deism is contrary to
occultism. Occultism admits there are angels and prayers since God is no mere the world’s creator. Occultism believes that God governs the whole world.
Furthermore, in 20th century the controversy on occultism became wider. It came from not only experiences in real life, as what happened in the 17th century, but
also from fiction works and TV programs. Spotlight Ministries says some people argued that fiction works and TV programs which have magic, witchcraft or any occult powers as the theme would not lead the readers and viewers to the real thing. On the other hand the others thought those fiction works and TV programs were
The facts above show that occultism gains controversy in fiction as well in real life. These facts become the reason why the writer chooses occultism as the topic
of this study. The writer also realizes that the definition of occultism can be various depend on who views it. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance state that conservative Christians view occultism possesses evil or demon
(religioustolerance.org, May 25, 2013). On the other hand anthropologists have their own view on occultism. James Lett says that occultism (paranormal) is an “emic” which means that it belongs to cultures. He also says that paranormal is an “emic belief” concerning “the unreal real” (faculty.irsc.edu, May 25, 2013).
The differential concepts about occultism as stated above make the writer want to analyze what occultism is from the view point of occultist and how the occultist views occultism. Scott (1974:3) argues that the cause of ‘bad name’ attached to occultism is not the nature of occultism. It is because of ‘the nature of public mind’ that judges a whole of occultism just by a little part of it. Just because of hearing only
the ‘evil side’ of occultism which is done by some believers, then public judge it as bad as evil. Besides Scott also stresses that only few people who know enough about occultism to judge it at all.
What Scott says as stated above is reflected in Paulo Coelho’s Brida. Paulo
Coelho’s Brida talks about a journey of a twenty one-year-old girl, Brida, in the process of learning magic. In Paulo Coelho’s Brida the author tries to describe a different view on occultism through the main characters. The characters in Paulo
things in human life, in this case Brida. Through this journey Brida finds that occultism helps her not only in learning magic but also in solving certain problems
such as how to face her fear and how to be confident in taking every step in her life. Finally at the end of her journey Brida becomes a witch. Her ability as a witch is determined not only by her knowledge on magic but also her view toward her life that
is affected by occultism.
Paulo Coelho’s Brida is worth analyzing because it does not merely concern occultism and human life. The way Paulo Coelho describes the occultism may help the readers to understand the occultism. He mentions common matters in human life
such as fear and faith. Besides Coelho also describes that occultism is connected to religion in order to emphasize the importance of religion in occultism.
The way Paulo Coelho describes occultism is affected by his life story. Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian author. Before he becomes an author, Paulo Coelho had great experience in his life. Paulo Coelho ever attended Jesuit school and he was sent to
mental asylum since he rebelled his parents, who did not support him in becoming a writer. These facts indicate he has knowledge of religion and also experiences hard life. These knowledge and experience affect him in the way he views things happen in his life. As Coelho says : “I have forgiven. It happens with love, all the time when
you have this love towards someone else but you want this person to change, to be like you, and then love can be very destructive (ravenseniors.wikispaces.com, April 30, 2014). Besides, Alan Riding says Paulo Coelho also joined the Alternative
Catholicism. His return to Catholicism happened when he traveled to Spain (nytimes.com , April 7, 2013). Coelho’s hard life, his knowledge in religion and also
his experience in occultism affect him in the way he writes Paulo Coelho’s Brida in which it talks about occultism, religion and also human life.
B. Problem Formulation
In order to understand occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida, the writer formulates questions as follows.
1. What are the characteristics of the major characters in Paulo Coelho’s Brida ?
2. How is occultism represented through the major characters in Paulo Coelho’s Brida ?
C. Objectives of the Study
This study tries to understand occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida. In order to
gain the aim this study has two objectives of the study. The first objective is to analyze how the major characters are described. The second objective is to analyze how occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is represented by the major characters.
D. Definition of Term
To avoid misunderstanding and ambiguity as well as to obtain a clear understanding on the study, it is important to give a clarification of the term as
Occultism
Helena Petrovna Blavatsky states that occultism consists of two parts. They are occult
science and theosophy. Occult science is the practical occultism while theosophy is theoretical occultism (gen.lib.rus.ec, July 6, 2014). Occult science can be various. Melton mentions some practices of occultism. They can be exploring one’s past lives,
divinatory, witchcraft, psychokinesis, and magic (2001:1135). On the other hand, theosophy or theoretical occultism covers self-transformation and also personal wisdom. However, the writer does not discuss all of these parts of occultism. In this undergraduate thesis, the writer only discusses theosophy, magic, exploring one’s
CHAPTER II
THEORETICAL REVIEW
A. Review of Related Studies
The first undergraduate thesis the writer refers to is done by a student of Petra
Christian University; Gina. According to Gina (2011), as she says in “Brida’s Psychosocial Problems and Self Treatment in Paulo Coelho’s Brida, Paulo Coelho’s
Brida is a novel which is less popular than other Paulo Coelho’s novels. However, Gina realizes this novel as an interesting one. According to Gina, Paulo Coelho’s
Brida, as a fantasy novel with the elements of magic which is not real, is different from other fantasy novels. Paulo Coelho’s Brida tells about life that all human beings know and understand. It also makes Gina know the view point of the author about life which is different from her own view point. Besides Gina also says that she can find some values she never knows before. An interesting novel by a qualified author with
a lot of values within becomes the reasons why Gina analyzes Paulo Coelho’s Brida. In this undergraduate thesis, Gina focuses on the major character of Paulo Coelho’s Brida. Gina argues that Brida faces psychosocial crises when she learns magic. Those crises cause some problems to her. Therefore the aim of Gina’s thesis is
to discover what the problems are and also how she overcomes those problems. It is stated in theconclusion part of her undergraduate thesisas below
Furthermore, to analyze those problems, I emphasize two main points to discuss. Firstly, I analyze what problems that Brida faces in the novel. And secondly, I analyze how Brida overcomes her problems. Thus to analyze these
two main points, I use the theory of Erik H. Erickson, the psychosocial crises or development, a theory about the eight stages that human has to face, such as trust versus mistrust, autonomy versus shame and doubt, initiative versus guilt, industry versus inferiority, identity versus role confusion, intimacy versus isolation, generativity versus stagnation and integrity versus despair. But, from these stages, I only use the first five stages to analyze the first of my analysis and the first four stages to analyze the second point of my analysis (2011:38).
The second undergraduate thesis the writer refers to is done by a Maranatha
Christian University student, Ariston. Different from Gina’s undergraduate thesis which captures Brida as the girl with crises, Ariston (2011) in his undergraduate thesis entitled “Analysis of Theme through The Portrayal of The Protagonist in Paulo Coelho’s Brida” tries to get the theme of Paulo Coelho’s Brida trough the portrayal of
Brida as the protagonist character. Therefore Ariston needs to examine the characteristics of Brida. According to Ariston, Brida is a teenager who is ambitious, brave, and optimistic. Ariston explains one of Brida’s characteristics as he stated in the conclusion part as below
Brida’s optimistic characteristic is shown by her open mindedness. She is willing to accept others’ suggestion which might help her to find her path. She is willing to learn about her calling. Brida is willing to listen to others and to change her perception if necessary. In the beginning, she has a doubt about who she really is, but after she meets Wicca and listens to Wicca’s suggestion she changes her perceptions about herself because finally she realizes that she has a gift and that she is an extraordinary person. She is willing to learn about Tradition of the Moon and do the tests given by Wicca and Magus (2011:16-17).
Compared to the two undergraduate theses above, the study made by the writer is completely different. In Gina’s thesis, Gina analyzes the problems Brida
faces in learning magic and how she solves those problems. In order to do her analysis, Gina uses theory about psychosocial crises by Erik H. Erickson. This Gina’s view point makes the difference between her study and the writer’s study. In this
study the writer details the occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida while Gina in her thesis analyzes the problems Brida faces when she learns occultism. Gina also does not analyze the occultism at all because according to Gina, magic is something which is not real. The writer argues that the author (Paulo Coelho) tries to describe what
occultism is through the major characters. Therefore, the main focus in this study is to analyze what occultism is.
The study made by the writer is also completely different from Ariston’s undergraduate thesis. In his undergraduate thesis, Ariston reveals the theme of Paulo Coelho’s Brida by analyzing the Brida characteristics. Although Ariston admits that
Brida is an extra ordinary girl who has a gift, he does not analyze the occultism at all. On the other hand the writer analyzes the occultism described in Paulo Coelho’s
B. Review of Related Theories
1. Theory of Character and Characterization
Character is one of the crucial elements in a fiction. Abrams (1999:46) defines character as a person who has certain “intellectual”, “emotional qualities”, and “moral”. According to Forster in Aspects of the Novel there are two kinds of
characters based on the complexity of the characteristics. They are flat characters and round characters. Flat characters are simply understood and remembered since they are built only by one characteristic and the characteristic is not changed by circumstances. On the other hand round characters are more complex and they often
surprise the reader in a “convincing way”.
Besides flat and round characters, character is also divided into major and minor ones. Elizabeth Sky says that major characters are the ones who appear throughout the plot or in the major section. They also involve in the important action and conflict. Besides minor characters are the ones who enter the plot for certain
reason but then they may not be heard of again or they may enter throughout the plot but they still in the “shadow of the major character”. Their existence in the plot strengthens the position of the major characters (leasttern.com, September 12, 2013). Furthermore Henkle (1977:92-93) describes the criteria of major character.
According to Henkle, major characters are the ones who ‘deserve’ reader’s attention. Besides major characters are also whom the readers build expectations and desires to since they are the ones who capable in presenting and also convincing the issues in
Character in a fiction cannot stand alone. There is no character without characterization and vice versa. As Gill says that character is a person in literary work
while characterization is the process in which a character is created (1995:127). Abcarian stresses the importance of characterization towards the character. Abcarian says characterization is required since it makes the character seems alive to the reader
(1998:6).
According to Abrams (1999:33-34) the characterization can be done by using two different methods. The first method is showing method. Showing method is that the author just presents the characters talking and acting, and then the author gives a
chance to the readers in viewing how the character is. However, in this method the author can also put the thought and feelings of the character. Otherwise the author can use the second method; telling method. Telling method is that the author describes the characters as she or he views them. The author tells the readers straight forward about how the character is and the author often tells the reasons of what the character says
and does.
However, the characterization can be done in various ways. Roger B. Henkle (1977:161-173) states there are nine ways of characterization using different angle. The first angle which can be used in characterization is the appearance of a character.
The author can describe a character through the appearance or the clothes so that the readers can easily imagine the character. The second angle is speech. By using this angle, the author lets the reader view a character based on what he or she says.
third angle in characterization. By showing the conversation of others characters, the author allows the readers to judge a character from the view point of other characters.
The fourth angle which the author can use in characterization is a character’s past life. A character’s past life can be explored in order to shape the characteristic. It can be explored through the direct comment of the author, the character’s thought, the
character’s speeches, and also thought of the other characters. Another angle which can be used in characterization is reactions. Reactions can show the image of a character through how the character responds toward certain situations and events. Besides reactions, the sixth angle used in characterization is thought. A character can
be viewed from the way of thinking on something. In order to show the thought or the way of thinking, the author can directly give certain information about what the character thinks about or the way of thinking of a character. The next angle is mannerism. In order to shape a characteristic of a character, the author can show the mannerism, habits or some peculiarities. By showing this angle, the readers can know
the characteristic of a character. The next angle in characterization is another character. The author uses another character in defining a characteristic of a character. The author uses point of view and opinion toward another character in defining the characteristic. The last angle which can be used in characterization is
2. Theory of Occultism
Occultism is derived from a Latin word “occultus”. Ontario Consultants on
Religious Tolerance states that “the word occult is derived from the Latin word “Occultus” which means “hidden”.” (religioustolerance.org, April 12, 2013).
However, the definition above is not enough to describe what occultism really
is. Another specific concept is given by Scott. According to Scott, occultism consists of two parts. They are theoretical and practical occultism (1950:8). Similar to Scott, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky also states that occultism consists of two parts. However, Blavatsky uses different terms for those parts. She uses theosophy instead of
theoretical occultism and occult science instead of practical occultism (gen.lib.rus.ec, July 6, 2014).
In order to understand the concept of occultism as stated above, the writer begins with the theosophy first. Theosophy is derived from Greek words. John Algeo (1969:8) states that those Greek words are “theos” which means divine and “sophia”
which means wisdom. Therefore John Algeo calls theosophy as “Divine Wisdom”. The term of theosophy was first used in English in 1650. At this time, theosophy was used for some teachings of ancient sages, and it was then applied to the thought of Ammonius Saccas and Plotinus. Ammonius Saccas and Plotinus were the founders of
18th writers on spiritual subjects. Besides, theosophy also has been applied to such school of thought such as Gnosticism and Alchemy.
However since 1875, as the emergence of Theosophy Society, the use of the term of theosophy has been expanded. It is not only limited to Greek mysticism and spiritual subject in the 17th and 18th century. This expansion is brought by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky. Blavatsky was a Russian woman who then became a naturalized
American citizen. When she was young, Blavatsky decided to leave Russia and travel around the world in seeking of explanation of mystery of life and wisdom. Since then, according to David Pratt, Blavatsky had contact with religious and mystical traditions
in many parts of the world. Blavatsky also had an instruction from her teacher in Tibet to spread the theosophy in America. However, the teacher declared a new goal of theosophy which was only limited to mysticism before. Hence, theosophy has become modern theosophy which is brought by Blavatsky as one of the founder of Theosophy Society (davidpratt.info, July 6, 2014).
Modern theosophy has three main objectives. David Pratt gives explanation on the three objectives. The first objective is called universal brotherhood of humanity. It is a principle that there is no distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, and race among human beings. It teaches that human beings must try to be loving and
forgiving, calm and patient, kind and altruistic, treating others as how human beings wants to be treated, concentrating on correcting our own faults rather than criticizing others, and above all, we should live to benefit others (davidpratt.info , July 6,2014).
(1969:56) says that karma is a law of cause and effect. Karma originally comes from a Sanskrit word which literally means “action” and it implies the totality of action
(action and reaction). The term karma itself now becomes an ordinary English word. The concept of karma can be found in all great religions, and philosophies. According to law of karma, universe is a place where nothing happens by chance. Thus, every
action of human beings affects their relationships with their family, friends, business associates and even the strangers they meet. Therefore in order to have good karma, one must thread others as how one to be threaded.
The second objective of theosophy, as stated in David Pratt’s article, is study
of the world’s religions (davidpratt.info, July 6,2014). John Algeo says that religion comes from a Latin term which means “to link back” 1969:10). Therefore, each religion links its believers back to the Divine based on its own way. Although each religion has its own way, according to David Prat, theosophy finds that the world’s religions have more similarities than differences. World’s religions advocate the
golden rule of universal love. Theosophy also speaks of enlightened teachers such as Krishna, Buddha and Christ. Therefore John Algeo also provides a statement of the second international president of Theosophy Society, Annie Besant, about Theosophy and religion. She states that theosophy does not ask a man to leave his religion.
Whatever his religion, a man should live it (1969:10).
The third objective of occultism, as stated by John Algeo (1969:47), is the study of the mystery of nature such as the explanation on the growth of an organism
experience. Besides, related to this objective, theosophy has certain belief and fundamental doctrines. For example: theosophy believes that a soul is for a body, not
a body for a soul. According to this view point, theosophy argues that thinking a physical body for a soul is mistaking a house for the man who lives inside it. It should be a man for his own house. This view point is related to a doctrine of reincarnation.
Reincarnation is derived from the words “re” which means again, “in” which means into, and “carn” which means flesh. Therefore reincarnation means a soul repeatedly entering into a fleshly body.
Through the three objectives above, theosophy offers a way of looking at
one’s self and the world. By offering a different way of looking at one’s self and the world, theosophy stimulates a self-transformation. As John Algeo states that theosophy is dedicated to preserve and realize the ageless wisdom which embodies a world view and a vision of human self-transformation (1969:14). Furthermore Fay Van Ierlant quotes statements of Shirley Nicholson. Shirley Nicholson states how
theosophy can lead into self-transformation as below
We may also see more and more ways in which these ideas relate to our daily lives. They may begin to reflect in our emotions too, as new levels of love and compassion and the desire to serve. Thus we ground these principles in experience and in our inner life so that they affect us at every level.
encounter of the self with the esoteric vision has the power to transform us (teosofia.com, July 6, 2014)
According to the statements by Shirley Nicholson, the writer concludes that theosophy does lead a man into self-transformation. Self-transformation, according to Shirley Nicholson, is a process in which the principles within the theosophy turn into experience which engages the human’s whole being. One can have this process
through three steps. The first step is realizing the principles of theosophy are related to daily life. Then the second step is that the attitude toward life starts to change because of the realization. The third step is discovering a true encounter of one’s self (self-discovery) through occultism has the power to transform one.
Fay Van Ierlant, a member of Theosophy of Dutch Section, also states that self-transformation is a process in which a man can discover wisdom which lies in his own life and it cannot come from without (teosofia.com, July 6, 2014). Similar to that statement, Theosophical Society in England states that wisdom cannot be enclosed
within words. Wisdom must be discovered and experienced by a man for himself (theosophicalsociety.org.uk, July 6 2014). Therefore in this sense, the concept of wisdom is really personal.
The second part of occultism is practical occultism. Melton states several
to the juxtaposition of sun, moon, and planets when one births (2001:108). Others method can be done by using 22 symbolical picture cards or tarot cards (2001:1532),
by analyzing line and mark on one’s hand or it is called palmistry (2001:1174), and also by calculate the numerical values to the letters of one’s name and/or birth place (2001:1127). Witchcraft is the practice of magic which is done by the practitioners
who are usually women who have psychic powers (2001:1678).
The last practical occultism is magic. J.P. Chaplin defines magic as ‘a paranormal power or influence’ (1976:95). In order to understand what magic is, it is important to know the explanation about magic. Mouni Sadhu (1973:199) divides
magic into black and white magic. According to Sadhu, those two kinds of magic are determined by its aim. Black magic is driven by egoistic and selfish intentions. On the other hand if someone uses magic unselfishly or without any profit for himself that could harm others then it is define as white magic.
Sir James George Frazer divides magic into negative and positive magic. It is
called positive magic (or it is called sorcery) since it suggests the believers to do certain things in order to get certain desirable effect. Otherwise, negative magic (or it is called taboo) warns the believers not to do certain things in order to prevent
undesirable effect (ebooks.adelaide.edu.au, June 15,2013).
The idea of black/white magic and positive/negative magic may be understood well if it is described through the principles of magic. Frazer explains
works when a magician can produce any effect he desires merely by imitating it. The act of magic based on this law is called homoeopathic or imitative magic. This law
can be applied for either good or bad purposes. The bad purposes (black magic) based on this law can be done in order to injure or destroy other. For example, according to Frazer, when an Ojebway Indian wants to harm his enemy then he can make a little
wooden puppet of his enemy and prick a needle in some parts of that wooden image such as head and heart. By doing so, it is believed that the enemy will get the same effect as the puppet get. Besides if an Ojebway Indian wants to kill the enemy outright, he can burn or bury the puppet while he utters some magic words
(ebooks.adelaide.edu.au, June 15,2013).
On the other hand this principle of magic can also be done for good purposes.
Frazer mentions several Imitative magic which are done by some tribes for good purposes. For example, in the island of Nias, if a wild pig enters the pit prepared for it, then the wild pig will be taken out and its back will be rubbed with nine fallen leaves. It is believed that by doing so then nine more wild pigs will fall into the pit just as the nine leaves fall from the tree. This kind of imitative magic is also
The second principle in magic, as stated by Frazer, is Law of Contact or Contagion. The act based on this law is called Contagious Magic. Different from law
of similarity, this law is not produced by imitating some objects in order to get certain effect. According to this law, a magician can produce certain magical effect resulted only from the parts of human’s body. Those parts can be various. They can be
someone’s teeth, navel-string or afterbirth, blood and even footprint. For example : In Germany many people believe that if a child’s milk-tooth falls out then it is better to insert it in mouse’s hole. By doing so it is believed that it will prevent the child from having toothache and the child’s teeth will be as strong as mouse’s. Not only the part
of physical body but also the sign left by the body can also be used in order to produce magical effect. For example: the natives of south-eastern Australia believe that by injuring the footprints of their enemy they can injure their enemy’s foot. They can put sharp pieces of glass or bones in their footprints (ebooks.adelaide.edu.au, June 15,2013). Lady Sabrina also mentions others things which can be used in
produce contagious magic such as a person’s picture, clothing and handwriting. Those things are called magical link (2001:155).
C. Theoretical Framework
The topic which the writer wants to analyze in this undergraduate thesis is occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida. In order to analyze occultism in Paulo Coelho’s
Brida, the writer uses some theories on character and characterization and also
Theories on character and characterization are required since the writer analyzes the idea of occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida through the major characters.
The writer argues that major characters are the most appropriate entrance to come into the occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida. The writer sees that major characters in Paulo Coelho’s Brida have their own value to represent occultism in Paulo Coelho’s
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
A. Object of the Study
In this undergraduate thesis the writer analyzes a novel entitled Brida. Brida is
written by a Brazilian author; Paulo Coelho. This novel was first published in 1990 in
Portuguese version. It was then translated into English version in 1993 by Harper
Collins. However, the writer uses the book published in 2008.
This novel consists of 247 pages. In the beginning there is quotation taken
from Luke. They sounds “…what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of
them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?
When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, “Rejoice
with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” (Luke 15:8-9). This quotation is
also followed by a warning given by Paulo Coelho. Paulo Coelho warns that the
rituals described in this novel are the same as those practiced over the centuries and
they require experience and practice. Therefore practicing those rituals without
guidance is dangerous, inadvisable, and unnecessary. It also can hinder the spiritual
search.
In the end of this novel there are some facts about the book, about other Paulo
Coelho’s novels, and also about Paulo Coelho. Paulo Coelho was born in Rio de
Janeiro in August 1947. He is the son of Pedro Queima Coelho de Souza (an
engineer) and Lygia (a housewife). The most important thing described in this part is
how Paulo Coelho returns in Catholicism and studies the kindness of magic. This
novel is ended with description of others novels written by Paulo Coelho.
Paulo Coelho’s Brida is a fiction novel which talks about a journey of an Irish
girl, Brida, in learning magic. Brida wants to learn magic because she wants to learn
about the occult power and she thinks magic can help her in finding answer to some
questions she has regarding life. Unexpectedly she finds that occultism is quite
different from what she thinks. Occultism is not easy as what she thinks. This fact
often makes her want to give up. However, learning occultism does not merely brings
difficulties to her. Through the difficulties Brida understands what occultism is and
finally she becomes a witch. She also realizes that magic as a part of occultism does
not answer her questions regarding life. However, it helps her in accepting her own
life.
B. Approach of the Study
In analyzing Paulo Coelho’s Brida, the writer uses objective theory in
analyzing a work of art.
According to Abrams (1953:26-28), objective theory regards a work of art in
isolation from the external points of reference such as universe, author and readers. A
work of art is not an imitation of a universe since universe itself is an object in a work
of art. In order to place universe as an object in a work of art, objective theory uses
such a centripetal method which assimilates the external elements into the attributes
character, and thought which together with diction, melody, and spectacle. These
things compose the universe into an object in a work of art. In this sense, Abrams
calls a work of art as a “self-sufficient entity constituted by its parts in their internal
relations”.
Objective theory also regards a work of art as a heterocosm. It is a world of its
own whose end is not to instruct or to please but simply to exist. According to Kant, a
work of art as a heterocosm, exhibits Zweckmāssigkeit ohne zweck or purposiveness
without purpose. In this sense, Kant argues that the beauty of a work of art is
disinterested and without regard to utility. However, Kant does not neglect the mental
faculties of its creator and receptor. Another critic, T.S.Eliot, says that a work of art
must be considered as a work of art, not another thing. It should not mean but it
should be.
The writer argues that this objective theory is the most appropriate theory to
analyze Paulo Coelho’s Brida. In order to analyze occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida,
the writer does not refer to the external points of reference. The writer analyzes the
internal elements and their relation which make up the idea of occultism in Paulo
Coelho’s Brida.
C. Method of the Study
In order to do this undergraduate thesis, the writer took several steps which
were required in finishing this thesis. The first step was that the writer read Paulo
say. After reading several times, the writer argued that the main point in Paulo
Coelho’s Brida was about the definition of occultism. The author wanted to define
what occultism really was. The writer could have such argument by having attention
to the details within Paulo Coelho’s Brida which build the definition of the occultism
itself.
The second step was that the writer formulates the problem formulation. In
answering the problem formulation, the writer used two kinds of sources. They are
the primary and secondary sources. The primary source was the novel itself, Paulo
Coelho’s Brida. It was used to analyze the story and to get the supporting answers of
the problem formulation. The secondary sources were the books that provided
theories on character and characterization, theories on occultism, and also theories of
the study. Besides, the writer also had library and internet research. The writer used
library research in finding all of the secondary sources. However, the internet
research was also required in finding some of the secondary sources such as several
theories on occultism. The internet research also helped the writer in finding other
undergraduate theses which discussed Paulo Coelho’s Brida through official online
CHAPTER IV
ANALYSIS
In order to answer the questions which are stated in problem formulation, the
writer divides this chapter into two parts. The first part discusses how the major
characters are described and the second part discusses the occultism which is
represented through the major characters.
A. The Characteristics of Major Characters
Elizabeth Sky says that major character is the one who appears throughout the
plot or in the major section (leasttern.com, September 12, 2013). According to this
definition, the writer finds there are three major characters in Paulo Coelho’s Brida.
They are Brida, Magus and Wicca. These characters are the ones who bring occultism
as the main issue in Paulo Coelho’s Brida. Besides, Abrams also says that there are
two kinds of characters based on their complexity. They are flat character and round
character. Flat characters are the ones who are simply understood and remembered
since they are built only by one characteristic. Besides, their characteristics are not
changed by circumstances. On the other hand round characters are more complex and
they often surprise the reader in a “convincing way” (1949:46). According to this
classification, the writer finds that Wicca is a flat character. On the other hand, Magus
and Brida are the round characters.
Besides, in order to describe these major characters, the writer also uses
theory of Henkle which explains nine ways of characterization. The writer finds there
are five ways of characterization based on Henkle’s theory used in Paulo Coelho’s
Brida. They are mannerism, speech, thought, reaction, and also direct comment. The
writer describes the characters as below.
1. Wicca
Mysterious Teacher
Wicca is a teacher of the Tradition of the Moon. In Paulo Coelho’s Brida , the
Tradition of the Moon is a way in learning magic through time and things which are
imprisoned in time’s memory for (2008:10). As a teacher of the Tradition of the
Moon, Wicca is described as a mysterious character. Wicca is mysterious for she
shows some oddities. The writer finds that the author shows this quality of Wicca by
describing Wicca’s mannerism. The author describes certain peculiarities about
Wicca. For example, Wicca can possess a red British classic car. It is a
well-preserved British classic car which can only possessed by certain people since it does
represent luxury. The author describes this first oddity as below.
At the appointed hour, Wicca was waiting outside in a red MG convertible, with the top down. The car, a British classic, was exceptionally well preserved, with gleaming bodywork and a polished dashboard. Brida didn’t even dare hazard a guess at how much it must have cost. The idea that witch should own such an expensive car frightened her a little. Before she’d known anything about the Tradition of the Moon, she’d heard all kinds of tales in her childhood about witches making terrible pacts with the Devil in exchange for money and power. (2008:133-134)
Through this description, it is shown that the fact that Wicca can posses of such
frightens Brida, but it is about how Wicca can possess a luxurious car. Wicca is
described as a woman whose job is teaching magic. Besides, Wicca even teaches
Brida without any payment. Therefore, Brida feels it is really odd how Wicca, who
teaches magic, can possess that car which only few people can have it. That car is not
only expensive but also luxurious. This oddity makes Brida remembers that before
knowing the Tradition of the Moon, Brida thought that witches can have a deal with
devil in order to exchange power and money.
Besides Wicca’s possession of a luxurious car, there is another thing which is
seems so odd. It is about Wicca’s choice of apartment. Wicca lives in an apartment
which is located in the center of the town. She designs its interior with a with best
taste design. She designs the interior with arts such as paintings and sculptures. It also
looks beautiful with the light from outside which is filtered by white curtains. The
apartment is also comfortable with the arrangement of sofas, dining table,
Italian-armchairs and also well-stocked library.
The way Wicca decorates her apartment shows that she loves art and she has
good taste. However, the interior of Wicca’s apartment is contrary to the exterior of
the building. The author gives description through Brida’s view point when she sees
the building for the first time as below.
The old building was in the centre of town, in a place that is now only visited by tourists in search of a little nineteenth century romanticism….and now she was standing outside a mysterious gray building, struggling to contain her excitement…
Based on this description, it is stated that the building looks mysterious from the
outside. It shows plainness and there is no luxury at all so that Brida needs to collect
her excitement before she decides to come in. It even has no elevator. Wicca’s choice
of apartment is really strange. The strangeness is that why Wicca, as a person who
has good taste and she even can posses luxurious car chooses such an old plain
building to live in.
Another Wicca’s oddity described by the author is her attitude. Wicca is a
character with close personality. This quality is proven through the description given
by the author as below.
…and she was hurt because, up until then, her teacher had never shown the slightest interest in her private life. Their conversations never went beyond what Brida needed to know in order to work within the Tradition of the Moon. (2008:133)
Whenever the conversation turned to personal topics, Wicca would respond vaguely or evasively, but she spoke with great verve about trivial matters-price, clothes, rude shop assistants…(2008:137)
These descriptions show that Wicca is a character with close personality. She is a
character who does not show any interest about personal life topics. What she
discusses is all about tradition of the Moon. Each time the conversation turns into
personal topic, Wicca avoids it by mentioning unrelated topic such as clothes,
matters-price, etc. This strange attitude strengthens Wicca as a mysterious character.
Wicca’s peculiarities as described above define Wicca as a mysterious
character. The peculiarities are described without any explanation at all so that the
Wicca gain such wonder and they have no explanation. There is no explanation on
how Wicca can have luxurious car, why she must live in a mysterious old building,
and why she never wants to talk about her personal life.
2. Magus
Wise Teacher
The second major character in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is Magus. Magus is
about 40 years old. The author directly describes him physically as a man with
grizzled hair. His skin is burned by the sun and he had the physique of someone used
to walking in the mountains (2008:9).
Magus is a teacher of the tradition of the Moon. In Paulo Coelho’s Brida, the
Tradition of the Sun is a way in learning magic through space and the world around
human beings (2008:10). As a teacher of the Tradition of the Sun, Magus is described
as a wise characteristic. The author reveals this quality through Magus’ reaction in
facing his internal conflicts. For example, when Magus gives Brida the first lesson in
learning magic is actually the moment in which Magus gets his first internal conflict.
That first lesson is called Dark Night. It is a lesson where Brida has to stay alone in a
forest for a whole night. Giving such lesson to Brida is a conflict for Magus since that
young girl, Brida, is his Soul Mate. The author gives direct comment on how the
conflict Magus feels and how he reacts towards that conflict as below.
night. At one point, he had even been tempted to go over and embrace her, to shield her from her terror, saying that she didn’t need this kind of challenge. Now he was pleased that he hadn’t, and he felt proud that the girl, in all her youthful confusion, was his Soul Mate (2008:18)
From the description above, the author states both the conflict and how Magus’
reaction toward the conflict. The conflict which Magus faces is that the fact that
Magus is a Teacher and also a Soul Mate at the same time. Magus is a Soul Mate for
Brida. Magus knows this from the very first time he meets Brida. Magus knows this
when he looks into Brida’s eyes. Tradition of the Sun in Paulo Coelho’s Brida notices
Soul Mate from the eye. Those eyes shine a particular light which can be seen only by
the Soul Mate (2008:87). As a man, Magus has a temptation to save his Soul Mate,
Brida, from her fear. Besides, as a Teacher, Magus knows that he must be consistent
to let his pupil stay alone in the forest for a night. Facing this situation, Magus
chooses to be a teacher instead of a soul mate. He decides not to help Brida. He
chooses to let Brida stay alone in that forest. Magus’ reaction toward his conflict
results in pride. Magus proud of that young girl, is actually his Soul Mate for she can
pass the Dark Night.
The quality as a wise teacher is again proven when Magus has a conflict
within his self. The second internal conflict is a moment when Magus and Brida are
in the forest. At this moment, Brida asks Magus to let her know how to gain power
through sex. Gaining magic power through sex becomes important since it is a phase
that Brida must pass before she can get officially initiated as a witch. At this moment,
Doing so can make her path in learning magic become much easier. Besides, it also
can complete both Magus and Brida’s encounter in magic. The author shows this
situation by giving a direct comment and also showing Magus’ thought as below.
The Magus was staring at the bare, snowy branches. He could, at the moment, forget he was a Teacher and be merely a Magus, a man like any other man. He knew that his Soul Mate was there before him. He could be talk about the point of light he could see, and she would believe him, and their reencounter would be complete. Even if she left in tears, she would come back eventually, because he was telling the truth-and she needed him as much as he needed her. That was the wisdom of Soul Mates; they always recognized each other. …..For a moment, he thought: “I could give up magic for her,” but immediately realized how foolish that thought was. Love didn’t require that kind of renunciation. True love allowed each person to follow their own path, knowing that they would never lose touch with their Soul Mate (2008:123-124).
The descriptions above show how wise Magus is. Again, Magus faces a
moment which challenges him as a teacher. At this moment, Magus can stop
considering himself as a teacher for a while and let Brida knows that he is Brida’s
soul mate. However, this moment even strengthens the characteristic of Magus as a
wise teacher. Soon, Magus realizes that thought is absolutely unnecessary. He
realizes that soul mate will recognize each other. Sooner or later they will find their
way. Therefore the only thing Magus needs is only a kind of patience.
Magus is not only a wise teacher but he also a wise man. A proof of this
quality lies in the last part in Paulo Coelho’s Brida. It is a moment after Brida is
successfully initiated as a witch. After being initiated, Brida wants to stay with
Magus in the forest for she knows that Magus is actually her soul mate. Brida also
Brida. He even asks Brida to go with her boyfriend. The author shows how wise
Magus through Magus’s statements as below.
“People give flowers as presents because flowers contain the true meaning of Love. Anyone who tries to possess a flower will have to watch its beauty fading. But if you simply look at a flower in a field, you will keep it forever, because the flower is part of the evening and the sunset and the smell damp earth and the clouds on the horizon.”
“That is why the forest taught me. That you will never be mine, and that’s why I will never lose you. You were my hope during my days of loneliness, my anxiety during moments of doubt, my certainty during moments of faith. “Knowing that my Soul Mate would come one day, I devoted myself to learning the Tradition of the Sun. Knowing that you existed was my one reason for continuing to live.”
Brida could no longer conceal her tears.
“Go in peace,” said the Magus. “And dry those tears, or tell him that the smoke from the fire got in your eyes. Never forget me.” (2008:209-211)
This situation as described above proves that Magus is really wise. Although Magus
knows that he has a chance to be together with his soul mate, but Magus does not take
it at all. He even asks Brida to go with her recent boyfriend. Magus does so because
he realizes that finding his soul mate is more than enough. Besides, Magus also
understands that love is liberty. He cannot simply take the chance and let Brida leaves
his recent boyfriend, Lorens. This reaction proves that Magus is a wise man for he
does not let his love becomes an excuse to hurt the other one; Lorens.
3. Brida
Brida is a 21-year-old girl who wants to learn magic. In order to describe
Brida, the writer divides this part into two parts. The first part is how Brida is
second part is how Brida is described after she learns magic till she is initiated as a
witch. In the first part, the writer describes Brida as a faint-hearted person. The writer
describes it as below.
a. Faint-hearted
Brida as a faint-hearted person can be proven through Brida’s reaction toward
certain situations. Brida’s reaction shows that she is not brave enough. The first
situation is that when Brida has to face the first lesson given by Magus, Dark Night.
Dark Night is the first and important lesson in both of the Tradition of the Sun and
the Tradition of the Moon. It is inspired from a poem entitled Dark Night by St. John
of the Cross (2008:12). Facing this lesson, Brida has to stay alone during a night in a
forest. Initially, Brida is afraid of being left alone. Therefore she tries to convince
herself in order to overcome her fear. Initially she can overcome her fear. However,
it does not last longer. Brida starts to get panic. Her panic begins with the
contradictory views about Magus. Some people say that Magus is a powerful
magician. Others say that he is a black magician. She even gets more panic when
Brida suddenly hears noise nearby. Those things almost make Brida want to give up.
It is proven by Brida’s statements as below.
“Where are you?” she cried…She simply wanted to get out of there. “I want to get out of here. Help me!”
There was only the forest and its strange noises. Brida felt so dizzy with fear she thought she might faint…(2008:14)
From the description of the situation above, it can be seen that Brida is not
ghosts, and a bad magician before her while in fact there are only forest and its
strange noise. Her being of not brave enough is proven by Brida’s reaction toward her
own fear which is not real. Brida even shouts that she wants to get out of the forest. It
almost makes Brida fail to pass the first lesson.
Brida is also a person who lacks courage especially in taking risk. Once again,
the author tries to reveal this quality by letting the readers know how Brida reacts in
certain situations. The first situation is a moment when Magus gives Brida a crucial
question. The question is which one Brida will choose between love and magic. Brida
has to answer Magus’ question with total honesty. Brida’s honesty in answering the
question determines whether or not Magus accepts her as pupil. Although Brida has
the answer which comes from her own consideration, she tries to avoid giving the
answer. It is proven from the dialogue between Magus and Brida as below.
“I see no contradiction between my search and my personal happiness,” she said.
“Answer my question.” His eyes were still fixed on hers. “Would you give up everything for that man?”
Brida felt a tremendous urge to cry. It wasn’t so much a question, it was a choice, the most difficult choice anyone would have to make in life…(2008:8)
From the dialogue above, it is obvious that Brida indirectly avoids giving
answer to Magus’s question. Brida’s statement, which says that there is no
contradiction between her search and personal happiness, means that her ambition of
learning magic does not oppose her personal life. Therefore, she thinks that she does
not have to choose between love and magic. However, after being forced to give an
She continued to avoid Magus’s gaze. Her eyes were fixed on the village and its twinkling lights. People had been trying to understand the universe through love ever since the beginning of time.
“I’d give it all up,” she said at last. …”Look at me,” said the Magus.
Brida felt ashamed, but did as he asked. (2008:9)
After having sureness of her own consideration, Brida chooses love instead of
magic. However, after giving her answer Brida even feels ashamed and disappointed.
She feels that way even before she knows whether Magus accepts her as pupil or not.
In this situation, there are two facts proving that Brida lacks courage for taking risk.
First is the fact that Brida avoids giving answer. Second is the fact that Brida feels
ashamed and disappointed even though she does not know yet whether or not she is
accepted.
Another way the author tries to show that Brida is afraid in taking risk is by
letting the readers know how Brida thinks about herself. For example, there is a
moment when Brida remembers of her childhood experience. It is an experience
when her father asked Brida to check how the temperature of the water on the beach
was like. Brida then did as what her father asked. She just went to the edge and
dipped in a toe. Seeing how Brida checked the water, her father then said a little
advice to Brida. He said that in order to know something Brida must be brave to
plunge straight in it. After remembering that advice, Brida then realizes that she is
afraid in taking risk since her childhood. The author describes how Brida feels about
herself through Brida’s thought and also direct comment given by the author as
“I’m afraid of committing myself”, she thought to herself. She wanted to follow all possible paths and so ended up following none.
Even in that most important area of her life, love, she had failed to commit herself…She feared pain, loss, and separation…(2008:75)
The description of Brida thought and the direct comment proves that Brida
lacks courage in taking risk. Things which frighten Brida are not difficulties. What
frightens her most is a fact that she has to take risk. It is because she is afraid of pain
if she takes the wrong decision. Her lack of courage for taking risk also affects her
being of unconfident in making decision when Brida has to answer Magus’ question
with total honesty.
b. Brave
This second part of Brida characteristic describes Brida’s characteristic after
she learns magic. After going through all phases in learning magic, Brida is going to
be officially initiated as a witch. The days before the initiation, Brida shows a change
of her character. The author lets the readers know it through Brida’s thought and
reaction toward a situation when she feels a conflict within herself at a moment she
wants to make decision. The situation is that when Brida stands outside a church
which she used to go when she was a child. She is not sure whether she must enter
that church or not. Honestly Brida wants to enter the church but on the other hand she
thinks she cannot enter that church for she learns magic and she is going to be
initiated as a witch. She thinks that magic is a different path from God’s. Besides, she
However, soon Brida realizes that her thought is not correct. The author shows
Brida’s thought as below.
“But then I was burned at the stake, too,” she said to herself.
She remembered the prayer Wicca had said on the day commemorating the martyrdom of the witches. And in that prayer, she had mentioned Jesus and the Virgin Mary…(1008:171)
Based on Brida’s thought, it is shown that she realizes that Wicca, also prays
to the God and Virgin Mary. Besides, Brida also realizes that she will not betray her
forebears since she is a part of them. In her past life, Brida is an incarnation of a
witch named Loni. Therefore, Bri
