DYSTOPIAN TRANSFORMATIONS AND CHARACTER CONSTRUCTION IN YOUNG ADULT SCIENCE FICTION LAUREN OLIVERS’ DELIRIUM.

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Lalitya Putri Noorullya, 2013

Dystopian Transformations And Character Construction In Young Adult Science Fiction Lauren Olivers’ Delirium

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia | repository.upi.edu| perpustakaan.upi.edu

DYSTOPIAN TRANSFORMATIONS AND CHARACTER CONSTRUCTION IN YOUNG ADULT SCIENCE FICTION LAUREN

OLIVERS’ DELIRIUM

A Research Paper

Submitted to the English Education Department of the Faculty of Language and ArtsEducation of the Indonesia University of Education as

Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Sarjana Sastra Degree

By:

LALITYA PUTRI NOORULLYA

0801281

ENGLISH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

FACULTY OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS EDUCATION

INDONESIA UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION

BANDUNG

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Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia | repository.upi.edu| perpustakaan.upi.edu Lembar Hak Cipta

Oleh

Lalitya Putri Noorullya

Sebuah skripsi yang diajukan untuk memenuhi salah satu syarat memperoleh gelar Sarjana pada Fakultas Pendidikan Bahasa dan Seni

Agustus 2013

Hak Cipta dilindungi undang-undang.

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PAGE OF APPROVAL

By

Lalitya Putri Noorullya

0801281

Approved by:

First Supervisor Second Supervisor

Bachrudin Musthafa, M.A., Ph.D.

NIP. 1957031011987031001

Nicke Yunita Moecharam, S.Pd.,M.A.

NIP. 198206302005012001

Head of Department of English Education

Faculty of Languages and Arts Education

Indonesia University of Education

Prof. Dr. Didi Suherdi, M.Ed.

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ABSTRACT

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ABSTRAK

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TABLE OF CONTENT

ABSTRACT ...i

PREFACE ...ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ...iii

TABLE OF CONTENT ...v

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION ...1

1.1 Background of the Study ...1

1.2 Research Questions ...4

1.3 Aims of the Study ...4

1.4 Scope of the Study...4

1.5 Significance of the Study` ...5

1.6 Research Method ...5

1.6.1 Research Design ...5

1.6.2 Data Collection ...5

1.6.3 Data Analysis ...6

1.7 Clarification of Terms ...6

1.8 Organization of the Paper ...7

CHAPTER II LITERATURE REVIEW ...9

2.1 Science Fiction ...9

2.2 Dystopia & Dystopian Transformation ...14

2.3 Dystopian Science Fiction for Young Adult ...17

2.4 The Function of Dystopian Science Fiction ...18

2.5 Narrative Theory ...19

2.5.1 Characterization ...20

2.5.2 Focalization ...21

2.5.3. Speech Representation ...22

2.6. Constellation of Characters ...23

2.7 Synopsis of Delirium ...25

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CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ...28

3.1 Subject of the Study ...28

3.2 Research Question ...29

3.3 Research Methodology...29

3.4 Context of the Research ...31

3.5 Data Presentation ...32

CHAPTER IV FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS ...33

4.1. Dystopian Atmosphere through Lena’s Focalization ...33

4.1.1 External Focalization...34

4.1.2. Internal Focalization ...35

4.2. Types of Speech Representation ...40

4.3. Constellation Characters ...46

4.4. Lena’s Characterization Built in Dystopian Science Fiction ...58

CHAPTER VCONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS ...62

5.1 Conclusions ...62

5.2 Suggestions ...63

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1

CHAPTER I

Introduction

This chapter presents the introduction of the research. It includes

background of the study, research question, aim of the study, scope of the study,

significance of the study, research methodology, data analysis, clarification of

terms, and organization of the paper.

1.1 Background of the Study

Nowadays science fiction is believed to be one of popular genre among

authors, filmmakers and scriptwriters. Asimov (1991, as cited in Shihah, 2002)

states that science fiction is a branch of literature which is developed by the

sophistication of science on human being. The involvement of the „science‟

element in fiction adds a creation of science and sophisticated technology in the

storyline. Science fiction can be defined as literary and narrative approach to the

future, and this approach attaches several unique characteristics of science fiction,

(Lombard, 2012). As a literary form, science fiction develops several

characteristics or themes that are usually used in the story. According to Mahida

(2011), science fiction is generally a story of future societies in which the impact

of science and technology on humankind becomes its major theme.

In science fiction, there are two kinds of imaginary worlds, which are used

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dystopia (Mahida, 2012). Dystopia is the opposite of utopia, which portrays a

highly pessimistic and dark future society, (Orwell, 1984). The theme of dystopia

usually illustrates the future as a new world with undesirable and anarchic society.

Thus, everything in the future is worse and more unpleasant. Burford (2012) adds

that science fiction and dystopian literature have a critical combination in dark

landscapes, and they specifically focus on extrapolating social problems.

As dystopian society is believed to be controlled by the government,

people there are described as the ones who criticize the overprotective and

controlling government (Orwell, 1984). The characters in dystopian fiction use

human are weakness to follow the authoritarian rule, (Ramona, 2012). The people

in dystopian world tend to obey and follow all of the rules that have been made by

the upper/higher class society. Moylan (2000) says that the characters in dystopia

are constructed by the automated society. It means that characters in dystopian

fiction are characters whose characteristics are constructed by the law, controlled

and dictated by totalitarian government. There are no ways that one certain

character can freely express or oppose those in power. Generally, a main character

fights against the society, especially government‟s dictatorial rules in the story.

The description of dystopian characters somehow is adapted as the major

theme in science fiction novel, for instance in Delirium novel. Delirium (2011) is

a novel written by Lauren Oliver, which tells about a disease called Deliria.

Deliria is a disease caused by love, which is considered as a toxic in life. Deliria is

believed to be a very dangerous disease that spreads in some states in America.

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character in this novel. After the death of her mother who has been infected by

Deliria, Lena Haloway decides to obey her Aunt family‟s regulations to stay away

from Deliria. Nevertheless, she gets many influences from some constellation

characters, Aunt Carol, her mischievous best friend, Hana, Alex; a male character

that becomes a challenge in the narrative that leads Lena to Deliria.

There are some previous studies that investigated the characters in

dystopian fictions and generic approach study. Navratil (2004) in his research

entitled “Two Classic Dystopias: George Orwell‟s Nineteen Eighty-Four and Ray

Bradbury” discussed main characters in dystopian novels. This thesis compared

two different dystopian worlds in which each tells how its main character deals

with the totalitarian rule. It also found some similarities of dystopian features in

both novels. Another study was conducted by Qadamyari (2012). His study

focused on the fantasy as a literary genre and discussed the elements in fantasy. It

included the introduction of the first fantasy writers and works that shows the

history of the fantasy in the ancient folk tales and mythology.

Due to the issue adapted in the novel, the present study takes a generic

approach that utilizes science fiction genre and intersects it with narrative theory

focusing on the characters, events, focalization, speech representation, and

dystopian transformation. The study was inspired by the previous studies as stated

above. However, the previous studies merely talked about characteristics of

dystopian worlds and generic approach in fantasy literature. Thus, this study

focuses on dystopian transformation in relation to how main character and

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characters in dystopia can be seen and investigated through characters‟ statements,

thoughts, speeches, and acts in the form of words. The study chooses Delirium

novel because it is a good example of dystopian science fiction for adolescents

that reveals how adolescents deal with two different situations and survive with

their own choice.

1.2 Research Questions

The research question of the study is designed as follows:

1. In what ways does dystopian science fiction construct its character?

1.3 Aims of the Study

The study was conducted to investigate how characters in science fiction

are constructed in the novel Delirium.

1.4 Scope of the Study

The study specifically analyzes how dystopian science fiction constructs

its characters in Delirium. It includes the main character‟s focalization, other

characters‟ speech representation, and constellation character to investigate the

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1.5 Significance of the Study`

This study is aimed to see how dystopian science fiction constructs its

characters in Delirium. The results of the study are expected to give some useful

and positive impacts on English Department‟s students and larger society. In

addition, the analysis is also expected to provide an alternative way as a response

to literary work by critiquing a literary work.

1.6 Research Method

1.6.1 Research Design

The study is descriptive in nature and uses textual analysis framework.

The study analyzes Lena‟s, the main character, some selected characters and how

dystopian science fiction constructs its characters in Delirium.

1.6.2 Data Collection

The primary source of this study is Delirium novel written by Lauren

Oliver. The data were collected from a thorough reading of Delirium novel, which

resulted textual evidences that were selected from the words, phrases, sentences,

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1.6.3 Data Analysis

The collected data were analyzed by applying the framework of content

analysis. In analyzing the data, the following steps have been taken:

1. Reading the novel carefully in order to understand and to discover the

issues presented in Lauren Oliver‟s Delirium

2. Highlighting and taking brief notes to the main character and selected

characters‟ acts, thoughts, and speeches as the textual evidences;

3. Examining the characters in dystopia science fiction used in the novel to

see how selected characters in science fiction are constructed,

4. Analyzing and interpreting the data using narrative theory by

Rimmon-Kenan (2006) and young adult literature science fiction and dystopia by

Clare Bradford, Kerry Mallan, John Stephens & Robyn McCallum (2008),

5. Making conclusions of the study and suggestions for further research in

the future.

1.7 Clarification of Terms

To avoid misconception and misunderstanding, the following is the

clarification of terms used in the present study:

1. Science Fiction

Science fiction is a branch of fantasy identifiable by the fact that it eases

the „willing suspension of disbelief‟ on the part of its readers by utilizing

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physical science, space, time, social science, and philosophy (Moskowitz,

1963, as cited in Shihah, 2002).

2. Dystopia

Dystopia is the opposite to utopia, which imagine a highly pessimistic and

dark of a future society (Orwell, 1984).

3. Young Adult Dystopia

Children and young adult toward new world order (dystopia), express the

tension between individual position and the ideology of a society, which is

built on surveillance, conformity, and repression (Bradford, Mallan,

Stephens & McCallum, 2008).

4. Characterization

Characterization is form of style of speech where the characters‟ language

is individuated and distinguished by the narrator (Rimmon-Kenan, 2001,

p. 64).

5. Character Constellation

Some characters that will find in helping and providing the figure of

protagonist, (Nikolajeva, 2003).

1.8 Organization of the Paper

This study is conducted in five chapters and each chapter is divided into

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Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia | repository.upi.edu| perpustakaan.upi.edu Chapter I (Introduction)

It provides a general introduction that covers the background of the study,

research question, aim of the study, scope of the study, significance of the study,

research method that consist of research design, data collection, data analysis,

clarification of terms, and organization of the paper.

Chapter II (Literature Review)

This chapter elaborates the literature review that is relevant to the research. This

chapter also covers the theories that are applied in answering research questions.

Chapter III (Research Methodology)

This chapter discusses the research methodology in conducting this research. It

includes subject of the study, research question, research methodology, context of

the research and data presentation.

Chapter IV (Findings and Discussion)

This chapter presents the findings and the discussions in an attempt to answer the

research questions, raising the issues of dystopian science fiction in constructing

the characters and intersecting with narrative theory in Lauren Oliver‟s Delirium

(2011).

Chapter V (Conclusion and suggestion)

The last chapter provides the conclusion that is drawn by the writer and the

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CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter discusses the research methodology explaining the method

applied in the present research to answer the research questions. The discussion

revolves around subject of the study, research question,research methodology,

technique of data analysis, context of the research, as well as the data

presentation.

3.1 Subject of the Study

The study focuses on a dystopian science fiction and some selected

characters in the novel entitled Delirium by Lauren Oliver. The novel was

chosen because it portrays the dystopian science fiction story, which tells about

Lena Holloway, as a main character who faces the dark and bleak condition of

her life. In addition, three constellation characters like Carol, Hana, and Alex

tend to build her character development through some events in this story. It is

in line with the discussion of the study that focuses on the generic approach by

utilizing science fiction genre and intersecting it with narrative theory tools on

the characterization, events, focalization, speech representation and dystopian

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3.2 Research Question

The research question of the study is designed as follows:

1. In what ways does dystopian science fiction construct its character?

3.3 Research Methodology

The research employs a qualitative method since the data are in the form

of words, clauses, and sentences. The textual evidence are collected from the

narrative events of the main character acts, thoughts, and speeches with other

characters. Qualitative method is a study approach in which the researcher tends

to explore the unknown variables, asks the broad and general questions to the

participants, collects data of words, and reports all the study in a subjective way

(Creswell, 2003, p. 12). Hancock (2002, p.2) also states that the data of

qualitative method are used to develop concepts and theories helping people to

understand the subject of the study. Therefore, the data in this research are

analyzed to elaborate the concepts that had been developed in Chapter II.

The present study applies textual analysis to analyze the issues of how

dystopian science fiction genre constructs its characters in the novel. Musthafa

(2008, p. 154) says that in the research where the text becomes the focus of the

study, textual analysis treats literary works as cultural artifacts that cannot be

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adapted in the novel about constructing character in dystopian science fiction,

dystopian characters should be understood from the viewpoint that considers

the social, cultural, and political context.

Truex (1996) says that textual analysis can be conducted by compiling

the data as the textual evidence from the text, which are most likely in the form

of words, or idiom that has explicit definition. Thus, the data collected from the

novel were listed, described, elaborated and interpreted to identify the issue of

constructing character in dystopian science fiction genre in Lauren Olivers’

Delirium (Hodder& Stoughton, 2011).

In conducting the research, there are several steps that have been taken.

The steps conducted to fulfill the two levels of textual analysis in this research

were as follows:

 Reading throughout the novel carefully in order to understand and to

discover the issues presented in Lauren Oliver’ Delirium.

 Taking brief notes in the highlighted textual evidence to simply identify

and give label to the textual evidence that are related to the issues of

dystopian science fiction in constructing the main character and some

selected characters.

 Examining and categorizing the list of textual evidence in a table from

the notes that are related to the issue of constructing character in

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 Analyzing the textual evidence as well as presenting and interpreting the

data framed within the related theories of young adult dystopian science

fiction(Bradford, Mallan, Stephens &McCallum, 2008)and narrative

theory (Rimmon-Kennan, 2001)which are related to the textual

evidence.

 Making conclusions of the research and suggestions for further research

in the future.

3.4 Context of the Research

The research provides some excerpts from Lauren Oliver’s Delirium,

which presents the portrayal of dystopian science fiction and how the genre

constructs its characters. The portrayals can be seen through the characteristic

of dystopian science fiction and the main character’s actions, thoughts, and

speeches with other characters. The findings were viewed with regard to the

issue of dystopian science fiction to discover how the genre constructs its

characters. Moreover, the main character’s focalization and speech

representation with other selected characters were also highlighted in relation to

the issue of dystopian science fiction genre. Therefore, the research investigated

further to seek how the genre (dystopian science fiction) constructs the main

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3.5 Data Presentation

To complete the analysis of the research, the presentation of the data

was designed in the form of tables. The table presentation is aimed to answer

the research questions in an orderly form. The excerpt of the table presentation

is as follows:

3.5.1. Sample Table1 Dystopian Atmosphere through Lena’s Focalization

No. Narrative Event Focalizing Process Analysis

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CHAPTER V

CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS

This chapter provides the conclusions of the present study based on the findings

and discussion that have been presented in the previous chapter. It also contains

the suggestions for the readers as well as the other researchers who might be

interested in conducting research, which is comparable to the issue discussed in

the present study.

5.1 Conclusions

The present study has attempted to answer the research question that is

formulated to discover the issue in dystopian science fiction the character

construction in particular. The effort to answer the research question is also

done by intersecting dystopian transformation in science fiction with narrative

theory based on the main character’s focalization and speech representation

with other constellation characters in Lauren Oliver’s Delirium (2011).

After conducting the study and analyzing the findings, it is revealed that

Lena’s characterization is constructed through the dystopian atmosphere in

science fiction for young adult and some constellation characters that also

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and speech representation play important role as narrative tools to discover

main character’s point of view in describing the atmosphere of dystopian in

science fiction for young adult as well as the characterization by seeing some

monologues and conversations with other characters. Relying on the findings

and the discussion in the previous chapter, it can be concluded that Lauren

Oliver’s Delirium novel tells the life of young adult who faces their maturity

process on deciding their life’s choices in dystopian world. The choices are

made by the government system, which generally controls all of the rules of

life. Moreover, the young adult still have time to think about the decision for

their future. It also can be said that young adult fiction to some extent, teaches

young adult how they deal with some different situations and survive with their

own choices. It also reflects young adult in their real lives, who mostly depend

on technological advancement. Sometimes they cannot control themselves in

using the sophisticated technology provided by the government. Thus, the

dystopian teaches young adult the new world, which is the opposite of the real

life as a lesson.

5.2 Suggestions

Regarding the investigation of novels, the study suggests that further

researchers may discuss some other researchable issues in young adult novels,

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development as a young adult, and the author’s approach in dystopian and

utopian transformation.

The study also suggests that English Department should provide their

students with more recent and updated resources on the issue of science

fiction’s subthemes and narrative theory. This is aimed to help students to have

more knowledge in conducting their research about genre approach and

narrative theory.

The next researchers may also conduct a research within the same issue

of genre approach, narrative theory and constellation character in various

literary works such as poems, short stories, or drama scripts. However, the

discussion may be engaged within different contexts so that the research, which

is related to the three notions, would not only focus on the context of

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