THE MEANING OF FAMILY AND HAPPINESS IN ALCOTT’S LITTLE WOMEN
A Thesis
Submitted to The Faculty Of Cultural Sciences Hasanuddin
University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements to Obtain Sarjana Degree In English
AJENG RESKI JANNATUL F21114516
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT FACULTY OF CULTURAL SCIENCES
HASANUDDIN UNIVERSITY MAKASSAR
2018
v AKCNOWLEDGEMENT
Alhamdulillahirabbilalamin, first of all, the writer gives her uppermost gratitude to Allah SWT Who always gives her health, spirit, patience, and strength to complete this thesis. Then, shalawat and salam go to last prophet Muhammad SAW and all who follow him in righteousness.
In arranging this thesis, the writer would like to express her sincere gratitude to the Chief of English Department, Dr.Abidin Pammu,M.A. Dip.
TESOL., also the Secretary of English Department Dra. Sitti Sahraeni, S.S, M.A. As well as, Dr. M.Syafri Badaruddin, M.Hum.as first advisor and Abbas, S.S., M.Hum.as a seecond advisor, who have continually lead the writer during the whole process of this thesis and patiently giving the constructive comments and suggestions to make the thesis more perfect and suitable with the provision.
The writer is very grateful to all lecturers in English Department of Literature, who have taught the writer and contributes the priceless knowledge during the academic years. Then, the writer does not forget to thankful to whole Staff of English Department were very helpful the writer in management the academic concerns.
The writer is very devotedly grateful to her parents Djafar Gaisiand A. St.
Mardiana S.pdfor the boundless loves, prayers, suggestion, and unconditional support to always given.Special thanks are addressed to the writer’s siblings Dinda Reski Jannatul and Muh. AgungIslamsyah always give deep support, spirit, and prayers. And also, all of the close families whom writer cannot call them one by one.
Many Thanks of the writer to Excalibur “14” of English Department for togetherness. Especially thanks to her close friendsGankz (Mita, Wiga, Nadia, Tata, Syifa, Citra, and Sarah) They have been helping and supporting her during stressful and difficult moments, we has been through since the first semester, and all the priceless memories and remarkable friendship. Thanks to my bestfriend ever TBG (Pitto, Mayoh, Vika, Biun, Via, Usda, and Kibo)who always cheer her days up until now.
The writer realizes that this thesis is still far from being perfect. Therefore any suggestion or critiques will be very much appreciated for the improvement of this writing. Lastly, the writer hopes that this thesis could be helpful and be guidelines for all of us.
Makassar, May 13rd2018
Ajeng Reski
vi TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE ... i
LEGITIMACY ... ii
AGREEMENT ... iii
APPROVAL SHEET ... iv
ACKNOWLEGMENT ... v
TABLE OF CONTENT ... vi
ABSTRACT ... ix
ABSTRAK ... x
CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION ... 1
A. Background ... 1
B. Identification of the Problems ... 3
C. Research Questions ... 4
D. Objective of the writing ... 5
E. Sequence of the chapter……..…..………...………...5
CHAPTER II.LITERATURE REVIEW ... 6
A. Previous Study... 6
B. Structural Approach ... 7
1. Character ...11
2. Plot ...12
3. Setting ...13
4. Theme ...14
C. The Meaning of Family ...16
vii
D. Definition of Happiness ...19
CHAPTER III.METHODOLOGY ...22
A. Methodological Design ...22
1. Qualitative Method ...22
2. Descriptive Analyzis ...23
B. Method of Collecting Data ...24
C. Method of Data Analyzis ...24
D. ResearchProcedure ...24
CHAPTER IV. FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS ...26
A. Structural Aspects of Little Women ...26
1. Character ...26
2. Plot ...36
3. Setting ...45
4. Theme ...51
B. The March Family Survive of Economic Crisis in The Novel ...54
C. The Meaning Family and Happiness of March in The Novel...59
CHAPTER V. CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION ...66
A. Conclusion ...66
B. Suggestion ...67
BIBLIOGRAPHY ...71
APPENDICIES ...73
viii
ix ABSTRACT
AJENG RESKI. 2018. The Meaning of Family and Happiness in Alcott’s Little Women. English Department, Faculty of Cultural Science, Hasanuddin University (Supervised by Syafri Badaruddin and Abbas).
Little Women is a novel written by Louisa May Alcott about the four March girls who lived in the Civil War of America, about the affections of brothers who have different personalities. They have the determination to live life, no matter how difficult it is.
In analyzing the novel Little Women, the writer uses a structural approach.
This approach is to analyze intrinsic elements in fictional work such as characters, plots, themes, and settings. While in the next discussion, the writer describes how the March family created a harmonious atmosphere for their families. Then, how the four sisters were educated by his mother to love each other in a state of joy and sorrow.
The writer uses the novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott as the main source and some other sources as supporting data to make it easier to understand the object of the study.
After analyzing Little Women, the writer can draw the conclusion that should not be rich in order to get happiness, not necessarily excessive in order to share, and should not have blood ties in order to become a family. However, it has a sense of gratitude and sincerity that can make us happy. It was proven by the four March siblings who could survive and be happy during the American Civil War and hit by the economic crisis.
x ABSTRAK
AJENG RESKI, 2018. The Meaning of Family and Happiness in Alcott’s Little Women. Program Sastra Inggris, Fakultas Ilmu Budaya, Universitas Hasanuddin.
(Dibimbing oleh Syafri Badaruddin dan Abbas).
Little Women adalah sebuah novel yang ditulis oleh Louisa May Alcott berkisah mengenai keempat anak perempuan keluarga March yang hidup di jaman perang Sipil Amerika, tentang kasih sayang kakak-beradik yang mempunyai kepribadian yang berbeda-beda. Mereka memiliki keteguhan hati untuk menjalani hidup, sesulit apapun itu.
Dalam melakukan analisis, penulis menggunakan pendekatan struktural.
Pendekatan ini untuk menganalisis unsur-unsur intrinsik pada karya fiksi seperti karakter, plot, tema, dan setting. Sementara pada pembahasan selanjutnya, penulis menguraikan tentang bagaimana keluarga March menciptakan suasana harmonis pada keluarga mereka. Kemudian bagaimana keempat kakak beradik ini dididik oleh ibunya agar saling mencintai dalam keadaan suka dan duka. Penulis menggunakan novel Little Women karya Louisa May Alcott sebagai sumber utama dan beberapa sumber lainnya sebagai data pendukung agar lebih mudah untuk memahami objek kajian.
Dari hasil analisis penulis dapat menarik kesimpulan bahwa tidak harus menjadi kaya agar bisa mendapatkan kebahagiaan, tidak harus berlebihh agar bisa berbagi, dan tidak harus memiliki ikatan darah agar bisa menjadi keluarga. Akan tetapi, memiliki rasa syukur dan ketulusan hatilah yang dapat membuat kita bahagia.
Dibuktikan oleh keempat kakak-beradik keluarga March yang bisa bertahan hidup dan bahagia disaat terjadinya Perang Sipil Amerika dan dilanda krisis ekonomi.
1 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background
Harmony in a family is one important thing that cannot be underestimated just like that. Family harmony can create immeasurable happiness for every individual everywhere. Because the family is the closest and most precious sphere of life for all of us. For that, understanding the meaning and understanding of a harmonious family needs to be done in order to realize a happy family.
The meaning of the family is very deep and can be interpreted from different angles. Family is a group of people who are bound in the relationship of marriage, birth or adoption in one household. Families can be formed because of the relationship of blood and emotional bond between each individual as a family member who has different roles. In addition, the family can also be interpreted as a small group that gather and live in one roof that has dependence between one member with other members.
In a literary work such as a novel, it can be seen story about the meaning of family and happiness. When reading a novel, the writer can know the meaning of family and happiness on a story told by the novel. The production of literary works is written by the author's creative work or writings because the author is free to express feelings, emotions, thoughts, and ideas. There are several types of literary works. One of them is a novel. Therefore, the writer decided to take the novel as the material to
2 be studied because the novel is the most complete literary work that has a more detailed description of the theme, plot, character, and setting. This detailed description makes it easier for readers to understand the story. There are several pleasures in reading literary works such as novels. Novels contain social, cultural, moral, educational and family values. For a novel, most readers cannot keep playing the page. This is caused by the function of the novel itself as satisfier, the bearer of beauty or the happiness to the reader.
Indirectly, studying literature especially reading novels, can help us to get some conclusions about what is better and worse in life, or at least gain insight on some universal issues of humanity. One of the novels that tell of a happy family life is "Little Woman" by Louisa May Alcott. She is a prolific writer with her various works and she has a lot of effort to support women to choose and make their opinions. Louisa May Alcott was born on November 29, 1832. Her father's name is Amos Brancon Alcott and her mother's name is Abba May. She is the second of four daughters in her family. He lives in Concord, Massachusetts. Novel Little Women is one of the famous novels in America.
One deep aspect that is often found in novels is the meaning of family and happiness. This is where primary socialization takes place and the first children learn about happiness when our are grateful for the limitations, basic societal norms.
Children learn to distinguish between right and wrong behavior, mutual respect, polite acting, and caring. Problems cannot be avoided in the family, no matter how
3 harmony a family must have a problem. The problem is between parents, children or between parents and children. The most important thing is how to solve the problem wisely but not damage the love between family members. Based on this example, the writer chooses the title of this study is "The Meaning of Family and Happiness in Alcott's Little Women". Furthermore, in conducting this study, the writer uses the Structuralism Approach.
B. Identification of the Problems
The writer concentrates on analyzing “The Meaning Family and Happiness in Alcott’s Little Women" based on the story that is in the novel. Then, the writer formulates three issues as the main concern in this study. As in :
1. All the moments and events faced by the March Family that make their family happier and more loving.
2. The different characteristics of each character in the novel Little Women.
3. The March Family way of solving their problems.
C. Research Questions
This novel is most widely published in family stories and fraternities are very inspiring. This novel gives us an idea of how the Great Lady took her children without her husband in the civil war in Washington and the relationship between her four daughters who sometimes quarrel but love and need each other. Based on the explanation, the writer would like to analyze the problem is:
4 1. How does the March Family survive in the midst of the economic crisis facing
their families in Little Women?
2. What is the meaning family and happiness toward March Family in the novel?
D. Objective of the Writing
Based on the problem, this analysis has the purpose of writing as follows:
1. To describe the March Family survive in the midst of the economic crisis facing their families in Little Women.
2. To explain the meaning family and happiness toward March Family in the novel.
E. Sequence of the Writing
There are five chapters to be studied in this thesis. The first chapter is the background of the study, identification of the problems, research questions, objective of the writing, and sequence of the writing.
The second, the writer writes a review of literature and story elements.
Includes an explanation of theories that construct stories about the approach of structuralism approach, character, plot, setting, theme, the point of view, the definition of family, and happiness.
The third chapter is methodology, in this chapter the writer explains about the method that is used in analyzing in the novel of Louisa May Alcott in Little Women.
5 The writer uses a methodology of research that contains methodological design source of data, data collection, and research procedure.
The fourth deals with finding and discussion on the two problems that function as the research questions in this study. It is discussing the intrinsic elements of the novel, as well as discussing the story of the novel relating to the title of the thesis.
The last chapter is conclusion and suggestion. This chapter concludes the analysis has been done. Besides, the suggestion for the readers is involved in this chapter.
6 CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW
A. Previous Study
Alcott’s Little Woman has attracted some attention of Hasanuddin University students. There are some students who have discussed the object of literature and the same approach but different analysis, they are Cecilia Desyana A.R, Utami Pappa’
Tangkeallo, Ratna Ningsih Hasty, and A. St.Aldilah Khaerana.
The first previous study is Cecilia Desyana A.R in 2011, her thesis entitled The Social Environmental Influence in The Marchs of L.M.Alcott’s Little Women.
She described the magnitude the role of social environment in the development a person’s character. As a social being who interacts with one another, the environment has a significant role to such existing interactions for which it shapes the work as a whole, through the synergy of the environment and man four girls of the Marchs.
The second previous study is Utami Pappa’ Tangkeallo in 2011, her thesis entitled Analysis of Character in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. She analyzed the characteristics of four girls from the March. The second is to relate Josephine’s character to her three sisters. The different character makes them sometimes have conflicts one another, especially the main character Josephine March.
The third previous study is Ratna Ningsih Hasty in 2010, her thesis entitled Distinguished Features of Mother in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. The purpose of this thesis is to illustrate how the mother has a characteristic in caring for her
7 daughter. This mother’s distinguished features always able to handle the situation in families with patiently, without complicating the situation. Besides this thesis also describes the mother’s role towards the character’s condition and principal theme that is presented in this novel, that is about the women struggle in family life and also the importance of hard work in helping the family’s financial condition.
The last previous study is A. St. Aldilah Khaerana in 2009, her thesis entitled The Portrait of Woman in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. She want to show the Portrait of woman main character-Marmee, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy to whom they are no longer restricted by the traditional rules which limit a woman to do an activity outside the house and also about the freedom in delivering their will.
It would be more interesting if the writer analyzes the novel from the main concept the novel, where the novel is all about family. This study will analyze one of the essential meanings of the novel which covered by family aspect deeply, many people which make this novel as the study of literary works.
B. Structural Approach
The writer uses a structural approach to analyze the novel Little Women.
structural approach is an intrinsic approach, which discusses the work on the elements that construct of the literary works from the inside. Structural approach is one of the literary theories that start from an assumption that the literary work is composed of several elements, which are bound up as a unity. The elements influence each other and finally work as autonomous structures.
8 Regarding the structure, limits that understanding the structure was added to the content and form, so far as they are intended to achieve aesthetic purposes(Wellek and Warren, 1992: 56).Aesthetics is required in the perfection of the making of literary works to make the work appear interesting, reaffirmed the structure of literary works (fiction) consisting of form and content. The author will reveal ideas to the entire contents of his writing and make the form of writing according to the way chosen by the author.
Study structurally separate elements in a separate discussion, but simultaneously sought a relationship between elements forming literary works as said Aminuddin, … “the results of the discussion of each element, the reader further seeks to understand how the mechanism of the relationship of each element of it in order embodies a literary copyright” (in Pradopo 2001: 45). Structural assessment is essential to unload copyright literary subtlety, so its presence is negligible.
Therefore, it is important to take the first step based on the structure itself. In this case, close reading is the most important process. Therefore, in understanding the meaning, literary works must be analyzed and also from the historical background, the author for the reader (Jabrohim, 2003: 54). The background is often closely related to the stories contained in the literature itself. The structural approach in analyzing literary works should take account of intrinsic elements and ignore extrinsic elements (Wellek and Warren, 1994: 24). It means that in the structural approach, literature is a structure whose elements are interrelated.
9 Elements that build structures such as characters, plot, setting, and themes must be related and mutually supportive to give birth or produce a meaning as a whole. If the analysis of literary works only focused on one element, then the overall meaning of the work will be less than perfect. It is caused structural analysis is not the sum of the elements that construct literary works, but sees the support of all its interconnections so that the overall meaning of the work can be revealed. In addition, Teeuw (1984: 139)describe as:
New criticism in the united states is one of the structural forms resulting in enormous progress in showing the interest for literary studies and improving the understanding of individual literary works as artistic creations. However, despite the great progress, structural approaches have weaknesses of weakness in line with the development of literature.
Teeuw (1984: 139) argues that these weaknesses stem from four points:
1. New criticism in particular and structural analysis of literary works in general is not yet a literary theory, not even based on a proper and complete literary theory, developing a very necessary literary theory.
2. Literary works cannot be researched in isolation but must be understood in the context of literary systems with historical background.
3. The existence of an objective structure in literature is increasingly doubted, the role of the reader as a giver of meaning in the interpretation of literary works increasingly highlighted with all consequences for structural analysis.
4. The analysis that emphasizes the autonomy of literary works is lose its social relevance.
10 The literary work is the whole in which the parts or elements are intertwined to gain the full meaning of the whole work. There are several elements that contribute to forming a story in literary work. These elements called intrinsic element.In that structure, each element does not have they own meaning. Their meaning is determined by their relation to other elements and it is not determined by the things that are outside the literature. By using structural approach, the writer focuses on the meaning family and happiness in the novel Little Women. This is caused the core structural approach views a literary work as a structure, in which its elements support each other to develop the story in a play.
1. Character
The character is a very important element in literary works such as novel, drama or even poems. The character can be human or even animal. The characters make the story keep moving, it is the reason why characters are very important in a story. The characters do their task by dialogues, their physical appearance, their motions, and others characters opinion. Aminuddin (2004 : 72) argues eight point :
In an attempt to understand the character of the perpetrator, the reader can trace it through (1) the author’s narrative of the characteristics of the culprit, (2) the author’s description through the pictures of his living environment and the way he dresses, (3) shows how the perpetrator, (4) see how the character is talking about himself, (5) to understand how his thinking, (6) see how other characters talk to him, (7) see how other characters react to him, (8) see how the characters is in reacting other figures.
11 The character who appears in this story is a human which attend completely.
Each character has playing role as a human. People can talk, moan, has activity, help each other, even complete with others. Based on character’s purpose, they could be distinguished as main characters and supporting characters. A character who has important role in a story is called central character or main character, while a character who has unimportant role because his/her is only to complete, served and support the main character is called additional character or supporting character (Aminuddin, 2004:79-80).
In the art, character refers to a person, particularly portrayed by an actor who appeared in literary work, whether a fictional character of a historic figure. Character is widely considered as an essential element of fictional work especially in novel and play. The process of creating and developing character in a work of fiction is called characterization.
The character is one who shares to create or develop the conflict in the story so that it is one of thing that plays a very notable role in a fiction and even determines it. A character is an important aspect of a fictional work because through the character the story can be written or can be constructed.
2. Plot
In a narrative, plot or storyline is the rendering or ordering of the events and activities of a story, particularly toward the achievement of some particular artistic or emotional. It is the arrangement of incidents where each incident followed by
12 plausibly from the other. The plot is an important element of fiction. Even some expert assume it as the most important elements of fiction. The coherence inter even in the story is determined by the plot, the story is not only chronological but also should be causal. “Plot control how action should be related to each other, how the incident had a relationship with another, how characters should be represented and participate in those actions and how the situations and feelings of characters involve in acts that are bound in a unity of time” (Keraf, 1989: 148).
Commonly plot is assumed as a simple element of fiction, but actually plot is not a simple as we assume. The author of a story arranges the events in the story based on causal relevancy. Plot includes five essential elements namely, exposition, rising action, conflict, climax, and resolution. Exposition is the part of plot which the story begins. It contains not only the description and introduction to the setting and the character of the story but also gives early information that becomes the beginning of the story to the next level of the story. Raising action is the next plot after the exposition. Raising action includes the situation which kindles the raising of the conflict of the story. Conflict is the part of the plot when the trouble begins in the story. The top of the conflict in a story is a climax. The climax of the story is solved in the resolution. Resolution is the settlement of the conflict of a story.
13 3. Setting
Setting is the place, time, atmosphere or mood, and the social condition where the event of a story takes place. Setting fulfills most of the core aspect of a story because without a place is no story and without a setting, characters are simply in a vacuum with no reason to act, for instance, the characters cannot do anything without the setting. Setting becomes integral to the character, it has a distinctive figure, namely typical. It is the location and the period in which the story occurs. A word is important to generate how broad a term setting is, it can be used to covers:
a. The place in which character perform.
b. The social context of characters, such as families, friend, and class.
c. The customs believes and a rule of behavior that gives identity to a society.
d. The particular location of events.
e. The atmosphere, mood, and willingness have all above elements to create.
In a literary work, a setting is one of the most important elements which build the story, because this element describes the general situation of a literary work.
“Setting can be divided into three parts; setting of time, setting of place, setting of social” (Fananie, 2000:97). Setting of time deals with when the event happens.
Setting of place concerns with the location where the events happen in the story.
Setting of social is about behavior of social life in any place that has been presented in the story. These parts are related to each other.
14 4. Theme
Theme of story is the foundation, just like a house, with no foundation a story cannot stand as a unity. Theme cannot be separated from the issues that author discussed in his/her work because the theme is always related to the problem that presented in such fiction. Theme can involve a set of issues, problem, or question without any attempt to provide a reason or answer to satisfy the demand of the reader.
That purpose of the theme is to give a shape and effect in our mind, so make the story easy to remember. A good theme has to represent the entirestory in the novel. Sometimes the theme shapes in the fact that comes from the human experience. It is explored by the story and then gives an impression for each of event in life.
The theme is the main, basic, and general idea that build a literary work. The theme is one of the important elements in a story because it is the subject or foundation in the story. Without a theme in a story, it will be difficult for the author to develop the plot, the background and other elements of the essay in the story. A good author is the author who has first determined the theme of a story before beginning to compose. The author can use several themes at once in a story. A novel can work on several themes but there is always an integral central theme with the setting of the story and the characters of the characters (Sumardjo, 1986: 90).
15 The theme also can be interpreted as meaning that contained in a story and becomes the basis of the development of the whole story. The theme has usually raised the issue or problem of life that happen in society. Perrine (1959:137)describes as:
The theme of a piece of fiction is its controlling idea or its central insight. It is the unifying generalization about life states or implied by the story. To derive the theme of a story, we must ask what its central purpose is what view of life it supports or what insight into life it reveals.
Theme is not always about the moral message, but it could be just about the observation of the author to the problems of life. The existence of the theme itself is highly dependent on other elements of the story, because the theme usually conveyed implicitly through other elements by the author, either through character or in a scene of the story (Sumardjo, 1986: 56).
The writer summarizes that theme is the idea of a story. Theme possible consists of moral or moral teachings. Before making a literary work an author must first think about what theme will be stretched in the literary works that he will create which will be useful for the readers. Besides, theme is the soul of the story so before analyze other elements, the writer should analyze about theme first, because theme will always related and connect to the others elements
C. The Meaning of Family
'Family' is a single word, with many different meanings. People have many ways of defining a family and what being a part of a family means to them. Families differ in terms of economic, cultural, social, and many other facets, but what every
16 family has in common is that the people who call it a family are making clear that those people are important in some way to the person calling them his family.
The Longman dictionary defines family in several ways. Bullon (2006: 568) one definition is "a fundamental social group in society typically consisting of one or two parents and their children." While this definition is a good starting point, there are several modern family structures that are excluded by this definition, such as childless couples or other variations on the family unit. Another definition is "Two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another and reside usually in the same dwelling." This definition encompasses the vast majority of modern family units; for the purposes of this article, the second definition will be used.
While everyone knows what a family is through long experience as a family member, few could easily define the family in the abstract, or in general way that would encompass other types of family beyond those in one’s own society. Such as broad general definition of the family has been offered by a pioneer family sociologist, Burgess (1945:16)explains it as follows:
The family may be defined as a group of persons united by marriage, blood or adoption; constituting a single household; interacting and communicating with each other in their respective roles of husband and wife, mother and father, son and daughter, brother and sister; and creating and maintaining a common culture.
The definition focuses on family membership and relationship. Family members include people who are marriage partners, those who are blood relative, and
17 those who have been adopted into the family. Burgess has thus identified the three universal criteria of the family membership: marriage, blood or kin ties, and adoption.
Members of a given family then normally share some kind of living quarters and relate to each other day in and day out in their respective family roles.
There are also traditional families consists of a father, mother and children.
This is the family shown on television as the standard family. Some families opt to have no children, or cannot have children due to some medical or emotional barrier.
The idea that parents and children make a family is a basic definition; however, in order to accurately acknowledge other family structures, a broader definition is necessary. In addition to a more universal family definition, there are also plenty of people who consider a group of friends to be family, and adults who consider pets as defining members of the family unit.
There are some different types of families, each of which is equally viable as a supportive, caring unit according to Burgess (1945 : 17) in the following as :
1. Nuclear Family: Also called a conjugal family, this is the parents and their children living in the same residence or sharing the closest bonds.
2. Extended Family: This type of family includes all relatives in close proximity, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. In a family household that is extended, these relatives typically live together and all share daily household duties. This type of family is also called a joint family or multigenerational family depending on which members are included.
18 3. Complex Family: This type of extended family has three or more adults plus their children. This type of family may be formed through divorce and remarriage, or it may be formed through polygamy in societies where that practice is acceptable. Some families may be complex even without formal legal bonds between the adults.
4. Step Family: This is a family where the adults have divorced and remarried, bringing children from other unions together to form a new nuclear family.
The children may come from several different parents or be on one or both sides of the new union.
5. Traditional Family: This is a family unit defined in the classic sense as the father working outside the home to support the members financially, while the mother remains at home and tends to domestic duties and child-rearing. This strict definition of family is less and less common in modern society.
6. Adopted Family: This type of family shares legal bonds but not genetic ones.
Two parents may adopt a child to whom they share no blood relationship, or one parent may adopt the child of the other parent. Adopted families can also be defined in an emotional or spiritual sense where no formal legal bonds are present.
7. Foster Family: A foster family includes one or more adult parent who serves as a temporary guardian for one or more children to whom they may or may
19 not be biologically related. In time, more formal arrangements may be made and foster children can be legally adopted.
Therefore, families have different meanings. Depending on function, circumstances, environment, and needs of some people. But for myself, the meaning of the family is home to me. Because the family is the most comfortable place for me to take a break from all those activities that have drained so much energy and are so tiring.
D. Definition of Happiness
Everyone wants to be happy but often forget to see how worthy he is to be happy. The reason why unhappy is usually the internal factor that is in the self that does not allow happiness is present. Desire does not coexist and contradict with thoughts, feelings, and attitudes. People often insert labels that happiness will only come to people whose lives are full of good and never make mistakes. Conversely, those who have slipped and fallen on bad things are considered unhappy. Happy is everyone's, indeed happiness is identical with kindness and positive things. Some positive activities even trigger the emergence of happiness such as giving to people in need. But for some people, there is also considered happiness is destiny if it has been destined to be happy by God since in the womb will be happy. Conversely, if it is predestined unhappy, it will not be happy.
Not a few people who say "may have been my destiny" and other sentences that imply a person resigned without trying. Fate is closely related to human effort
20 and struggle. Although in the end, God determines the results of that effort, surrender, and surrender without any effort can be said is not fate. “Happiness is not something readymade, it comes from your own actions” (Lama in Lane 2015:50).
Everyone wants to live happily, avoid difficulties and suffering.
Unfortunately, many people often create many problems. Indeed no one deliberately wants to create a problem, she/he is alone the slaves of emotion such as anger and hatred. The journey to happiness is like a production function. First of all, there are various inputs derived from various stimuli such as television, electronic mail, even pain. Second, this production processes then adjusts to the allocation of attention that gives to those stimuli. To achieve happiness, learn to allocate more attention to positive stimuli and reduce allocations for negative things. “Do anything, but let it produce joy” (Miller in Lane 2015:153)
To achieve this, it can be designed our surroundings in such a way that our behavior is automatically directed toward maximizing happiness. Because, happiness is not something that comes by itself, but must be cultivated. Until when? Of course, until found. The question is, is it hard to find happiness? Actually, the happiness that we desire is already available in place. He will not run away. All have to do is go, greet, and receive it with joy. Unfortunately, this often lazy to do. Happiness depends upon ourselves (Aristotle in Lane 2015:10). So, the actual definition of happiness depends on the way we define it and the way our created that happiness.
21 CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
In this chapter, the writer explains about the method that is used in analyzing of Louisa May Alcott in Little Women. The writer uses the methodology of research that contains the methodological design source of data, data collection, and research procedure.
A. Methodological Design
In doing a formal research, the writer uses methods which have the capability to encourage the continuance of the analysis. The method can also be defined as an effort or a way to develop, find, and know one subject or problem as a scientist effort in a research, the writer points out the methods used in analyzing of novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.
1. Qualitative Method
Qualitative research is the study of research is descriptive and tend to use the analysis. Processes and meanings (subject perspective) more will be found in qualitative research. The theoretical basis used as a guide to focus on the research in accordance with the facts on the ground. Besides, the theoretical basis is also helpful to provide an overview of the background research and as a discussion of research results. There is a fundamental difference between the role of the basic theory in quantitative research with qualitative research. In quantitative research, research departs from the theory to the data, and ends on the acceptance or
22 rejection of the theory are used, whereas in qualitative research researchers departed from the data, utilizing the existing theories as explanatory material, and ends with a "theory".
According to Bogdan and Taylor (1975), quoted by Moleong (2007: 4) argues that qualitative methodology as a research procedure that produces descriptive data in the form of words written or spoken of people and behaviors that can be observed.
Qualitative research aims to obtain a full picture about something humanly studied. The qualitative research related to ideas, perceptions, opinions, or beliefs of the study and all of which cannot be measured with numbers.
2. Descriptive Analysis
Descriptive analysis is a type of research that aims to present a complete picture of the social setting or for the purpose of exploration and clarification of a phenomenon or social reality, to describe the way a number of variables relating to the issue and studied the phenomenon unit tested. In this study, researcher has had a clear definition of the subject of research and will use the question who in digging the information needed. The purpose of descriptive research is to produce an accurate picture of a group, describe the mechanism of a process or relationship, give a complete picture either in the form of verbal or numerical, presents the basic information will be a relationship, create a set of categories and
23 classify the study subjects, describes a set of steps or processes, as well as for storing information is contradictory on the subject of research.
B. Method of Collecting Data
This research is classified as a library research. In this research, the writer applies library research as a method of collecting data. The data is taken from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. It was published by Happer Collins in London, 2013.
The writer analyzes the data by reading the novel carefully, interpreting the supporting elements, and note the important point in the novel that relates to the object of research.
C. Method of Data Analysis
In analyzing the data, the writer uses the descriptive analysis method by using structuralism approach to focus on the stereotype aspect that reflected of the novel by reading it carefully. Data analysis is the process of processing the results of research, which starts from composing, grouping, reviewing, and interpreting data in patterns and relationships between concepts and formulate in relationships among other elements to be easily understood. In analyzing the data the writer classified the data into several parts based on the aspects of analysis. Then the writer interprets the data by give more explanation.
24 D. Research Procedure
In order to process this analysis, the writer applies certain steps to arrange this thesis as follows:
a. Reading the novel Little Women carefully to obtain primary data.
b. Identifying the main of the problems to be analyzed.
c. Writing down the important things related to the main problems of the study.
d. Collecting the data, including text, thesis and some others sources from books and internet that relating to the object of research and other related aspects, then classifying the data according to the problems.
e. Analyzing secondary data and making some notes.
f. Writing the result of data analysis.
g. Concluding the result of data analysis.
h. The whole analysis data is formed into the thesis.
i. The thesis is examined in order to get a Sarjana Humaniora degree in Hasanuddin University.
25 CHAPTER IV
FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
In this chapter, the writer describes the analysis of new structural aspects using the Structural Approach. It explains about new intrinsic elements such as, characters, plots, settings, and themes. The writer also discusses the meaning of happiness in the family and how the March family lives in the midst of an economic crisis that hit his family.
A. Structural Aspect of Little Women
In analyzing this novel, the writer uses a structural approach. In the implementation of this approach to understand literature in close reading or study without looking at biographers and relationships with social circumstances when literary works are made by the author. Analysis using a structural approach focuses only on the intrinsic elements of literary works. In this case each element is analyzed in relation to other elements contained in the literary work.
1. Character
Character is an important part in a novel, because it has an important part to run a story. In the novel Little Women, the writer describes the characters that exist in this novel, namely Mr. March, Mrs. March, Margaret, Josephine, Elizabeth, Amy, Laurie Laurence, Mr. Brooke, Hannah, Aunt March, The Hummel. The main character are Mrs. March and Josepnine, while others are minor characters.
26 1.1 Major Character
a. Mrs. March
A forty years old housewife has a high posture, motherhood with a look that is always ready for help and protection. Her long brown hair, her warm smile with a wise attitude in action, was a disciplined, attentive figure. The above points can be seen in the following quotations:
...”Glad to find you so merry, my girls,’ said a cheery voice at the door, and actors and audience turned to welcome a tall, motherly lady with a ‘can I help you’ look about her which was truly delightful. She was not elegantly dressed, but a noble-looking woman, and the girls thought the gray cloak and unfashionable bonnet covered the most splendid mother in the world. ‘Well, dearies, how have you got on today? There was so much to do, getting the boxes ready to go tomorrow, that I didn’t come home to dinner. Has anyone called, Beth? How is your cold, Meg? Jo, you look tired to death. Come and kiss me, baby. Said Mrs. March” (Alcott, 2013 : 7).
March lost his beloved mother when she was too young to feel the sense of loss. After her mother died she was cared for by her father and guardian. Basically he has a selfish, irritable, and too cocky nature to acknowledge his weakness. Then under the guidance and care of his father, he began to learn to understand life and life.
Until the time he married Mr.March, he became more aware and able to control the bad traits he once had. She became a woman and a wise mother for her children. He is able to accept every attitude and actions of his children are less praiseworthy to then try to steer and change all their bad traits gradually. It can be seen in the following quotations:
27
… Jo, dear, we all have our temptations, some far greater than yours, and it often takes us all our lives to conquer them. You think your temper is the worst in the world, but mine used to be just like it. I've been trying to cure it for forty years, and have only succeeded in controlling it. I am angry nearly every day of my life, Jo, but I have learned not to show it, and I still hope to learn not to feel it, though it may take me another forty years to do so. My good mother used to help me. But I lost her when I was a little older than you are, and for years had to struggle on alone, for I was too proud to confess my weakness to anyone else. Then your father came, and I was so happy that I found it easy to be good (Alcott, 2013 : 85-87).
Finally, now Mrs. March has a patient, loving, and wise nature. Can provide positive examples to his children and his children received his mother’s advise very well.
b. Josephine March (Jo)
The second child of four siblings is fifteen years old, his posture is tall, thin with brown skin. His broad shoulders, arms, and legs were huge. In the dress he did not pay much attention to trinkets that characterize femininity. In the family he was dubbed the tomboy Jo because of his attitude and style manhood.
…Fifteen-year-old Jo was very tall, thin, and brown, and reminded one of a colt, for she never seemed to know what to do with her long limbs, which were very much in her way. She had a decided mouth, a comical nose, and sharp, gray eyes, which appeared to see everything, and was by turns fierce, funny, or thoughtful. Her long, thick hair was her one beauty, but it was usually bundled into a net, to be out of her way. Round shoulders had Jo, big hands and feet, a flyaway look to her clothes, and the uncomfortable appearance of a girl who was rapidly shooting up into a woman and didn't like it. (Alcott, 2013 : 4).
He likes adventure, happy to try new and challenging things. One of Jo's weaknesses is hard to hold back anger and without him deliberately hurt others
28 because of his straightforward and candid attitude. The end he realized his weakness and tried to change his temperament in order to become a pet old woman.
“In spite of the curly crop, I don't see the 'son Jo' whom I left a year ago," said Mr. March. "I see a young lady who pins her collar straight, laces her boots neatly, and neither whistles, talks slang, nor lies on the rug as she used to do.
Her face is rather thin and pale just now, with watching and anxiety, but I like to look at it, for it has grown gentler, and her voice is lower. She doesn't bounce, but moves quietly, and takes care of a certain little person in a motherly way which delights me. I rather miss my wild girl, but if I get a strong, helpful, tenderhearted woman in her place, I shall feel quite satisfied. I don't know whether the shearing sobered our black sheep, but I do know that in all Washington I couldn't find anything beautiful enough to be bought with the five-and-twenty dollars my good girl sent me” (Alcott, 2013 : 243).
1.2 Minor Character a. Mr. March
He is the March girl’s father and Marmee husband. He serves in the Union army as a chaplain and always gets in touch with his family through encouraging and cheerful letters that keep his family’s spirits up. The following letters is sent in time to celebrate Christmas.
"Give them all of my dear love and a kiss. Tell them I think of them by day, pray for them by night, and find my best comfort in their affection at all times.
A year seems very long to wait before I see them, but remind them that while we wait we may all work, so that these hard days need not be wasted. I know they will remember all I said to them, that they will be loving children to you, will do their duty faithfully, fight their bosom enemies bravely, and conquer themselves so beautifully that when I come back to them I may be fonder and prouder than ever of my little women” (Alcott, 2013 : 9).
How the four girls are touched by the content of their father’s letter.
" Everybody sniffed when they came to that part. Jo wasn't ashamed of the great tear that dropped off the end of her nose, and Amy never minded the
29 rumpling of her curls as she hid her face on her mother's shoulder and sobbed out, "I am a selfish girl! But I'll truly try to be better, so he mayn't be disappointed in me by-and-by" (Alcott, 2013 : 9).
The letter clearly shows his great fondness to his family, especially to his daughters. Although he is at a distance, but he never forgets his family and always writes to all of them. A distance does not make any differences in his relationship to which he feels he is always around his family. One day, Mr.March gets sick in the war, and returns home to his family and then returns to battleground after he has recovered. Finally, the story ends when the happy father has completed successfully his tasks in the war and lives together with his family in which he blesses Meg’s engagement to marry Broke who has done much favor to Mr. March when he is ill.
b. Margaret March (Meg)
As the eldest daughter of four siblings sixteen years old. Has a beautiful face, the skin is white and has a good posture. He also has beautiful eyes and soft brown hair, all of which causes him to be a bit arrogant.
“Margaret, the eldest of the four, was sixteen, and very pretty, being plump and fair, with large eyes, plenty of soft brown hair, a sweet mouth, and white hands, of which she was rather vain. Elizabeth or Beth, as everyone called her, was a rosy, smooth haired, bright-eyed girl of thirteen, with a shy manner, a timid voice and a peaceful expression which was seldom disturbed. Her father called her 'Little Miss Tranquility', and the name suited her excellently, for she seemed to live in a happy world of her own, only venturing out to meet the few whom she trusted and loved. Amy, though the youngest, was a most important person, in her own opinion at least. A regular snow maiden, with blue eyes, and yellow hair curling on her shoulders, pale and slender, and always carrying herself like a young lady mindful of her manners” (Alcott, 2013 : 4).
30 In addition he has the character of a girl who likes to treasure abundantly, he has a dream if someday after adulthood and marriage he will become rich, have a good house, and live happy as a wife of a rich man.
…"I should like a lovely house, full of all sorts of luxurious things—nice food, pretty clothes, handsome furniture, pleasant people, and heaps of money. I am to be mistress of it, and manage it as I like, with plenty of servants, so I never need work a bit. How I should enjoy it! For I wouldn't be idle, but do good, and make everyone love me dearly" (Alcott, 2013 : 155- 156).
After learning from some of his experiences, he then realizes his weakness and makes a serious effort to eliminate his bad traits and habits and turns out to be good. He eventually married a simple, caring, loving man. For him money cannot guarantee one's happiness.
c. Elizabeth March (Beth)
A gentle little girl thirteen years old, she has a brilliant talent. His shy and soft-spoken manner, he was full of consideration in socializing and just familiar with the people he trusted and loved.
…Elizabeth, or Beth, as everyone called her, was a rosy, smoothhaired, bright-eyed girl of thirteen, with a shy manner, a timid voice, and a peaceful expression which was seldom disturbed. Her father called her 'Little Miss Tranquility', and the name suited her excellently, for she seemed to live in a happy world of her own, only venturing out to meet the few whom she trusted and loved (Alcott, 2013 : 4).
Be kind, unselfish, and attentive to others. He can be a good housewife figure, cares for home and does not expect praise / appreciation from others. He is very compassionate, proved when his beloved bird died of starvation he was very sad.
31
"It's all my fault, I forgot him, there isn't a seed or a drop left. Oh, Pip! Oh, Pip! How could I be so cruel to you?" cried Beth, taking the poor thing in her hands and I'll never have another bird, never, my Pip! for I am too bad to own one” (Alcott, 2013 :124).
Another Beth character, he does not want to trouble his family and tries to solve his own problems. He is aware of his circumstances and abilities so that he has no desire or obsession later after he feels like his other brothers, at the end of his life he accepts death as a fairness he must deal with gracefully.
d. Amy March (Amy)
The youngest daughter of four siblings of eleven years old daughter March.
Blue-eyed and blond shoulder-length curls, pale white skin. In his attitude he always displays the style of a young girl who is perfectionist.
…Amy, though the youngest, was a most important person, in her own opinion at least. A regular snow maiden, with blue eyes, and yellow hair curling on her shoulders, pale and slender, and always carrying herself like a young lady mindful of her manners (Alcott, 2013 : 5).
He is a man of high ambition, wishes to become a famous painter and became rich when he was married. Assume that life is unfair to him and wants an understanding of respect, and balance. For example, between rich and poor.
"I don't think it's fair for some girls to have plenty of pretty things, and other girls nothing at all," (Alcott, 2013 : 1).
"I have ever so many wishes, but the pet one is to be an artist, and go to Rome, and do fine pictures, and be the best artist in the whole world," (Alcott, 2013 : 156).
Amy's character in this novel has a different character from his brother especially Jo, in behaving and behaving always reflect the attitude of a real woman,
32 aristocrat, considers herself as an important and honorable person. He always wants to know every activity or things his brother does and wants to participate in the activity, if his wish is not fulfilled he will take revenge.
"You are going somewhere with Laurie, I know you are. You were whispering and laughing together on the sofa last night, and you stopped when I came in. Aren't you going with him?". "I shall go. Meg says I may, and if I pay for myself, Laurie hasn't anything to do with it"(Alcott, 2013 : 78- 79).
"Scold as much as you like, you'll never see your silly old book again,". "I burned it up" (Alcoot, 2013 : 81).
In socializing and socializing he attaches great importance to the perfect appearance of luxury, and always places himself as a part of the rich and the high- status. Even if he is selfish, stubborn and vindictive but on the other hand he will apologize immediately if he has made a mistake and try hard to change his temper for the better after learning from experience.
… Aunt gave me the ring today. She called me to her and kissed me, and put it on my finger, and said I was a credit to her, and she'd like to keep me always.
She gave that funny guard to keep the turquoise on, as it's too big. I'd like to wear them Mother, can I?. "I'll try not to be vain," said Amy. "I don't think I like it only because it's so pretty, but I want to wear it as the girl in the story wore her bracelet, to remind me of something". not to be selfish (Alcoot, 2013 :219).
e. Laurie Laurences
Laurie Lurence is the rich boy who lives next door to the Marches. Laurie, whose real name is Theodore Laurence sixteen years old, is treated like a son and brother to the Marches, He is charming, fun clever and has a good heart. Laurie becomes particularly close to Jo, he always helps Jo and all the Marches are like his
33 own family. They eat, play, sing and do something together and help one another. He also helps to take care of Beth when Beth is getting ill.
"Stay where you are, Jo. I'm errand boy to this establishment," said Laurie, taking up his cap. "I have great hopes for my boy," observed Jo, watching him fly over the fence with an approving smile."He does very well, for a boy,"
was Meg's somewhat ungracious
answer, for the subject did not interest her (Alcott, 2013 :197).
Laurie had thought of the March family as her own family, because the March family loved Laurie and treated her like her brother. Of course Laurie took it with pleasure, because she had not gotten the warmth of a father and mother for a long time.
f. Mr. Brooke
Mr. Brooke is is Laurie’s tutor. Mr. Brooke is poor but is wise and virtous, when the Marches gets a letter about Mr.March’s illness, Brooke also accompanies Mrs.March who wants to visit her husband in the battleground .
"I came to offer myself as escort to your mother. Mr. Laurence has
commissions for me in Washington, and it will give me real satisfaction to be of service to her there" (Alcott, 2013 : 176).
He marries Meg and them a pair lives happily, but he gets Amy not without a fight and fortunately they are mate.
g. Hannah
Hannah is the March’s loyal servant. She serves the March family for a long time starting from the time the March was still a rich family until they are in poor condition. She is devoted servant without salary. The Marches family greatly
34 respects Hannah and does not treat her as servant, but she belongs to the members of their family as mentioned in the following:
… replied Hannah, who had lived with the family since Meg was born, and was considered by them all more as a friend than a servant (Alcott, 2013 : 14).
Hannah is the member of the March family. The four little women regard her as a friend and they are very obedient and respectful to Hannah.
h. Aunt March
Aunt March is a rich widow and one of the March girl’s aunt. Aunt March loves her nieces and wants the best for them. Her loves to her niece is proved when Amy stays at her home to get rip of escape the disease such as follows :
… Aunt gave me the ring today. She called me to her and kissed me, and put it on my finger, and said I was a credit to her, and she'd like to keep me always (Alcott, 2013 : 219).
One of great love and affection to her niece is when tells said to Meg that she will give all of her wealthy after she has passed away. However, because she is also unlike the poor man, she will only give it if Meg marries a rich boy, as her following statement:
"Not yet. I've something to say to you, and I must free my mind at once. Tell me, do you mean to marry this Cook? If you do, not one penny of my money ever goes to you. Remember that, and be a sensible girl," said the old lady impressively (Alcott, 2013 : 251).
But the fact is, Meg tells her that she will marry with whoever that she loves, even though with the poor man because she believes that money is not everything that
35 gives happiness. Moreover, Meg remembers her mother’s advice to never marry for material comfort.
i. The Hummel
The Hummel is another family that lives near the Marches. The Hummel are poor and in bed health as mentioned in the story:
…Mrs. Hummel came with the doctor. He said it was dead, and looked at Heinrich and Minna, who have sore throats. 'Scarlet fever, ma'am. Ought to have called me before,' he said crossly. Mrs. Hummel told him she was poor, and had tried to cure baby herself, but now it was too late, and she could only ask him to help the others and trust to charity for his pay (Alcott, 2013 : 193- 194).
The Hummel is a very poor family; they live in very small house and limited space inside the house. They do not have much food and good clothes. They are cold because they have no enough firewood to warm themselves. At Christmas, the March family often give them food, clothing, and firewood as Christmas gift. The Hummel is very happy and grateful to the March.
2. Plot
In a narrative, plot or storyline is the rendering or ordering of the events and activities of a story, particularly toward the achievement of some particular artistic or emotional. The writer describes the chronology of the events that arranges in Little Women sequentially. Plot includes five essential elements; exposition, rising action, conflict, climax, and resolution. Exposition is the part of plot which the story begins.
It contains not only the description and introduction to the setting and the character of
36 the story but also gives early information that becomes the beginning of the story to the next level of the story. Raising action is the next plot after the exposition. Raising action includes the situation which kindles the raising of the conflict of the story.
Conflict is the part of the plot when the trouble begins in the story. The top of the conflict in a story is a climax. The climax of the story is solved in the resolution.
Resolution is the settlement of the conflict of a story.
a. Exposition
The opening chapter of the novel Little Women begins with the conversation of the four March girls, who discuss what Christmas gifts she will get on Christmas Day. Christmas gift is given the current financial condition of their families.
"Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents,"grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.
"It's so dreadful to be poor!" sighed Meg, looking down ather old dress.
"I don't think it's fair for some girls to have plenty of prettythings, and other girls nothing at all," added little Amy, with an injured sniff (Alcott, 2013 : 1).
They do not get good present like any other girls. They really want a give gift Christmas day, but they cannot do anything because they realize that their poverty made them unable to get a good gift, much less expensive than their mother. After lamenting their poverty, nobody speak for a moment until Meg speaks again without lamenting their poverty anymore, but seems like giving a little new spirit to her sisters by saying;
‘You know the reason Mother proposed not having anypresents this Christmas was because it is going to be a hardwinter for everyone; and she thinks we ought not to spendmoney for pleasure, when our men are suffering so in the
37 army. We can't do much, but we can make our little sacrifices, and ought to do it gladly (Alcott, 2013: 1)
The girls decide that they will buy themselves for a present in order to brighten their Christmas. However, they change minds and decide that instead of buying presents for themselves, they will buy presents for their mother, Marmee.
Marmee comes with a letter from Mr.March, the girl’s father, who is serving as a Union Chaplain in the civil war. The letter inspires the girls to bear their burdens more cheerfully and not to complain about their poverty.
On Christmas morning, Jo is the first one who wakes up and feels disappointed for there is no stockings hang on the fireplace. Soon, her disappointed is swept away when she remembers her mother’s promise to give them guidebooks.
Each of the girls gets one. They think that those books are the best present they have ever because their mother wants to read, love, and mind those books. After sharing the Christmas happiness, the girls prepare the meal for breakfast, Marmee comes and tells them about The Hummel family. The Hummel is a poor immigrant Germany family. The family is in hunger with a lot child to be taken care. Marmeeasks them whether they want to share their breakfast meal for them or not. Realizing that they are luckier than The Hummel, without hesitation the girls decide to give the poor Hummels all their breakfast. They are not only sharing meal but also bring the things which can make family feel comfort.
My girls, will you give themyour breakfast as a Christmas present?"
… and for a minute no one spoke, only a minute, for Jo exclaimed impetuously, "I'm so glad you came before we began!"
