character therefore, the formalist approach is used. Moreover, it pays more attention on the symbol in the literary works. However, the recognition of symbol
deals with the observation of words. Therefore, the Formalist approach is considered as the proper one to finds the values of symbolism and analyzes the
meaning of the play.
C. Method of the Study
This thesis uses a library research as the method of the study. The primary source is Sam Shepard’s Buried Child. The secondary sources are books, which
provide the theories that are needed in analyzing the play such as René Wellek and Austin Warrens Theory of Literature, Robert’s Fictions and Esslin’s The
Field of Drama. In conducting this study there steps to be done. The first was by reading
the whole story again and again in order to gain well understanding of the content of the story. This study used one of the intrinsic elements to develop the analysis
further. The second step was by finding some theories or any sources that support
the analysis. The source contains the supporting issues were collected and those become references to limit and develop analysis of this study.
The third step was stimulating the problems, which were going to lead the study to find the symbol as the focus of the study.
The forth step was identifying the element of the play to be discussed. The element was symbols. The suitable approach was the formalist approach. This
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study chose this approach as the appropriate one since the study concerned about intrinsic elements of the play.
The fifth step was analyzing the data gained from the library research by applying the theories on the analysis.
The sixth step was drawing a conclusion based on analysis. The conclusion would be a kind of review of the previous chapters, in which the writer
tried to clarify the elements, that was symbol. The seventh step was writing the report in such way so that it would be
easily understood the main point of this study. 19
CHAPTER IV ANALYSIS
This chapter is divided into two parts. The first part discusses how Vince’s character is described in the play. The second part discusses the most possible
meanings of the symbols as expressed by Vince, the character of Buried Child.
A. The Characterization of Vince
The analysis of Vince is based on the theory of Character and Characterization that has been mentioned in Chapter II. To understand the
characteristics of Vince, this study applies the methods which consist of the description of the author, the character’s speeches, the character’s actions, and
the other characters’ say about the character. Therefore, the analysis of Vince character is based on the direct description given by the author, Shepard, Vince’s
speeches, Vince’s actions, and the other characters’ statement about Vince. Shepard describes Vince as Tilden’s son whose age is about twenty two
years old in Barranger, 1994: 23. Vince is a person who honors his family much. It can be seen through his
utterances toward his girlfriend, Shelly, who humiliates and underestimates his family. He defends his family as the way they are as seen in Vince’s sentence
toward Shelly. VINCE. Come on It’s my heritage. What dya’ expect?
SHELLY. “And Tuffyand Toto and Dooda and Bonzo all went down one day to the corner grocery store to buy a big bag of licorice for Mr.
Marshall’s pussy cat”
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VINCE. Shelly will you get up SHELLY. “Mr. Marshall was on vacation. He had no idea that the four
little boys had taken such a liking to his little kitty cat.” VINCE. Have you some respect would ya’ in Barranger, 1994: 23.
VINCE. to Shelly Why are you doing this Are you trying to make fun of
me? This is my family you know in Barranger, 1994: 29. The dialogue above implies Vince’s defense toward his family when his
girlfriend, Shelly humiliates his family by making jokes. Shelly makes joke and seems to have no respect toward Vince’s family. She considers the family as a
trivial issue and it is really not important for her. There is no appreciation toward the family which is only because the condition of the house. Shelly merely
perceives a family based on certain criteria. It is all about materialism and it is not about the deeper meaning of it. For Vince, a family means everything. It is more
than materialism. These facts create a clash between Vince and Shelly. They have a contradictive point of view about the meaning of a family. Vince is angry with
her and tries to make her realize that the family is everything. He emphasizes that the family is the place where he grown up as a man. It is also the place where he
learned the values of love and caring. Although there are many changes happened in the family, it still becomes a meaningful place for him. He respects the other
family’s members although they don’t do so. So, he will defend his family no matter what the others say. Shelly’s humiliation becomes his enemy since it
insults the whole of his pride. As a member of the family, Vince is also a caring person who gives his
attention toward the other family members as described in his utterances toward his grandfather, Dodge.
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