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CHAPTER IV
ANALYSIS
In this chapter, the writer analyzes the problems stated in problem formulation in the first chapter. The first part is the discussion on the main
character which are Firdaus in “Woman at Point Zero” and Emma in “Madame Bovary”. The second part is contrast between Firdaus and Emma
as seen from feminist perspective. Michael Foucault has suggested that there are only two forms of
comparison: the comparison of measurement, which ‘analyses into units in order to establish relations of equality and inequality’ and that of
order, which establishes the simplest elements and arranges differences. Bassnett, 1993: 92
In doing the comparative study, the writer uses the comparison of measurement, which analyses the similarity and differences between two
literatures. First, the writer finds similarities between Firdaus and Emma, then finds differences between them by contrasting their attitude in facing
problems in their life.
A. The Characteristics of Firdaus and Emma Bovary
1. The Characteristics of Firdaus in “Woman at Point Zero”
a. Progressive Minded
Firdaus is a woman that have progressive thinking. She is different from the other woman. When, normally woman at young age dream about
man and love, she imagines that she will become the head of state although it is impossible to do at that time.
”I knew that women did not become the head of state, but I felt that I was not like other women, nor like the other girls around me who
kept talking about love, or about men. For these were subjects I never mentioned. Somehow I was not interested in the things that
occupied their mind, and what seemed of importance to them struck me as being trivial.” Saadawi, 1983:25
Another proof that shows Firdaus is having progressive thinking is when she tries hard to look for a job although she only has a secondary
school certificate. Commonly, woman often assumed that they do not need a job, be a housewife and just do houseworks. But Firdaus is different, she
thinks that a job is really important in her life. I have a secondary school certificate. Maybe I can find a job with my secondary, or with my primary
school certificate. But if necessary I’m prepared to do anything, even the kind of work that requires no certificates. Saadawi ,1983:49
Here, it can be noticed that Firdaus is having progressive thinking
from her speech above. She is different from the other woman. She has a greater and modern way of thinking.
b. Brave
What she has experienced in her life makes her become a brave woman. Male oppression since she was in her childhood continued until she
became an adult. She has got physical abuse from her uncle, betrayal by lovers, married with someone whom she does not like at all, and
exploitation by a pimp. All of this bad experiences has changed her from an innocent become a brave woman. She can protect herself from every man
that tries to hurt her. All the men I did get to know, every single man of
them, have filled me with but one desire: to lift my hand and bring it smashing on his face. Saadawi, 1983:10
Her bravery toward man she showed with the real actions. She can
threaten, slap, even kill someone who tries to hurt her. It can be seen in this quotation :
“How can I convince you that what I say is true?” “I do not really know how you can do that.”
So I lifted my hand high up above my head and landed it violently on his face. “Now you can believe that I have slapped you. Burrying
a kinfe in your neck is just as easy and requires exactly the same movement.”Saadawi, 1983:109
In the end of the novel, she is sentenced to death for killing a pimp.
Firdaus accepts the death senetence and refuse the life. But she is not afraid to die. It can be seen in this quotation :
“When I killed I did it with truth not with a knife. That is why they are afraid and in hurry to execute me. They do not fear my knife. It
is my truth that frightens them. This fearful truth gives me great strength. It protects me from fearing death, or life, or hunger, or
nakedness, or destruction.” Saadawi, 1983:112
All of the speech above indicates that Firdaus is a brave woman. It can be seen from Firdaus speech and reaction toward every man which try
to hurt her.
c. Independent
Firdaus is an independent woman. She wants freedom in her life. Being a prostitute is the way she gets a freedom. According to her,
becoming a prostitute is better than of other women. This decision is her own choice, although the society does not agree with her decision. It proves
that she has used her freedom to choose which is good for herself.
