Deconstruction is an approach, which rigorously pursues the meaning of a text to the point of exposing the supposed contradictions and internal oppositions
upon which it is founded - showing that those foundations are irreducibly complex, unstable, or impossible. Derrida shows that a text can be read as saying
quite different from what it appears to be saying, and that it may be reads as carrying of significance or as saying many different things which are fundamental
at variance with, contradictory to and subversive of what maybe seen by criticism as a single, stable ‘meaning’. Thus, a text may betray itself. Texts create only a
semblance of stable meaning. Where a text may appear to offer the reader options eitheror, in fact, it offers not such choice bothand, and remains ultimately
uncommitted, leaving the reader with no sense of closure.
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The kind of options which text offers will often be in the form of apparent binary oppositions which
the text seems to distinguish. In feminist theory which based on Sassure concept “signifier and signified”
meaning was produced by a different system. Correlates with this, we only know the meaning of the word ‘woman’ by virtue of its contrast with the word ‘man’.
Related to this opposition between ‘man and woman’, deconstruction critic argues that meaning is not oppositional in the way structuralisms assume. The feminism
critics borrow deconstruction techniques to integrate the phollocentrism tendency in texts, discussing it, reversing it or finding out the alternative surpassing
dichotomy
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thinking approaches.
19
David Carter, op.cit, p. 111.
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A dichotomy is a split into to part which is considered to be either contradictory or mutually exclusive. www.wisegeek.comwhat-is-a-dichotomy.htm. Accessed on Jan 19 2011,
20:14 pm
Furthermore, we can assume that dichotomy of signifier and signified in structuralism of Sassurean, only utter one meaning. The words of ‘chair’ will
produce the concept of chair in readers thought. The figure Veronica Franco in A Destiny of Her Own film will produce the concept woman as figure of woman’s
movement based on the directed, Marshal Herskovitz, perception. On contrary, deconstruction sees that the language does not have stable meaning. As a result
the concept of ‘chair’ will change depends on the context. The figure Veronica Franco in A Destiny of her own film can be seen in different point of view, besides
feminist.
CHAPTER III RESEARCH FINDINGS
A. Character Analysis
The main character in this film named Veronica Franco. She comes from a lower class family in Venice. Veronica was described as the lower class woman of
Venice in fifteenth century. The characteristic of Veronica Franco are complex. In the beginning, Veronica is a simple woman who is a victim of circumstance and
environment. Before she is a courtesan, she was taught to be a passive woman, and been a subject victim that occurred in her life.
This paper will focus on the development of Veronica’s characteristics into feminist character. From the beginning, Veronica Franco is a usual woman
and always as a subject victim. Until her boyfriend cannot marry with her because his marriage is determined by her parents. Actually, at that time, their marriage is
like a contract, and for Marco’s family that comes from the honor family must marry with the woman in same class. Veronica broken heart and must fulfill her
family needs. So, she becomes a courtesan. Here, the writer would analyze the main character which changed to be an educated woman, decisive, independent
woman, confidence, struggle and courageous.
In this film Veronica Franco is also described as an educated woman. It is shown when other women embroider, she prefers to read the book see picture
below. 21
The picture captured on 0:03:08 described that Veronica was different with other women who lived in patrialchal world in Venice on 1683; even Venice
was the richest one in Europe and women were treated like property; very few of them were capable to read. What they did were only domestic chores just such as
when they ready get married, they were obligated only to stay of home and follow whatever their husband wanted and Veronica was not one of them.
Veronica often absorbed in reading books. One time, her habit caused Elena Franco, her aunt, to ask her to mind her manners, which she said that she
would be better for women. The dialogue below is captured on 0:06:40 and described that Veronica has high spirit to further learning everything and she
believed that reading will lead her to know whatever she want to. She ignored her aunt attention and warning, she keeps on reading, and only her mother or Paola
Franco who pay attention to her. Elena Franco
: Ladies have better things to do than poison their minds with books.
Paola Franco : Such as.
Elena Franco : Such as minding their manners.
She likes writing a poem at the time she was falling in love with Marco. She used it to describe her feeling. She also gets some opportunities to publish her
poem by Domenico Venier, Marco’s uncle. Maffeo Venier dislike Veronica’s poem which is published by his uncle
and he is afraid of Veronica until he cuts Veronica’s book of poems with his sword. Below are the quotations narrated by him.
Maffeo Venier : Honestly, I didnt think Uncle
was still capable of getting it up. What did you do to him, to get him
to publish this little pile of ditties? Wont give the time of day
to his own flesh and blood. Marco Venier
: She worked for it. Maffeo Venier
: Ill bet she worked for it. What do you cost these days?
Veronica Franco : If your prick is as limp as your verse,
no price could purchase time enough. Domenico Venier
: Just making a point, Cousin. Marco Venier
: Very brave. What point would that be?
Maffeo Venier : Im sorry.
Im sorry. I apologize.
That dialogues captured on 0:46:23. The describes that Veronica is an educated and excellent woman. She does not only read the book but also write
book. Veronica has been appreciated by others because of her ability, efforts and her hard work.
In this film, Veronica’s appearance is visualized as a decisive woman; a decisive woman who has and can show the ability to make quick decision. In
other words, a woman who is able to make quick decision for her own fate. In
