Caring about Children Sister Regina’s Personality .1
“Yes, Lucy has told me many times how she loves it, and so has Anne. They are v
ery dear children, Mr. Olсzak.” p. 62 From the statement above, we also can see that Sister Regina is a lovable
person. She likes to be involved in children’s world. She loves to hear what they say and tries to understand them. That makes her students believe that she can find the
answer to every problem they have. Referring to Murphy’s theory 1972: 162, one’s character can be described
through the eyes and opinions of another. Anne’s opinion about Sister Regina describes Sister Regina’s character. What Anne says in this novel shows that Sister
Regina is a caring and lovable woman. “Come on, Lucy. We have to go to school. Let’s go see Sister Regina and
she’ll know what to do.’ p. 100
Sister Regina comes from a big family. In her hometown, it is common that everyone having family relationship lives close to each other. Every night,
especially in a special event, they like to gather around in one’s house, sharing and making jokes. Just like that night, when Sister Regina comes home, every member
of the family gathers around in Sister Regina’s parents. Then, although Sister Regina has to tell something important to her family, but she still considers the
children’s existence in the room. This manner can be seen when she waits the children leaving the dining room Murphy, 1972: 173.
Regina waited to announce her news to the family until the children had left the table and were playing with metal cars in the kitchen room. p. 215
Sister Regina is a style of teacher that understands her students well including the best way to treat them. Sister Regina never grows angry to the
students and she is always patient in facing the students, instead. She does not like PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
to show her anger because it only makes the students become scared to her. When the other nun, Sister Charles gives her student a punishment, she cannot stand for it.
Sister Regina does not think that punishment will solve every problem especially in children. To Sister Regina, children should not be punished, but should be loved.
The author reveals it through her reaction to Sister Mary Charles’ anger in facing children’s naughtiness. In relation to that, Murphy 1972: 168 states that a person’s
character can be known from how that person reacts to various situations and events.
Sister Mary Charles spun around. “This child has disobeyed She must be punished”
“Not that way Not with anger and cruelty” “She disobeyed me not once, but twice, and this is what she gets.”
“No, I will not allow it” p. 177
From the statement above, we can see that Sister Regina loves children very much. She knows well that the way to communicate with children is not by anger or
giving punishment. Children in that age cannot receive such that attitude. Sister Regina at that time cannot accept what Sister Charles has done to her student,
because a child like Anne needs to be taught with love and care.