characters in the novel, the writer focused on the major characters only who are Lillian and Djuna. Their characteristics in the novel were analyzed using the
theory of character and characterization. After studying their characteristics, the writer then related their characteristics with feminism theory, specifically radical
libertarian feminism. Finally, the conclusion of this study was drawn after passing through all the steps.
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CHAPTER IV ANALYSIS
A. The Descriptions of Lillian and Djuna
Based on the two problem formulations discussed in the chapter one, this part of the study aims to answer those formulated questions. The analysis is
divided into two subchapters. The first subchapter aims to answer the descriptions of Lillian and Djuna as the main characters. It consists of the general description
of Lillian and Djuna, specifically their relationship with other men and women. The second part contains the reflection of radical libertarian feminism ideas on
Lillian and Djuna’s characteristics.
1. Lillian
In Ladders to Fire, Lillian is one of the major characters besides Djuna. She is presented as a powerful woman. Her powerful characteristic is mostly shown
through her relationships with several men named Gerard and Jay. Lillian is the woman who plays men’s roles on her relationships by being more responsible
and initiative. She works outside to supply her lovers’ daily needs and makes decision firstly. She also becomes the one handling her relationships with no
men’s interference. Having passive men counterparts makes Lillian passionate about her desire
to have an equal life companion. Hence, she becomes adventurous in her love life by building relationship with several men and women. She has no fear to pursue
her passion and desire. Lillian once builds marriage with a man named Larry and PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
has two children. Yet she is not happy and feels lost in her own family and house. Thus she leaves her family and continues her adventurous love story.
Besides having relationships with men, Lillian also builds relationships with women. She is depicted as a bisexual woman who is very adventurous with her
love life. There are several women becoming Lillian’s affairs named Djuna, Helen, and Sabina. Djuna is firstly presented as Lillian’s besfriend who is
developed later becoming one of Lillian’s lovers. They build a relationship because of the equal power in between. Lillian and Djuna share equal affection
and support each other with no one side dominancy. As a woman, Lillian is very attractive. She owns the charm which can make
her surroundings admires her beauty and personality. One of the women who is attracted with Lillian’s personality is Helen. In Ladders to Fire, Helen is firstly
presented as one of Jay’s affairs who later also becoming Lillian’s affair. She is married and has two children, yet Helen decides to leave her family because she
wants to pursue her passion of living in freedom. Both Lillian and Helen admire each other for being very passionate of their dreams. The mutual attraction of
being courage and passionate between them can successfully build a relationship. Another woman who is attracted with Lillian’s charm named Sabina. As
well as Helen who is firsly presented as one of Jay’s lovers, so does Sabina. When Lillian finds out that Jay has an affair with Sabina, she feels attracted with Sabina
instead. In the novel, Sabina is characterized as an artist who is attractive and has mysterious personal life. Hence, Lillian is curios to know what lies behind
Sabina’s mysterious characteristic. Both of them turn out having mutual PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
