Focus of the Study

C. Research Question

Based on the background of study, the writer will formulate the matter in order to find the right research in appropriate way. The matter is: 1. What are American nuclear family traditional values represented in “Malcolm in the Middle”?

D. Significance of the Study

After reading this research, the writer hopes that the audiences will understand more about the American nuclear family traditional values as the stimuli to sharpen up their sharp ability on analyzing the literary work. In addition, the writer hopes this research will develop people’s intention to dig deeply more and more in order to find amazing value in the literary work. There are so many literary works like poem, prose and drama reflect to the social life where the literary work was written. That is why many literary works are analyzed by using sociology of literature.

E. Research Methodology

1. Objective

This research aimed to know the traditional values of American nuclear family based on the analysis of the play. 4 5

2. Method

The method of this research is descriptive qualitative method. The writer tries to represent the American nuclear family traditional values reflected in the drama entitled “Malcolm in the Middle” by Linwood Boomer. 3. Technique of Analysis In this research, the writer uses the concept of Margareth Mead to analyze the available data. The American Nuclear Family Traditional Values in “Malcolm in the Middle” will be described based on some episodes in the play. The next, the existing data will be explained and analyzed in order to find the answer as mentioned in the research question.

4. Unit of Analysis

Analysis unit used in this research is the script of drama “Malcolm in the Middle” by Linwood Boomer presented during 2000.

5. Instrument of Research

Research instrument is the writer himself by marking and classifying data from several sources related to the drama.

F. Place and Time

This study was taken place in the State Islamic University started on February 2008 until October 2009, the academic year of 20082009.