problems and difficulties in our life. Thus, we can still survive and continue our journey of life.
C. Problem Formulation
In analyzing the novel, there are two problems related to the topic of the study. They can be formulated as follows:
1. How is Maria, the major character, described in the novel? 2. How does Maria’s struggle to have a better life?
D. The Benefits of the Study
This study deals with Maria’s struggle for a better life as seen in Paulo Coelho’s Eleven Minutes. The first benefit goes to the readers, especially the
students of English Education study program of Sanata Dharma University. Hopefully, this study will deepen their understanding of life through literary work
especially in Paulo Coelho’s novels. Moreover, it can be a good way to introduce them Paulo Coelho’s literary works. The readers can implement the important
values in the novel into their real life. Secondly, it is hoped that this study will help the teachers of English
because it gives them a good source in teaching literature especially “Eleven Minutes” to the students. The third benefit is for other researchers who want to
analyze this novel. Hopefully this study will be useful for them. This study will provide them with a helpful source and a relevant reference for conducting their
study on the novel. 5
Finally, for me as the writer, it is interesting to know one’s struggle in dealing with one’s own life, especially in the work of literature because it reflects
the real life. I can see other’s experience in dealing with life. This convinces me that I have to struggle to achieve my targets of life.
E. Definition of Terms
Clarifying the important terms related to the study is obviously needed in order to avoid misunderstanding. For that purpose, some related terms are defined
and presented as follows: 1.
Struggle According to McKechnie 367, struggle is a task or goal requiring much
effort to accomplish or achieve. Moreover, Webster states that struggle means to try very hard to deal with a challenge, problem or difficulty 1430. In this study,
struggle refers to human’s effort in dealing with any difficult condition to gain a better life.
2. Character
The word character has two meanings. The first meaning of character refers to the person who appears in the story Stanton 17. The second meaning of
character refers to the person who is presented in dramatic or narrative works who are interpreted by readers as being endowed with moral dispositions qualities that
they are expressed in what they say through their dialogues and what they do Abrams 20. In this study, a character is a person who is created by an author to
form a story through his or her action, feeling and expression. 6
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