Background of the Study

1

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

The first chapter is an introduction which consists of five major parts. They are entitled as background of the study, problem formulation, objectives of the study, benefits of the study, and definition of terms. The first part is background of the study describes briefly some information and reasons of the subject matter. The second part is problem formulation containing questions that will be analyzed in this study. The third part is the objectives of the study which is the part to define the problem formulation more obviously. The fourth part is benefits of the study that provide beneficial from the study to the related parties. The last part is definition of terms explaining two key terms.

A. Background of the Study

Reading literature not only will expand readers’ knowledge but also enrich their soul. In 1998, Abcarian, Klotz, and Richardson state that literature teaches us new ways to read, think, imagine, feel, and make sense of our experience p. 2. Hence, reading literature may become an amusing activity. They also elaborate that literature treats some aspects of human experience imaginatively due to linguistic virtuosity Abcarian, Klotz, Richardson, 1998, p. 1. Furthermore, most literary works illustrate about human life. It gives us an insight into reality, it broadens our awareness of the possibilities of experience, and it valuably affects our nervous system Barnet, Berman, Burto, 1981, p. 8. The works of literature PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI 2 present four literary genres: fiction, poetry, drama, and essay Abcarian, Klotz, Richardson, 1998, p. 2. By exploring the fiction, it generates from some elements, namely plot, character, and theme Barnet, Berman, Burto, 1981, p. 13. Since a story has a theme, symbol are often used to help clarify a theme or give unity to the plot “Symbol”, 2010. According to Robert Frost, he notes that “a symbol small or great of the way the will has to pitch into commitments deeper and deeper to a rounded conclusion” as cited in Barnet, Berman, Burto, 1981, p. 56. Barnet, Berman, and Burto 1981 elaborates that symbol is the organic units of consciousness with a life of their own and you can never explain them away. It is because their value is dynamic, emotional, belonging to the sense- consciousness of the body and soul, and not simply mental p. 56. We experience conflict in our life. It may emerge from either others or ourselves. According to Stanton 1965, he states two kinds of conflict that probably appear, namely: internal and external conflict. Internal conflict is a conflict that exists between two desires within a character. Meanwhile, external conflict is a conflict between characters or between a character and his environment p. 16. Since most of literary works are kind of illustration that happened in real life, conflict also appears in literary works. This study takes By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept as the object of the study. In this novel, In Coelho’s By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept, symbols appear in various forms. It appears in a form of medal, a seminary, a house in Saint-Savin, while the other symbols appear in a form of actions, breaking into the closed-chapel in San Martin de Unx and breaking a glass. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI 3 However, the symbols have a relation the one to each other. The symbols have a crucial role in leading the readers to find the meaning of the story more comprehend. The symbols have their own interpretation to contribute in enriching the novel. Meanwhile, the symbols, that will be analyzed from Coelho’s By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept, will be the guidance to reveal the Young Priest’s conflicts. Paulo Coelho was born in 1947 in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Before starting to write novels, he worked as a director and actor, lyricist and journalist. As a lyricist, he has written for many famous Brazilian performers in music. His interest with the spiritual dates was begun when he travelled around the world learning about secret societies, oriental religions, etc. His first book was Hell Archives which fell down in public eyes in 1982. In 1986, Coelho did the pilgrimage to Saint James of Compostella in which he documented in one of his compositions, The Pilgrimage. Coelho got the public attention through his best loved work on The Alchemist in 1987. The book has sold more than 47 million books worldwide and has been translated into 56 languages. In the following years, Coelho has recorded success through his inspirational compositions such as, Brida 1990, The Valkyries 1992, By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept 1994, the compilation of texts Phrases 1995, The Fifth Mountain 1996, Manual of a Warrior of Light 1997, Veronika Decides to Die 1998, The Devil and Miss Prym 2000, the compilation of traditional tales in Stories for Parents, Children and Grandchildren 2001, Eleven Minutes 2003, The Zahir 2005, PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI 4 The Witch of Portobello 2006 and a compilation of texts, titled Like a Flowing River 2006 which published in a few countries for the moment. By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept is another stunning composition written by Paulo Coelho in 1994. The story has the central discussion about two young lovers, named Pilar and a Young Priest. They used to be childhood friend who finally reunite after eleven years. This novel tells how they resolve and overcome their own conflicts, doubt, and fear in order to choose what they really want in life. This novel also allows the readers to come into the journey of their love. Meanwhile, what the writer wants to analyze is about some symbols which convey their own meaning. It is because the analysis of symbols and their meanings will be used to guide the writer in revealing the Young Priest’s conflicts.

B. Problem Formulation