2. How do Lillian and Djuna’s characteristics reflect the ideas of
radical libertarian feminism?
C. Objectives of the Study
Based on the two problems formulated above, the writer aims to answer the questions. The first goal is to find out the characteristics of Lillian and Djuna
in Ladders to Fire. The second goal is to reveal how the ideas of radical libertarian feminism are reflected
through Lillian and Djuna’s characteristics in the novel.
D. Definition of Terms
There are several terms need to be explained in analyzing Anais Nin’s
Ladders to Fire to avoid misunderstanding. Those terms are character, feminism, radical libertarian feminism, masculine, feminine, and androgyny.
1. Character
Abrams explains that characters are the persons presented in a dramatic or narrative work, who are interpreted by the reader as being endowed with moral,
dispositional, and emotional qualities that are expressed in what they say-the dialogue-and by what they do-the action 1971: 21.
2. Feminism
Maggie Humm states that feminism is the ideology of women’s liberation
since intrinsic in its all approaches is the belief that women suffer injustice because of their sex. The definition incorporates both a doctrine of equal rights for
women and an ideology of social transformation aiming to create a world for women beyond simple social equality 1995: 183.
3. Radical Libertarian Feminism
Radical libertarian feminism is one type of feminism whose goal to achieve the equality between men and women by rejecting patriarchal soci
ety’s assumption towards sexism and gender. They claim that women’s oppression is
basically located on men’s dominance. Therefore, they demand for freedom in every aspect of life including sexual preference Evans, 1995:64.
4. Masculine
Abstract masculinity, according to Nancy Hartsock, is a mode of conceptualization that emphasizes mutually exclusive dualities. She suggests that
this accounts for hierarchical dualism in social institutions which underpin gender domination. Evelyn Fox Keller suggests that masculine connotes autonomy,
separation, distance and particularly objectivity Humm, 1995: 163.
5. Femininity
A term which describes the construction of ‘femaleness’ by society and which connotes sexual attractiveness to men. The World feminists interpret ‘femininity’
more positively. For example BudhiEmecheta describes how the self-creation of femininity enables her women characters to become strong and independent
Humm, 1995: 93-94.
6. Androgyny
Greek word from andro male and gyn female which means a psychological and psychic mixture of traditional masculine and feminine virtues. It is to be
distinguished from hermaphroditism, which primarily a physical condition. Second wave feminism suggests that androgyny could offer a new monogendered
personality. Many feminist philosophers claim that androgynous personalities are holistic and have a capacity to experience the full range of human emotions
Humm, 1995: 10. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
8
CHAPTER II REVIEW OF LITERATURE
A. Review of Related Studies
A literary work may have many perspectives. Anais Nin’s books have been discussed before to reveal
Nin’s motives through her novels. Several researches have been done towards one of Anais Nin’s entitled Henry and June. One of the
researches is an undergraduate thesis entitled Radical Libertarian Feminism as Seen in the Main Character of Anais Nin’s Henry and June by Lusi Maria
Widjanarko 2008 from Sanata Dharma University. It concerns on the characteristics of Anais Nin as the main character and how Nin’s characteristics
reflect the ideas of radical libertarian feminism.According to Widjanarko in her research, Anais Nin has several characteristics such as unfaithful, bisexual,
adventurous and seductive woman. Widjanarko also states that the radical libertarian feminism as a part of radical feminism concerns about women’s
freedom in private sphere From Nin’s characteristics which reflect the ideas of Radical Libertarian
Feminism, we can see that women who doesn’t bounded by the gender and sex classification can do what a man usually does. By having an ability to do
what men usually do, a woman can get equal position and freedom 2008: 60.
Widjanarko’s statement above concludes that women should have freedom and not to be limited by gender and sex role. The research by Widjanarko is well-
applied to support this research because of the similar theory of feminism which is the radical libertarian feminism. Moreover, s
ince Anais Nin’s characteristics PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI