An Analysis Of Conflicts in Eric Segal''s Love Story

AN ANALYSIS OF CONFLICTS IN ERICH SEGAL’S

LOVE STORY

A THESIS

NAME : TUTI WARDANI REG NIM : 060721033

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH SUMATERA FACULTY OF LETTERS

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT MEDAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT……….. ABSTRAK……… TABLE OF CONTENTS………

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION………1

1.1. The Background of The Analysis……..………...1

1.2. Problems of The Analysis………..………..3

1.3. Objectives of The Analysis……….………..3

1.4.. Scope of The Analysis……….………3

1.5. The Significance of The Analysis…………..……….4

1.6. Methods of Research of Analysis………...4

1.7. Review of Related Literature……….……….5

CHAPTER II THE CONCEPT OF CONFLICT………7

2. 1 The Definition of Conflict………7

2. 2 The Definition of Internal Conflict ………12

2. 3 The Definition of Outer Conflict ………...…12

CHAPTER III ANALYSIS CONFLICT IN ERICK SEGAL LOVE STORY 3.1. Outer Conflict………..14

3.1.2. Oliver Versus His Parents……..………18

3.1.3. Jenny Versus Oliver’s Parents………...20

3.2. Inner Conflict……….26

3.2.1. Oliver’s inner conflict to Marry Jenny……….26

3.2.2. Oliver’s inner conflict to Tell The Truth Of Jenny’s Sickness……….32

CHAPTER IV CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS 4. 1 Conclusion………37

4. 2 Suggestions……… 38

APPENDICES

APPENDIX I: The Biography of Erich Segal APPENDIXII: The Summary of the novel BIBLIOGRAPHY

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Collins, William. 1984. Collin’s Dictionary of English Language. London:William Collins. Sons & Co. Ltd.

Danziger, Marlies. K and Wendell Stacy Johnson, 1978. The Critical Reader: Analyzing And Judging Literature. New York: Frederick Ungar Publishing Co.

Ellis, Jhon M. 1977. The Theory of Literary Cristism. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Horton B. Paul and Chester L. Hurt. 1976. General Conflict. New York: Random House. Inc

Kenny, Wiliam.1996. How to Analyze Fiction. New York:Monarch Press Marcus, Eric C. Change Processes and Conflict. In Morton Dutsch and Peter T. Coleman (Editors). 2000. The handbook of conflict Resolution : Theory and Pratice. San Fransisco: Jossey- Bass Inc.

Muir, Edwin. 1972. The Structure Of The Novel, New York: Harcourt, Brace & World,Inc

Segal, Erich.1970. Love Story. London:Hodder Paperbacks Ltd.

Shipley, Joseph. 1968. Dictionary Of World Literature. New Jersey: Littlefield, Adams & Co

Wellek, Rene and Austin Warren. 1977. Theory of Literature. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

ABSTRACT

Adapun judul skripsi ini adalah An Analysis of Conflicts in Erich Segal’s Love Story. Skripsi ini membahas tentang konflik-konflik yg terjadi di novel yang ditulis oleh Erich Segal yang berjudul Love Story .

Penulis mengumpulkan dan menyeleksi kutipan-kutipan yang ada di novel sesuai dengan faktor-faktor yang mengakibatkan konflik-konflik yang dialami oleh para karakter didalamnya, berikutnya penulis menganalisis keseluruhan faktor-faktor tersebut dengan mengklarifikasikan konflik eksternal dan konflik internal yang dialami oleh si pelaku utama.

Permasalahan yang akan diangkat dalam thesis ini adalah menganalisis konflik-konflik yang terjadi pada karakter utama. Internal konflik adalah konflik yang muncul dari dalam diri si pelaku utama dan eksternal konflik adalah konflik yang muncul disebabkan oleh orang-orang yang ada di sekitar pelaku utama.

Pembahasan novel Love Story berdasarkan pada pendekatan intrinsic yang memusatkan pembahasan hanya pada isi teks cerita novel. Pembahasan ini diharapkan akam mengungkapkan masalah-masalah penting dalam novel di atas.

The Summary of Love Story by Erich Segal

Oliver Barret first met Jennifer Cavilleri in Radcliffe library where she was studying. Jennifer was unimpressed with neither his intelligence nor his wealth and she thought that he was a loser. Despite her low opinion of him, he couldn’t help invite her to dates and his hockey games. That started their relationship. It wasn’t long before Oliver told her that he loves her although Jennifer didn’t believe him, they were still happy together. She provided him a different perspective to his wealthy life. He grew up in a severely strict house where reputation needed to be uphold and affections were not entertained. With Jennifer, Oliver for the first time felt real love. When Jennifer suddenly started talking about going their separate ways after graduation, Oliver panicked. He was not ready to end their relationship and so he proposed to Jennifer. They went to his parents to announce the news of their marriage but his parents were disapproving of Jennifer because she had no reputable lineage and was poor. Oliver was angry with

his parents and he disowned himself. He proceeded to marry Jennifer while finishing his law degree. It was taugh without his limited access to money. They scrounged every day, working part-time juggling both school and work just to make ends meet. But after graduation, he got great offers from law firms and that made their lives easier. It wasn’t long before they planned on having a baby. But after many futile attempts, they sought medical expertise. It turned out that Jennifer was sterile. But the worse news was that she was dying of leukemia. Oliver couldn’t believe it and he was in so much grief. Furthermore, he needed to tell his wife of her diseases, but he decided not to tell Jennifer and tried to act like normal condition. He eventually tells the truth and they couldn’t do anything but share the grief together. Only a month passed when Jennifer became very ill and they knew that her time was almost up.”

Biography of Erich Segal

The son of a rabbi, Segal attended Midwood High School in Brooklyn and traveled to switzerland to take summer course. A brilliant student, he attended Harvard University, graduating as both the class poet and latin salutatorian in 1958 after which he obtained his Master’s degree and a Doctorate. He was a professor of comparative literature at Yale Univesity and in 1967, from the story by Lee Minoff, he wrote the screenplay for the Beatles 1968 motion picture, Yellow Submarine.

In the late 1960s, Erich Segal collaborated on other screenplays and also had written a romantic story by himself about a Harvard and a Radcliffe student, but failed to sell it. However , literary agent Lois Wallace at william Morris Agency , suggested he phenomenon called Love Sory. A New York Times No:1 bestseller, the book became the top selling work of fiction for all of 1970 in the United States and was translated into more than twenty languages worldwide. The motion picture of the same name was the number one box office atraction of 1971.

Erich Segal went on to write more novels and screenplays including the 1977 sequel to Love Story , called Oliver’s Story. He has published a number of scholarly works as well as teaching at the university level. He has acted a visiting professor for the University of Munich, printceton University, and Dartmouth college. Segal has been married to Karen Marianne James since 1975; they have two daughers.

ACKNOWLEDEMENTS

Alhamdulillah, in the name of Allah SWT, I would like to thank the Almighty God for giving me the guidance, the power, the patience, and the ability to finish this thesis. In addition, great respectable for Prophet Muhammad SAW the leader and the rule model of Moslem forever.

First, I would like to express my sincere gratitute and appreciation to my supervisor Drs. Razali Kasim, M. A and co-supervisor Dra. Syahyar Hanum,DPFE, for their willingness to spend times and patience in guiding, correcting, and supervising this thesis.

Further , I would like to express my gratitute and appreciation to Mr. Syaifuddin,M. A, P. Hd as the dean of Faculty of Letters USU again to Dra. Swesana Mardiah Lubis, M. Hum as head of this departement and Drs. Yulianus Harefa,Med TESOL as the secretary of English Department for giving all facilities and opportunities in completing this thesis, and also I would like to express my gratitute to all lectures of English Department who have given great contribution of knowledge that can improve my intellectual achievement during these academic years.

My deepest gratitute is dedicated to my wonderful family, to my beloved parents, my father Alm.Doddy Suarno and my mother Sukarsih Surip, thanks for the great spirit, pray and endless love you have always been sharing with me, (I can’t imagine how life could be if there weren’t you), to all my lovely broher Mas Eko with his wife mbak Erna and my lovely sisters kak Dessy, kak Enny and Kak Wina (thanks for your support and advice).

I would like to thank my lovely husband M. Dhani ,thanks for your love, support,and advice. You’re the best I ever had.

Then, I would like to thank my best friends Dewi Ratih, Fatimah Zahara Dewi Anggraini , Rina Budiarti, Nining, Gita, Ami, Ria thanks for a nice friendship, I love you all and all of my friends in ’06 extension student for their frienship during studying in English Departement. Viva Friendship forever.

May Allah SWT, the almighty bless them all. Amiiin.

Medan , Agustus 2008 The writer

Tuti Wardani

ABSTRACT

Adapun judul skripsi ini adalah An Analysis of Conflicts in Erich Segal’s Love Story. Skripsi ini membahas tentang konflik-konflik yg terjadi di novel yang ditulis oleh Erich Segal yang berjudul Love Story .

Penulis mengumpulkan dan menyeleksi kutipan-kutipan yang ada di novel sesuai dengan faktor-faktor yang mengakibatkan konflik-konflik yang dialami oleh para karakter didalamnya, berikutnya penulis menganalisis keseluruhan faktor-faktor tersebut dengan mengklarifikasikan konflik eksternal dan konflik internal yang dialami oleh si pelaku utama.

Permasalahan yang akan diangkat dalam thesis ini adalah menganalisis konflik-konflik yang terjadi pada karakter utama. Internal konflik adalah konflik yang muncul dari dalam diri si pelaku utama dan eksternal konflik adalah konflik yang muncul disebabkan oleh orang-orang yang ada di sekitar pelaku utama.

Pembahasan novel Love Story berdasarkan pada pendekatan intrinsic yang memusatkan pembahasan hanya pada isi teks cerita novel. Pembahasan ini diharapkan akam mengungkapkan masalah-masalah penting dalam novel di atas.

I.INTRODUCTION

1.1.The background of the analysis

The title of this thesis is conflict in Love Story novel by Erick Segal. Novel belongs to prose fiction, longer in form than a short story. Besides prose fiction there is also prose non-fiction, such as biography. The difference between fiction and non-fiction is that fiction is mostly based on the author’s imaginative power, while non- fiction is mostly based on factual events.

Prose belongs to one of literary genres. Besides prose, there are two other literary genres, those are poetry and drama. Out of the three literary genres, prose, especially novel, is the most popular and interesting one. In a novel an author can describe the characters, plot, and setting more freely and comprehensively than in poetry or drama.

Every prose fiction contains a story. It is necessary to comprehend what story means. Kenny (1966:2) states that:

“A story is minimum events that occur in temporal sequence that is one after another. The story of a man’s life, for example, will include his birth, his growing up, his marriage, his growing old, his death. Obviously, these events occur over a priod of a time”

The analysis in this thesis does not focus only on that minimum of events but also on the story that contains conflicts. What is meant by conflict is further explained by Kenny (1966:19):

“The conflicts with which fictions concern it self are of many kinds. A story may deal with a conflict within a single man, a conflict between man and nature, and so on”

In reference to what Kenny says about the conflict above, I’ve found that conflict deals with life situation. It is only situation that offers a conflict. So, the focus of my attention is internal and outer conflicts in a love story novel. Conflict is an important element in the plot structure of a story. We can say that there is no story without conflicts

Conflict may occur from various reasons. A Man, for example, prefers choosing his deep love to his rich family. If he chooses his deep love, he will become a poor man. He has to work hard in order to get some money. In this case he has some conflict with his own family and conflict within his own mind.

Such conflicts can be found in the love story novel by Erich Segal and it makes the novel very interesting. The conflicts in the above Erich Segal’s

novel involve love affair which makes us curious to read and analyze the novel.

1.2.Problems of Analysis

Some problems dealing with the analysis of Erich Segal’s novel, Love Story can be mentioned as follows,

1. What kind of conflicts found in the above novel? 2. What are the causes of conflicts in the above novel? 3. How does the author of this novel end the conflicts?

1.3.Objectives of the analysis

As the focus of analysis in this thesis is conflicts in Erich Segal’s novel, the objectives of the analysis are, therefore, related to the conflict, they are:

1. To reveal what kind of conflicts found in the novel 2. To reveal the causes of the conflicts

3. To find out the resolution of the conflicts

1.4. Scope of the analysis

The focus of analysis of a literary work can be varied; it can be focused on theme and motif, plot, point of view or setting. It is common,

therefore, to choose only on one focus of analysis or to restrict the scope of analysis. In this thesis the analysis will be focused on the conflict in Erich Segal’s novel.

1.5. The significance of the analysis

The analysis of Erich Segal’s novel provides some important points, they are:

1. It provides the writer of this thesis to get better understanding about Erich Segal’s novel, Love Story.

2. It enriches the writer’s knowledge on literature in general and also on human life.

1.6. Methods of research and analysis

Research on a written literary work that has long been published is usually carried out by library research. In a library research the researcher has to go to some libraries, either public or private, to collect some data needed for the thesis or other scientific writing. After the data collected are

sufficient, then the data are selected, while making some necessary notes before writing the thesis.

In analyzing Erich Segal’s novel, the writer of this thesis applies textual analysis or in Rene Wellek’s and Austin Warren’s term in their book Theory Of Literature it is called intrinsic approach. According to them (1977:139):

“Intrinsic approach is the natural and sensible starting point for work in literary scholarship is the interpretation and analysis of the works of literature themselves.”

It means that she will not try to relate the text with outside elements, such as biography, history, philosophy etc.

1.7 Review of Related Literature

In writing this thesis the writer has consulted and used some books which are relevant to the topic of this thesis. Some of the books are as follow:

Marlies K.Danziger and Wendell Stacy Johnson.(1966:2) in their book The Critical Reader: Analyzing and Judging Literature this book tells us

about the analysis of literary works which focuses on plot and character. It also talks about some frames of references and judgment of literature.

William Kenny (1966:19) in their book How to Analyze Fiction this book explains the steps of analyzing fiction and beside it also describes the elements in fictions.

Rene Wellek and Austin Warren in their book Theory of Literature this book consists of four parts. Out of the four parts, part three, that is about the extrinsic approach to the study of literature, and part four, that is about “ The intrinsic Study of literature” are the important parts.

II. THE CONCEPT OF CONFLICT

2.1 The Definition of Conflict

A human being has several basic needs that must be fulfilled in order to survive. Those basic needs are drinks, food, home, oxygen, and so on, which are mostly needed for the scale of physical growth or survival, above all, there is something which is essential for mental development and psychological satisfaction that is environment. In order to pursue those needs a human being is in conflict with another. Conflict is the universal problems of every human being as long as they are still alive. They are unable to avoid from what is called conflict. Collin’s English Language Dictionary says that:

“Conflict is an encounter between a character’s purpose and obstacle of other’s purpose, the forces of hostile environment” (1984:70)

From the statement above, we can conclude that conflict refers to the opposition or disagreement felt by someone that is related to his mind way of thinking and feeling. Conflict sometimes causes harm to someone or to another person who is involved in the conflict.

Conflict according to the above dictionary clearer explanation is further stated in Dictionary of World Literature (1968:75) ,

“Involves two opposing forces; these forces may be embodied

1. In two individuals, hero and villain (Treasure Island, All melodramas.

2. In one person and society (Dickens Social novels, most fiction spanning a whole life.

3. Within one individual, the protagonist, as when love and duty.

A Tale of Two Cities combines the inner and the outer conflict. There must also be a cause of opposition, or a goal. The events of the conflict form the plot.

From the quotation above there are three types of conflict. The first and two are called outer conflict, while the third one is inner conflict. Conflict is an important element in plot structure , although sometimes the conflict is not clearly described. Different from the above opinion Kenny (1966:19) Stated that conflict may also occur between man nature. In this case there is

a struggle between man and nature such as described in The Old Man And The Sea where Santiago has to fight against Marlin and Sharks.

A conflict is also meant as an encounter between a characters purpose and obstacles to their fulfillment. This may consist of other’s purpose. The forces of hostile environment or wearing impulses within the character himself. Sometimes conflicts are related to the sadism or brutally as Paul B.Horton and Chester L. Hunt says:

“The atrocities in conflict are often mistakenly attributed his sadism or brutality of the individuals who commit them. Yet ordinary people in a extradinary situation commit most of the atrocity in group conflicts. The conflict process often places people in roles where must be brutal”(1976:71)

This statement is surely true because nowadays so maniacs acted by persons that we know as good citizen. We will never know a man who thinks about one thing in a certain situation, unless we have known him for a long time. Even a close friend can be an enemy if the condition and situation change him.

When the conflict appears in life, the reaction of different individuals who are involved is different too. Some of individuals may face the reaction with emotion, but some other people may solve the conflict in compromise.

It means that the individuals who are involved will have the response to approach two objects at the same time or to keep a distance from both of the alternatives have two characteristic, advantage or disadvantage. On the order hand, we can say that a conflict is like a competition because the purpose is to defeat his rivals. Someone who is involved in the conflict tries his effort to offset the order to gain his needs or desires. So a conflict influences the mental of someone become who may depressed on as Moskowitz says:

“Depression is not an illness, it follows no regular course has no particular or specific outcome. It is type of emotional reaction with distinctive characteristic, the roots of the characteristic exist in everyone”(1969:178)

The novel Love Story talks about conflict besides the romantic love and sadness. Beginning with the relationship between Jenny is the girl from the poor family and her husband Oliver is the boy from the rich family, in their marriage appear many conflicts.

Usually, a narrative whether a novel or short story has an introduction, a complication and a resolution. In the middle of the story

some difficulties arises. Conflict is the opposition of person or forces upon which the action depends on drama and fiction.

It is common that everyone will experience conflict in his life since conflict is a natural part of human life. It exists as a phenomenon in every type of human relationships at any level from intrapersonal to global.

Marcus (2000:366) defines that conflict is incompability of ideas, beliefs, behavior, roles, needs, desires, values, and so on. While Sanderson (1991:505) defines conflict as an opposition of interest between and among various individual and social groups, which may or may not be overly observable, and which may or may not break out into dispute or physical violence.

Based on the definition above, it is seen that the existence of conflict refers to the incompability of things between two or more people or groups of people who get involved with each other.

Things that become the core of conflict could be related to human needs. When people have needs that are not met or incompatible with the other people’s needs, they are in conflict. Need is a force in the brain region

that organizes perception, thought, and action so as to change an existing unsatisfactory condition (Deutsch and Coleman,2000:297)

2.2. The Definition of Internal Conflict

The internal conflict, that is the struggle within oneself; a person must make some decision, quite their temper, resist an urge. Internal conflicts is the dilemma facing the character inside and its impact on that arouse a universal emotion in people, whether it’s inner need, desire, belief, or turmoil. Internal conflict between good and evil, strength and weakness, love and hate, etc.

2.3. The Definition Of Outer Conflict

The outer conflict that is the struggle with a force outside oneself. An outer conflict is kind of an argument that you have with somebody. As an addition, Kenny (1967:14) argues that there are three basic of conflicts in all plot of prose fiction. The three basic conflicts most frequently cited are: (1) The individual in conflict with another, (2) The individual in conflict

with himself, and (3)The individual in conflict with an outside force (for example, society and supernatural agents)

III. ANALYSIS CONFLICT IN ERICH SEGAL’S LOVE STORY

As the introduction to the analysis of conflicts in Erich Segal’s love story, the writer of this thesis wants to reveal to readers that there are two main scopes of the analysis, they are outer conflicts which portray the conflicts between Oliver versus his beloved person Jenny and between Oliver and his parents, and inner conflict which describes Oliver’s hesitation in his mind what to do or not to do in his life. All these will be analyzed in this thesis.

3.1. Outer Conflict

3.1.1. Oliver Versus Jenny

The conflict which is portrayed in this novel commonly happened in our daily life between the haves and the have not.. The main character Oliver derives from a rich family whereas Jenny comes from a poor family, it is can be seen on their first meeting as their conversation quoted below:

You look stupid and rich,”

She said, removing her glasses you’re wrong,” I protested,” I’m actually smart and poor.” “oh, no, preppie. I’m smart and poor.”

She was staring straight at me….okay, may be I look rich,….“ (Erich Segal 1970:12)

From the quotation above we can see when Oliver and Jenny meet for the first time Oliver’s style really look like a boy from rich family meanwhile Jenny’s style is simple. At that time Oliver doesn’t like Jenny’s style because he thinks Jenny has countrified style especially loathed that thing she carried for a hand bag.

The social status between Oliver and Jenny is very different. Oliver derives from rich family and his life is in luxury but Jenny derives from a poor family, and she always lives in poverty. Oliver‘s father is a successful person. He can provide his family with a lot things. No wonder that Oliver can get everything he likes or can go wherever he wants. This condition is contradictory with Jenny’s. her father is not successful as Oliver’s; that is why he cannot provide his family with enough material needs.

Jenny knows when she starts to make relationship with Oliver this relationship will not run smoothly because they have different social status. She is completely aware that she must not expect too much from her relationship with Oliver because sooner or later there will be some conflict

between them. The conflict between them is portrayed in the following quotation,

“Nadia boulanger. A famous music teacher. “in Paris….” Jennifer you are going to Paris? I’ve never seen Europe. I can hardly wait…” Ollie, don’t be stupid, she said “.

It is inevitable,” What’s inevitable?” We graduate and we go our separate ways. You’ll go to law, ”Wait a minute-

What are you talking about?” Now she looked me in the eye. And her face was sad.

“Ollie, you are preppie millionaire and I’m a social zero” (Erich Segal 1970:46)

Jenny is fully conscious that she is poor. It is not possible for her to go to Paris. Her condition is far different from Oliver’s. Oliver can go anywhere he likes. Consequently, she feels that she is not suitable to have close relationship with Oliver because of the difference in their condition of life. That is why Jenny intends to stay away from Oliver. She is afraid their togetherness will not last permanently because it only works out during their study. Having graduated, they will find their own way. It is natural because Oliver derives from a rich family and is able to continue his study in the place that he wants, whereas Jenny has no much money to continue her study. She has no financial support. This condition triggers a conflict

own way. Oliver will continue to study in a law school and Jenny will back to her ordinary life and it is obviously narrated by Erick Segal as :

“ Ollie, don’t be stupid, “ She repeated. “ Harvard is like Santa’s Christmas bag. You can stuff any crazy kind of toy into it. But when the holiday’s over, they shake you Out…”She hesitated.

“….and you gotta go back where you belong.” “ You mean you’re going to bake cookies in Cranston, ……?

I was saying desperate things.

“ Pastries “she said. “ and don’t make fun of my father.” “then don’t leave me, jenny, please.” (Erich Segal 1970:46-47)

The difference in opinion is revealed in the above quotation. Without his consciousness, Oliver has hurt Jenny because Jenny fells that Oliver makes fun of her father’s condition of life. Erick Segal is a brilliant author and it is proved through this novel because he is able to reveal the actual topic in our daily life into a novel. The novel is presented well through his simple language style so that the story can touch the heart of the readers. That is why this novel is regarded as of Erick Segal’s masterpiece.

3.1.2. Oliver Versus His Parents

A family is the nicest place if the relationship among the members of the family is harmonious. We may share our happiness and sorrow to brothers, our sisters and even to our parents so that we may get peacefulness in our life. It is so because the relationship among the members of the family is not bound with materialistic life but more than that this bound with emotion, affection and even blood so that if one gets pain another will gets pain too.

Talking about family, the one who loves us most is our parents. All parents in this world want their child to get better in their life as narrated in this novel how Oliver father cares so much to Oliver:

“Come in, son…..” he said we looked at one another,…. “How have you been, son? ”he asked

“ well, sir, “I answered,” (Erich Segal 1970:118)

The affection of a father to his son is obviously shown through the above dialogue between Oliver and his father. No matter what is his son and how bad his son looks like, still a love of a father will flow on it forever. This fact belong to a father generally in this world. What a father wants to give to his son is the best thing that he could give. It is so because the

relationship between them is found of pure affection from a deepest heart of a father who loves so much to their blood descent.

Sometimes the sons who are still young and have no white black experience in this life interpret the kindness of their parents in the wrong way. It is because they are still immature and only follow their emotion, not their mind. It often happens that even the best thing is given to them by their parents will be rejected if the thing is a contradictory with their wish.

The difference in opinion is again clearly depicted by the writer of the novel but the difference in opinion may trigger a conflict between Oliver and his father as seen in the following dialogue,

“We ran the usual conversational gamut,

which centers around Old Stony’s favorite nontopic, my plans.

“Tell me, Oliver, have you heard from the law school?” “Actually, father, I haven’t definitely decided on law school.” “I was merely asking if law school had definitely decided on you,” (Erich Segal 1970-29)

According to the quotation above we may say that actually there is no need to have conflict between them because his father tries to give the best school to Oliver, but the way his father tells Oliver is too authoritative. A law school which only a few people can join it because it costs a lot of

money so that only those who come from rich families who have much money to support financial cost might do that. There are many people who want to join law school can not join because of lack of financial support whereas Oliver who has fully support from his father wants to reject it just because his selfish attitude can not accept his father’s kindness. Oliver curses his father’s kindness and rejects it as quotation below describes:

“But what does he do to qualify as a sonovabitch?”…

I told her how I loathed being programmed for the Barett Tradition……

“What I hate is that he expects no less!”

Just saying what I had always felt (but never before spoken)made me feel uncomfortable as hell,……” (Erich Segal 1970: 37)

A good thing from a father gets bad reaction from a son and it often occurs in their daily life.

3.1. 3. Jenny versus Oliver’s Parents

In a romance, wealth has no effect when a man and a woman are in love each other. This condition can be seen on a couple of lovers who is madly in love with as Jenny and Oliver. We know that Oliver derives from a rich family where as Jenny comes from a social zero family but they may

knit their love harmoniously. They have no problem with their social status. This condition is a contrary to their parents, especially for Oliver’s parents. Because Oliver parents are a rich family and come from high social status, they will observe selectively one who will be the future spouse of their sons as Oliver’s mother does :

“….. Doubtless mother was sizing up Jennifer, checking out her costume (not Boho this afternoon),

Her posture, her demeanor, her accent.” (Erich Segal 1970:53)

By sizing up Oliver’s lover, his mother wants to make sure that his son will not do something wrong in choosing his life’s companion. It is a form of parent’s affection toward their son by trying to give the best thing to their sweetheart.

Actually Jenny does not get much sympathy from Oliver’s parent when she pays a first visit to Oliver’s family. Although Jenny has tried to conduct her best performance, yet Oliver’s mother still scrutinizes Jenny’s social status as :

“So your people are from Cranston, Jenny?” “Mostly. My mother was from fall river.” “The Barretts have mills fall river, “ noted Oliver III. “ Where they exploited the poor for generations. “ added Oliver IV

“ in the nineteenth century, “ added Oliver III” (Erich Segal 1970:55)

Nowadays, most of people trust that wealth possesses an important factor in reaching happiness in life, especially in a marriage life. Therefore they believe without money and wealthy, one will not get happiness in marriage life. It is obviously showed by Oliver’s mother and father as well. They just welcome Jenny’s visit to their house but there is no warm greeting upon her first visit.

Actually Oliver’s parents attitude is a normal one which will be found to other parents if they face the same thing as Oliver’s parents have. They will observe all the facts and all possibilities which will befall their son’s life. Looking back to the case between Jenny and Oliver that they are still studying and they are not mature enough to get married. Furthermore they have no job to support their new life. No wonder that Oliver’s parent feel worried about this because young people customarily rely on their emotion than their logic. But Jenny and Oliver are in deeply love each other. Young people do not know how hard to run marriage life including all responsibilities towards it. They just think that they will be happy if they

could be together and it can be realized by getting marriage as Oliver’s argument to his father upon his marriage planning as :

“Your rebellion, “ He added.” You are rebelling, son” “Father, I fail to see how marrying a beautiful and Brilliant Radcliffe girl constitutes rebellion. I mean, She’s not some crazy hippie-“ (Erich Segal 1970: 61)

The quotation above indicates that Oliver respect Jenny because Jenny is not like other young men and women. She is a good girl. For this reason Oliver has the courage to contradict with his father. Although Oliver’s planning to get married is opposed by his father, yet Oliver’s is still persisting to go on his own way.

Day after day, Oliver’s relationship with Jenny is closer. They do not care if their romance won’t get approval from Oliver’s parent. It also means that Jenny must prepare herself not to be accepted by Oliver’s parents.

Due to the student’s life far from their parents, they have freedom to do anything without getting an intervention from their parents including their relationship with their sex opponent as depicted about Oliver and Jenny romance quoted :

“ Our first physical encounter was the polar opposite of our verbal one.

I was all so unhurried, so soft, so gentle. I had never realized that this was the real jenny the soft one, whose touch was so light and so loving.

And yet what truly shocked me was my own response.

I was gentle. I was tender …. As I said, I had never seen jenny with so much as her sweater opened an extra button. I was some what surprised to find that she wore a tiny jenny golden cross. On one of those chains that never unclock. Meaning that when we made love, she still wore the cross.” (Erich Segal 1970: 41)

Oliver’s and Jenny’s relationship grows to be serious as if they could not be separated anymore. Since they are in ardent love each other they are not hopeless to find another way to get support upon their relationship. They know that Jenny’s father is very fond of Jenny. So that they believe that their relationship will get support from him. For this reason, they pay a visit to Jenny’s father in order to get support from him as:

“ At dinner (the pastries turned out to be merely as snack)Phil tried to have a serious talk with me about you can guess what. For some crazy reason he thought he could effect a rapprochement between Olivers III and IV. “ Let me speak to him on the phone, father to father, “ he pleaded. “ Please, Phill, it’s a waste of time. “ I can’t sit here and

allow a parent to reject a child. I can’t.”….. “ get him on the phone,” Phill repeated, “ I’II take care of this. “ No, Phill. My father and I have Installed a cold line. “ Aw, listen Oliver he’ll thaw. Believe me I tell you he’ll thaw.” (Erich Segal 1970 :68)

Warm welcome and blessing from Jenny’s father upon their relationship is a turning point to their hazardous romance. They are more

confident that their romance will run smoothly. It is no wonder if they get support from Jenny’s father since as we know that Jenny comes from a social zero family whereas Oliver comes from a rich family. We may guess that in the mind of Jenny’s father he is sure that by getting married with very rich person, his daughter’s future will shine brightly. It is something which is pursued by all parents towards his daughter‘s happy and secure life in the future..

This condition is a contradiction with Oliver’s parent. Oliver parents still can not bless their relationship since Oliver is regarded not ready to get married with Jenny. It is a crucial matter upon the conflict between Oliver and his parents. In order to prevent their marriage planning, Oliver’s father gives a final warning to Oliver whether he chooses Jenny or else he will lose his father’s affection and also his father’s financial support as the following quotation describes:

“ Oliver. “ He began a new round. “ You’re a minor-“ “ a minor that ?” I was losing my temper, goddammit. “ You are not yet twenty one. Not legally an adult.” “ Screw the legal nitpicking, dammit !” ……

“ Marry her now, and I will not give you the time Of day. “ Who gave a shit if somebody overheard. “ Father, you don’t know the time of day.”

(Erich Segal 1970:62)

The argument quoted above is a real condition which will happen if the parents and also the son or daughter are too selfish and just think their own interest. Conflicts presented in this novel are very touching that has made Erich Segal as one of the greatest novelists in English and American literature. He obviously conveys his message that either the parents or the children must think before doing something, last but not least both parties have to curb their selfishness so that those will be able to avoid either a family conflict or a friction in their household forever and never. It is a kind of moral lesson which is performed through this novel.

3.2.Inner Conflict

3.2.1. Oliver’s Inner Conflict to Marry Jenny

There is a mistake to most of parents in interpreting the happiness of their children. They think by providing a lot of money and also all luxurious facilities to their children, they have given happiness to their children. All things are measured by material which are regarded pretty enough to satisfy their descendant. Although by sight we look that the children of the haves

look happy, yet some of them are unhappy because they do not get emotional affection by their parents. Simply happiness can not be measured by money but there is another need should be fulfilled, namely affection and attention. By giving affection and attention to the children, they feel that they are needed by their parents. They need a place to cry on when they face a problem so that they are not feeling lonely in their life. If all things are measured by material life, there will be monotonous relationship between children and father as quoted below in the conversation between Oliver and his father.

“At dinner , we had yet another in our continuing series of nonconversations, all of which commence With “How’ve you been ?” and conclude with “ Anything I can do?”

“ How’ve you been ,son?” “ fine, sir

“Does you face hurt?” “No, Sir.”

It was beginning to hurt like hell.

“ I’d like Jack wells to look at it on Monday …….He’s specialist.’

“ The Cornell doctor wasn’t exactly a veterinarian” I said, hoping to dampen my father’s usual snobbish enthusiasm for specialists, experts and all other “top people”. (Erich Segal 1970: 28)

It is clear that actually Oliver is getting bored upon his monotonous topic of conversation since his father only gives attention more to his physical needs

than to his emotional needs. It is actually a wrong deed which is unaware by most of parents in this world. Through this novel, Eric Segal wants to convey his moral lesson to those who read this novel and to those who want to improve their attitude toward their children’s happiness. The parents should give a balance attention to the development of physical and mental as well.

If the physical need is unbalance with his emotional need the children will try to get it through another person who will be able to give peaceful and happiness as Oliver does. As we know that Oliver lives in overwhelming money yet he does not get happiness until he falls in love with Jenny as described in the following quotation,

“I sat there for a while, watching a neon sign blink “Clamp and Oysters”. What I had loved so much about Jenny was her ability to see inside me, to understand things I never needed to carve out in words”. (Erich Segal 1970: 59)

It is clear that Oliver needs attention and understanding upon his emotional development which he does not get from his father. Oliver feels that he is needed by other person and feels that he is cared too. If these things are not soon realized by parents, their relationship to their son will be wide apart.

The more parents are neglecting it the farther their relationship to their son will be. The father and the son will go on to their own way because they are busy to handle upon their own business.

The conflict happens because of Oliver’s intention to marry Jenny comes out when he pays a visit to his parent house to introduce his lover Jenny as his girl friend. Oliver realizes that he must get blessing from his father about his relationship with Jenny; therefore he asks her to come together to his house,

“Why I was taking her to meet them, any way? I mean, did I really need Old Stonyface’s blessing or anything? Part of it was that she wanted to (“ That’s the way it’s done, Oliver”) and part of it was the simple fact that Oliver III was my banker in the very grossest sense; he paid the goddamn tuition . (Erich Segal 1970: 49)

Although Oliver is an the opponent side of his father wish, yet he still acknowledges that he should honor his parents, especially to his father by introducing his sweet heart to him. If Oliver’s father would like to realize that his son is getting a happiness in his life by having romance with Jennifer, he ought to approve upon Oliver’s relationship. A duty of a father is to guide his son to the right way to reach a better future and happiness in

life. If a father realizes his duty and a son also knows his duty too, there will be no a friction or conflict in a household and all things will run in harmony it seems that there is no harmonious relationship between Oliver and his father because his father is too selfish as he often dictates upon Oliver life as quoted below:

“What I hate is that he expect no less,” just saying what I had always felt ( but never before spoken) made me feel uncomfortable as hell, but now I had to make Jenny understand it all. “And he’s so incredible blasé when I do some through. I mean he just takes me absolutely for granted.” (Erich Segal 1970: 57)

Facing his father’s attitude toward him, Oliver feels that he is only a mannequin so that he wants to break it up and to get new identity of his life. It seems that it is a kind of rebellion upon his. It is a youthful spirit who feels oppressed upon his father’s arbitrariness to his life. By getting married, Oliver thinks that he will get new identity. He will be honored by his wife and further will get affection from his wife although he ponders upon his decision to get married and realize that he is in growing up phase to be mature in his life as described in the following quotation,

“My father’s basic comment concerned what he considered excessive velocity. Haste. Precipitous ness. I forget his exact words, but I know the text for his sermon during our luncheon

at the Harvard Club concerned itself primarily with my going too fast. He warmed up for it by suggesting that I not bolt my food. I politely suggested that I was a grown man, that he should no longer correct or even comment upon- any behavior”. (Erich Segal 1970: 60)

As a matter of fact there is inner fighting in Oliver’s heart whether he should obey his father’s instruction to study law first than to get married later. In his pondering to choose a difficult choice on his life his father makes a great mistake by threatening him to choose his marriage or to choose his father’s instruction to study in law faculty with the consequence that Oliver is forbidden to get married soon as the dialogue below explains,

“Marry her now ,and I will not give you the time of day ….. “Father, you don’t know the time of day”. I walked out of His life and began my own.” (Erich Segal 1970:62)

It is a kind of moral lesson to a selfish father not to dictate his son’s life as he wishes. A father should have wisdom in order to solve different opinion with his son so there is no need a conflict between them provided each of them would give away their selfishness in order to get better condition in their life.

3.2.2. Oliver’s inner conflict to Tell The Truth Of Jenny’s Sickness.

At the beginning of Oliver’s marriage life, all things run smoothly although as the consequence of it, he should lose his parent’s attention. He does not care about that because he gets the thing that he has pursued in his life, that is happiness as stated in the following quotation,

“ Jenny, I’m sorry---“

“ Stop!” She cut off my apology, then said very quietly, “ Love means not ever having to say you’ re sorry “ I climbed up the stairs to where

she was sitting “I’d like to go to sleep. Okay?” She said. “Okay.”

We walked up to our apartment’s we undressed, She looked at me reassuringly.

“I meant what I said, Oliver. “ and that was all” ( Erich Segal 1970: 92)

Oliver is a tough guy and it is proved by his perseverance to get either his study or his job. Although he is brought in a rich family which everything has been prepared by his parents yet he still tries hard to overcome his difficulty by his own power. We may imagine how hard Oliver’s marriage life as at the beginning, because beside he should earn some money to support this marriage life, he also must continue his study at

law faculty. In order to overcome it, he tries to get scholarship from the dean of the Harvard law school as quoted below:

“Did I hear you right, Mr. Barrett?” “Yes, sir, Dean Thompson.”

It had not been easy to say the first time. It was no easier repeating it.

“ I’ll need a scholarship for next year, sir.” “Really?”

That’s why I’m here, sir. You are

In charge of Financial Aid, aren’t you, Dean Thompson?” “Yes, but it’s father curious. Your father-“

“ He’s no longer involved, sir”. (Erich Segal 1970: 71)

Oliver is not like a cry baby who always complains about his problem or trouble to his parents. He does not want to do that. He is a boy with persistent attitude. He has made a choice and he will stick to it. He does not want to use his father’s great name to run smoothly his business. In order to reach success in his life, he continuously makes every effort; luckily he is supported by his beloved wife who gets a job as a teacher.

My illustrious name enabled us to establish a charge account at a grocery store which would otherwise have

denied credit to students. And yet it worked to our disadvantage

at a place I would least have expected : the Shady Lane School, where jenny was to teach”(Erich Segal 1970:81)

Having passed their daily life during those fast three years in happiness and sorrow, finally Oliver is able to pass his study in a law faculty. Actually Oliver is a smart boy so that he gets good remark upon his graduation.

Although he must study in a minimum facilities and condition, yet he is able to pass all the subjects successfully. Because he has graduated from his law study, he can get better job for his future.

Things change, his happiness turns to sadness. The inner conflict in Oliver’s life begins when he takes his wife to a specialist doctor to check whether his wife is pregnant or not. In order to maximize the result of its check up, he repeatedly brings his wife to the doctor. Oliver suspects that there is something hidden by the doctor about his wife’s health .Having come and approached the doctor continuously, he finally gets the truth of his wife’s health condition which should be hidden to his wife as quoted below.

“ The doctor explained that what therapy they had For Jenny’s form of leukemia was merely palliativeIt could relieve, it might retard, but it could not reverse.…..Therapy for a while……..do I asked him what to do.I mean, what I should do. He told me to act as normal as possible for as long as

possible. I thanked him and left normal ! normal !” (Erich Segal 1970: 107)

It is the hardest and the most crucial moment in Oliver’s life. He must act as normal as possible to hide the fact of jenny’s health. Actually he does not have a heart to deceive Jenny as he does but he is forced to do that. Every time when he wakes up in the morning and he finds Jenny’s stay around him, he thanks god that god still gives him time to see his beloved wife. Finally, Oliver feels his life is like in a hell by pretending everything is in normal condition. He should face his life as it goes, but he feels bad because he has to conceal his wife’s real condition of health.

Oliver devotes his life to God in the hope that God pours miracle to cure Jenny so that Jenny could be in healthy condition. It is normal that someone who is in desperate condition will ask for God’s help. When there is no hope anymore, one usually turns back his heart and his mind to God in order to get peaceful spirits in his life. It is a general truth and something undeniable.

Jenny’s bad condition continues; she doesn’t seem to get better. At last Oliver couldn’t bear keeping the secret any longer because it annoys

him very much. It becomes a heavy burden for him because he has told lies to his wife. Finally he makes up his mind to reveal Frankly about the truth of his wife’s sick condition.

By telling the truth Oliver feels he has released heavy burden. He thinks his wife will die soon because there is no remedy for Leukemia. He doesn’t want that his wife dies without knowing anything about her sickness.

Out of several characters in Erich Segal’s Love Story, Oliver suffers from inner conflict very much. Oliver parents, especially his father, is a strict and determined man. He also suffers inner conflict a little as his son doesn’t want to follow his order. But he doesn’t care much what will happen to his son.

IV.CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION

4.1. Conclusion

The novel which is entitled Love Story by Erich Segal is an interesting novel. The conflicts that happen among characters in the novel can be divided into kinds, they are: outer conflict between the main character with other characters and the internal conflict of the main character.

There are some causes of conflicts in this novel. The first one is the difference in social status. The two families, Oliver’s and Jenny’s come from different social background as Oliver’s parents are rich and have high social status, while Jenny’s parents are poor. This difference makes the relationship between Oliver and Jenny doesn’t run smoothly.

The second cause is the father’s attitude that wants to control his son’s future life . It is reflected in the conflict between Oliver and his father.

Beside the above outer conflict, there is also inner (internal) conflict; the conflict within Oliver’s mind. The conflict is caused by Oliver’s hesitation to marry Jenny and to tell the truth about Jenny’s sick condition.

Love Story is a tragic story. There two ways the author of this novel ends up the conflicts. The first one is to describe the marriage between Oliver and Jenny and the second one is to end Jenny’s life.

4.2.Suggestions

From the analysis, the writer will suggest some important things as described below:

1. The novel is worth reading. By reading this novel, reader can get good moral lessons about someone’s faithfulness, suffering, and conflict in mind.

2. The novel also presents a story which may happen to every one in life. Difference in social status means nothing if two persons have deep love feeling. One may not give up easily if there is an obstacle in their life. This is what happen to Oliver and Jenny who attempt to overcome their problem.

3.We must realize that man propose God disposes. Oliver can marry Jenny and live together, but they have to be separated as God ends up Jenny’s life.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Collins, William. 1984. Collin’s Dictionary of English Language. London:William Collins. Sons & Co. Ltd.

Danziger, Marlies. K and Wendell Stacy Johnson, 1978. The Critical

Reader: Analyzing And Judging Literature. New York: Frederick Ungar

Publishing Co.

Ellis, Jhon M. 1977. The Theory of Literary Cristism. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Horton B. Paul and Chester L. Hurt. 1976. General Conflict. New York: Random House. Inc

Kenny, Wiliam.1996. How to Analyze Fiction. New York:Monarch Press Marcus, Eric C. Change Processes and Conflict. In Morton Dutsch and

Peter T. Coleman (Editors). 2000. The handbook of conflict Resolution :

Muir, Edwin. 1972. The Structure Of The Novel, New York: Harcourt, Brace & World,Inc

Segal, Erich.1970. Love Story. London:Hodder Paperbacks Ltd.

Shipley, Joseph. 1968. Dictionary Of World Literature. New Jersey: Littlefield, Adams & Co

Wellek, Rene and Austin Warren. 1977. Theory of Literature. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

possible. I thanked him and left normal ! normal !” (Erich Segal 1970: 107)

It is the hardest and the most crucial moment in Oliver’s life. He must act as normal as possible to hide the fact of jenny’s health. Actually he does not have a heart to deceive Jenny as he does but he is forced to do that. Every time when he wakes up in the morning and he finds Jenny’s stay around him, he thanks god that god still gives him time to see his beloved wife. Finally, Oliver feels his life is like in a hell by pretending everything is in normal condition. He should face his life as it goes, but he feels bad because he has to conceal his wife’s real condition of health.

Oliver devotes his life to God in the hope that God pours miracle to cure Jenny so that Jenny could be in healthy condition. It is normal that someone who is in desperate condition will ask for God’s help. When there is no hope anymore, one usually turns back his heart and his mind to God in order to get peaceful spirits in his life. It is a general truth and something undeniable.

him very much. It becomes a heavy burden for him because he has told lies to his wife. Finally he makes up his mind to reveal Frankly about the truth of his wife’s sick condition.

By telling the truth Oliver feels he has released heavy burden. He thinks his wife will die soon because there is no remedy for Leukemia. He doesn’t want that his wife dies without knowing anything about her sickness.

Out of several characters in Erich Segal’s Love Story, Oliver suffers from inner conflict very much. Oliver parents, especially his father, is a strict and determined man. He also suffers inner conflict a little as his son doesn’t want to follow his order. But he doesn’t care much what will happen to his son.

IV.CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION

4.1. Conclusion

The novel which is entitled Love Story by Erich Segal is an interesting novel. The conflicts that happen among characters in the novel can be divided into kinds, they are: outer conflict between the main character with other characters and the internal conflict of the main character.

There are some causes of conflicts in this novel. The first one is the difference in social status. The two families, Oliver’s and Jenny’s come from different social background as Oliver’s parents are rich and have high social status, while Jenny’s parents are poor. This difference makes the relationship between Oliver and Jenny doesn’t run smoothly.

The second cause is the father’s attitude that wants to control his son’s future life . It is reflected in the conflict between Oliver and his father.

Beside the above outer conflict, there is also inner (internal) conflict; the conflict within Oliver’s mind. The conflict is caused by

Love Story is a tragic story. There two ways the author of this novel ends up the conflicts. The first one is to describe the marriage between Oliver and Jenny and the second one is to end Jenny’s life.

4.2.Suggestions

From the analysis, the writer will suggest some important things as described below:

1. The novel is worth reading. By reading this novel, reader can get good moral lessons about someone’s faithfulness, suffering, and conflict in mind.

2. The novel also presents a story which may happen to every one in life. Difference in social status means nothing if two persons have deep love feeling. One may not give up easily if there is an obstacle in their life. This is what happen to Oliver and Jenny who attempt to overcome their problem.

3.We must realize that man propose God disposes. Oliver can marry Jenny and live together, but they have to be separated as God ends up Jenny’s life.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Collins, William. 1984. Collin’s Dictionary of English Language. London:William Collins. Sons & Co. Ltd.

Danziger, Marlies. K and Wendell Stacy Johnson, 1978. The Critical

Reader: Analyzing And Judging Literature. New York: Frederick Ungar

Publishing Co.

Ellis, Jhon M. 1977. The Theory of Literary Cristism. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Horton B. Paul and Chester L. Hurt. 1976. General Conflict. New York: Random House. Inc

Kenny, Wiliam.1996. How to Analyze Fiction. New York:Monarch Press Marcus, Eric C. Change Processes and Conflict. In Morton Dutsch and

Peter T. Coleman (Editors). 2000. The handbook of conflict Resolution :

Muir, Edwin. 1972. The Structure Of The Novel, New York: Harcourt, Brace & World,Inc

Segal, Erich.1970. Love Story. London:Hodder Paperbacks Ltd.

Shipley, Joseph. 1968. Dictionary Of World Literature. New Jersey: Littlefield, Adams & Co

Wellek, Rene and Austin Warren. 1977. Theory of Literature. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.