Influence of Irony on the Plot of the Story

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CHAPTER V CONCLUSIONS, IMPLICATIONS, AND SUGGESTIONS

The chapter is the concluding chapter divided into two parts. The first part begins with the conclusion of the analysis. The second part reveals the implications that may come along with the study. The third part discusses the suggestions dealing with the study.

A. Conclusions

After examining the story, the researcher deduces the plot structure of the story. The analysis is carried out by the concept suggested by Kennedy and Gioia, grouping the events into Exposition, Crisis, Climax and Resolution. Exposition covers the introduction of the characters, the case, and provides setting of the story. On the second stage of the story, conflicts leading to climax is revealed. Climax portrays Blacks’ case during the hearing process and love story of Rudy as the highlight of the story. The resolution, as the last stage of story, resolves the incomplete resolution of crisis stage and main conflicts of climax stage. On exposition, the researcher found one form of verbal irony. By saying that the official denial letter containing “stupid” word as incredible, Rudy emphasises that the letter is highly absurd. It is inappropriate to taunt someone as stupid in any official letter. Further, two forms of verbal irony are discovered in crisis part of the story. The first one occurs in a phone conversation when Rudy is about to lose his job. Using the words of not understanding, even when he comprehends what he 51 hears, Rudy conveys his incapability of accepting that he is unemployed once again only after a few days of working. Previously, he is also fired from Brodnax and Speer before he could work there. The following verbal irony is also uttered by Rudy. By praising the opponent lawyer, he makes plain that he is afraid of facing such a greater and more experienced lawyer. Moreover in crisis part, situational irony also takes place. After Rudy is unemployed and falls under suspicion of arson, he unexpectedly is offered a job under an unethical lawyer. He presumes that it is the last job available in Memphis at that time, giving him last chance to work as a lawyer. However, he is also aware of bad reputation of his superior-to-be. The expectation, the worst scenario of working under Bruiser, for Rudy turns out to be the best chance he has at the time. The following four situational irony is discovered in climax part. On Donny Ray’s death, the expectation of it becomes a finish line of the law process is twisted to be an additional reason to continue. Both Rudy and Dot keep struggling to prove the company’s misdeed towards Donny Ray. When the story delivers the win of Rudy in Blacks’ case, justice and worthy battle is expected to achieve. Withal, even if the justice is achieved, Dot still loses her precious son in the battle. In addition, the winning does not give Rudy any worthy amount he deserves to receive after the hardwork. Later, any murder is considered horrible to end any story. Nonetheless, in the murder of Cliff Riker, it becomes a happy ending for love story of Rudy. As the final stage of story, resolution also embeds situational irony to resolve the conflict. It takes more on discrepancy how the character handles the situation. Feeling disappointed in himself, he decides to quit becoming a lawyer. 52 Moreover, Rudy decides to not enter any courtroom even for the jury duty. This act of Rudy can be seen as a form of responsibility he takes for incapable awarding his client properly. On the other hand, the specific act also takes form as Rudy’s avenge toward the world he once dreams of. The disappointment he feels after giving his all in a fierce battle ultimately leads him to avenge in such a way. The irony discovered in the story influences flow of the plot as each function that each irony has. Verbal irony contibutes to build the conflict leading to crisis stage by giving more description on the character’s characteristics. Correspondingly, situational irony sets the plot twist by unfolding unexpected events or character’s actions in handling happening situation. Together, irony is used in the story to reveal the hidden moral value as a reflection.

B. Implications

The research discusses the use of irony in the novel. The novel undeniably is a helpful instrument for second language learners. Withal, it is also handy for the students of ELESP to master the language. In the novel, language use is not the only element building up the story. As been developed by the study program that English covers three aspects as education, literature, and linguistics; novel is mostly discussed in subjects of literature courses. Thus, the novel, used for learning instrument is deeply analysed and dicussed in the literature scope. The research finds out that among many literary elements, The Rainmaker also uses irony in events unfolding. The use of irony on the novel serves to attach the readers’ attention. However, for the students of ELESP who are deemed to be 53 future teachers of English, the use of verbal irony in the classroom is not suggested. Since verbal irony includes complex and similar perceptions of the situation the speaker is in, the language learners may have not comprehended the ability yet. Instead of attaching the learners’ attention, the use of verbal irony may distract the learning process. Decisively, the role of a teacher or a tutor is needed on reading a novel containing irony. Different interpretation during the discussion of irony found in the novel is also one great class activity to have. Deep understanding of the irony, plot of the story and the characters’ point of view are essential to interpret the true meanings behind the irony.

C. Suggestions

The study analyses irony employed which is related to plot. Though, there are still many elements to examine. Related to irony, there may be figurative language applied in the story to be analysed. In addition, as the study also employs formalist approach, similar approach could be used to inspect other intrinsic elements of the story. The researcher also invites future researchers to deeply examine both major and minor character because the story evolves around the major character. Psychology approach of analysing the personality development of the major character is suggested. In the story, Grisham also introduces many minor characters. Hence, examining the importance of the minor characters could be a complement to this study. 54 As for lecturers of English Language Education Study Program, this novel could become one of the many supporting media for the students to learn English as the second language. The essential knowledge and skill can be enhanced through reading novels. The Rainmaker is a modern novel of which the genre is legal thriller. The uncommon genre is expected to be additional knowledge for the students, aside from practical use of grammar, new vocabulary, and good fiction writing. The students are also needed to be introduced to qualified modern English novels. Furthermore, the story contains moral value which is helpful for students in their study.