Theory of Character Review of Literature Theories

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CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter is devoted to present some theories that are used in this study. It is divided into five parts. The first part is the review of literature theory. The second part covers the theories of Marxism. Meanwhile, the third part of this chapter explores the contexts or the social settings both in the novel and the actual social settings at the time Maxim Gorky wrote the novel. And the last part is the theoretical framework.

2.1. Review of Literature Theories

This first part deals with some literature theories which comprise the theories related to character and characterization, and theories related to personality. Those theories are used to help analyze the first problem of this study.

2.1.1. Theory of Character

Theory of character is used in this study to investigate one of the characters in Mother. In this study, the term character resembles to the definition given by Abrams: Characters are the persons presented in 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. 23 In short, characters can be defined as the people by whom the author conveys the story. Through dialogues, actions and the author’s narration, we can understand the story of a particular novel. The bases or reasons underlying the character’s “temperament, desires and moral nature for their speech and actions” are called motivation Abrams 23. According to Forster 48-54, Aspects of the Novel, there are two types of character, namely, flat and round character. 1. Flat character Flat character is created in “a single idea or quality” that, in comprehending the character, we do not need any further detailed explanation, and therefore, it is easily recognized by the reader. 2. Round character Unlike flat character, round character cannot be directly justified in terms of the quality. It has more complex temperament and motivation. It is peculiar and difficult to describe. The uniqueness of round character is the ability to surprise the reader Abrams adds that a character may be “stable”, or has no gradual change in the outlook and disposition. In addition, there is a character that undergoes “a radical change” through gradual process of motivation and development Abrams 23. In addition to flat and round character, Guth and Rico 70 propose further classification of character. They are flat, round, static and growing character. The idea of flat and round character is similar to that of Forster’s. The static character is the character that does not reveal any growth or development. The static character does not undergo changes in the story, whereas, the growing character undergoes changes and development in the story. The change or the development may take form of turning point in life, or the character’s spiritual journey. In this study, the mother, Pelagea Nilovna, resembles the round and growing character.

2.1.2. Theory of Characterization