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B. Problem Formulation
From the background mentioned above, I formulated the questions as follows. 1.
What are the figures of Greek mythology presented in Jeffrey Eugenides’ Middlesex ?
2. What is the significance of those figures of Greek mythology in Jeffrey
Eugenides’ Middlesex?
C. Problem Limitation
There are many figures of Greek mythology presented in this novel. However, not all of those figures are discussed and analyzed in this study. The major concern is
not all of those figures give significance to the story. Therefore, the figures of Greek mythology that are being discussed are limited to those that have significance or
contribution to the story of Middlesex.
D. Objectives of the Study
Based on the problems stated above, the aim of this study is to identify Greek mythology figures in Jeffrey Eugenides’ Middlesex. This study also intends to reveal
the significance of those mythology figures in the story.
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E. Benefits of the study
In writing this thesis, I have great expectation that this study helps readers and future researchers in developing the skills and understanding literature. I believe that
literature can develop humans personality and intellectuality. By reading this thesis, hopefully readers have better understanding about
Greek mythology that has given influence in many literary works. By learning about
mythology, readers will learn about its significance in literary works. Besides, readers
can appreciate literature more, especially novel as one of literary works. By reading a
novel, readers learn about life seen from various perspectives.
For further studies conducted by different researchers, I hope that this study can serve as one of the references. Since Middlesex is a rich novel, future researchers
may conduct an analysis from different points of view.
F. Definition of Terms
In order to avoid misunderstanding of the terms used, below are the definitions of some important terms as they are used in this study:
1. Significance
According to Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, significance is stated as “the importance of an event, action, etc, especially because of the effects of
influence” 1687. In this study, it means the significance of the Greek mythology figures in the novel under discussion.
6 2.
Greek Mythological Figures Based on Word Net, figure defined as “a well-known or notable person”. In
this study, Greek Mythological figures refer to persons or someone deal with Greek mythology which is considered important and gives significance in Jeffrey
Eugenides’ Middlesex, such as: Tiresias, Minotaur, Calliope, and Minotaur.
3. Greek
Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary described Greek as “a member of people living in ancient or modern Greece” 521. In addition, Greece is a country in
southeastern Europe, including the southernmost part of Balkan Peninsula and numerous islands in the eastern Mediterranean.
4. Myth
Microsoft Encarta 2009 Dictionary explains myth as “
ancient story, a
traditional story about heroes or supernatural beings, often attempting to explain the origins of natural phenomena or aspects of human behavior
.” Parada in his article
Basic Aspects of the Greek Myths explain “The Greek word
mythos
refers to the spoken word or speech, but it also denotes a tale, story or narrative, different from the historic tale which is called logos and
is regarded as verifiable. The narrated events which form a mythic tale are not normally verifiable, their origin is nearly always unknown, and yet they have a
claim to truth, which the purely fictitious narrative ” Parada.
7 5.
Mythology Microsoft Encarta 2009 Dictionary explains mythology as “a group of myths
that belong to a particular people or culture and tell about their ancestors, heroes, gods and other supernatural beings, and history.” Parada in his article Basic Aspects
of the Greek Myths states “Mythology is, in one sense, just a collection of myths, but as scientific
research increased during the 19th and 20th centuries, this research has also been called mythology. So the term mythology has come to denote both the
body of myths and the study of myths” Parada.
6. Greek Mythology
Greek mythology by Merriam W ebster’s Encyclopedia of Literature is defined
as “the body of myths and stories developed by the ancient Greeks concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of cosmos, and their own religious practices” 488. In
this study, Greek Mythology refers to stories that were deliver mouth to mouth from generation to generation. Those stories, which are rich with moral values, commonly
tell about story of gods and heroes, about family affairs and the history of creation. For example, the myth of Zeus as the creator of thunder or the myth of Oedipus who
loves her own mother.
CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
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