Holman and Harmon, 1986: 108. Moreover, this conflict also implies a theme that the author wants to convey. Conflict may also help the readers to know the
central idea or the theme of the story. To analyze the conflict, certain basic human relationship which is
important in the playwright is needed to explore as stated in the book How to Analyze Drama, some of the common themes are the man and nature, man and
society, universal theme of an abstract nature, and family relationship. Internal conflict refers to a struggle that happens inside the heart and
mind of the protagonist Redman, 1962: 363. This conflict usually does not show any physical struggle.
According to Redman in his book A Second Book of Plays, conflict has an important role in literary work because it always deals with the plot. Conflict
appears from central character’s action in dealing with other forces. Central character or protagonist has a responsibility to bring the conflict to the end.
Conflict is resolved when protagonist succeeds or fails in overcoming the other forces. Sometimes the protagonist gives up when the struggle is too difficult or
worthless 1964: 363. Abrams also mentions that many plots deal with conflict. In addition to
the conflict between individual, there may be the conflict of a protagonist against fate, or against the circumstances that stand between him and a goal he has set
himself, and in some works, the conflict is between opposing desires or values in a character’s of own mind 1981: 128.
Holman and Harmon desribes conflict as the struggle that grows out of the interplay of the two opposing focus in the plot. They also state that conflicts
may occur in the struggle against nature, against another person, against society, and the struggle for mystery. Conflicts may be an argument between opposing
forces, like man against man, man against nature, man against fate or perhaps an internal one between the two opposing parts of man’s personality 1986: 107.
3. Theory of Message
Beaty and Hunter in New World of Literature states that message is “the real meaning or some easy conclusion” that can be simply stated or summarized
inside a work of art 1989: 899. It brings to simplification and gives the illusion that a work of literature exist for its statement that tempts the readers through the
story, drama, poem, etc. to get the real meaning. Message can also be defined as an idea that someone tries to communicate
to people. For example in a play, speech, or the meaning, the thought or idea that is intended to express Sinclair, 1988 : 490
The form of literary communication is the author implies a message that the readers receive or the author see a great truth that he teaches the readers by
example. Message in a work of art usually reflects the way of related author. He wants to convey his opinion about the values of truth.
Message in a story is considered as a suggestion related to practical moral lesson that can be taken through the story. They are also having a close relation to
problems in life, such as attitude, behavior or action. The readers can find them in
the real life, in the same manner as they are reflected in the story through its characters.
C. Theoretical Framework
The topic that the writer wants to discuss and expose by this thesis is the messages that are reflected in characters and conflicts in Family Devotions. To
find out or discover the messages, the writer used some theories that considered important to the topic, such as theories on character, theories on characterization,
theories on conflict, and theories on messages. The writer used the theories on character and characterization because they
are essential to help the writer understand the character in the play before we learn more deeply about the messages. Through the characters, the writer wants to say
something, such as wisdom, honesty, patiently, knowledge, forgiveness and understanding others, sympathetic, etc.
Theories on conflict are considered important since the writer takes the messages in the story based on the conflicts and experiences that happens in the
story. This story gives a lot of conflict that makes it more interesting. The main characters have the conflict with their little brother.
To reveal the messages, the writer applies theories on message. Through the dialogue, the description of the characters, including what the character’s
experience and conflicts are, what the characters do, say, and respond, are taken as examples or suggestion that are reflected in the messages of the story. Theory
