6. Characterization Through Contrast: Dramatic Foils
One of the most effective techniques of characterization is the use of foils
– contrasting characters whose behavior, attitudes, opinions, lifestyle, physical appearance, and so on are the opposite of those of the main characters.
7. Characterization Through Caricature and Leitmotif
In order to etch a character quickly and deeply in our minds and memories, actors often exaggerate or distort one or more dominant features or
personality traits. This device is called caricature from the technique used in cartooning. A similar means of characterization, leitmotif, is the repetition of a
single phrase or idea by a character until it becomes almost a trademark or theme song for that character. Because it essentially exaggerates and emphasizes
through repetition, such a device acts very much like caricature.
8. Characterization Through Choice of Name
One important method of characterization is the use of names possessing appropriate qualities of sound, meaning, or connotation. This technique is known
as name typing. Because a great deal of thought goes into the choice of names,
they should not be taken for granted but should be carefully examined for the connotations they communicate. The connotations of some names, such as Dick
Tracy, are rather obvious and clear: Dick is slang for detective; Tracy derives from the fact that detectives trace criminals.
5
5
Ibid. pp. 54-57.
B. Feminism
Feminism is a theory, movement, epistemology, methodology and practices which yearned the truth. The word feminism originated from the France word
feminism in the nineteenth century, either as a medical term to describe the feminization of male body, or to describe women with masculine traits.
6
It means feminism is something which concerned with issue gender difference, advocate
equality for women, and campaign for women’s right and interest. According to Soenarjati Djajanegara the prime aim of feminist movement
is “… meningkatkan kedudukan dan derajat perempuan agar sama atau sejajar dengan kedudukan serta derajat laki-laki.” Thus feminism’s aim is to have equal
right and position between men and women. The main objective of feminism is to encourage the idea that women and men are totally different in biology but have
the same position and right.
7
The feminist movements’ impact is widely known since 1960’s, not only for women, but also widely to all societies of America. Feminist movement creates an
awareness of the societies about the inferiority of women situation. Many arenas of the society give a great supports to increase women’s status. The movements
itself can be divided into three waves. The first wave of feminist movement began in the 19
th
century, precisely in 1848. In that year, a convention was held in Seneca Falls, USA. The convention
tried to declare another version of the Declaration of Independent, which did not
6
Jane Pilcher and Imelda Imelda. Fifty Key Concepts in Gender Study. Trown Br Idge. Wiltshire: The Cromwell Press Ltd. 2004.
7
Soenarjati Djajanegara. Kritik Sastra Feminis. Jakarta: Gramedia Pustaka Utama. 2003. P. 4.
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