constantly criticizes the way he behaves and talks will develop an unfavorable self- concept from his association with her.
Furthermore, the climate of the home directly influences the person’s characteristic behavior and his characteristic adjustment to life. If the home climate is
favorable, the individual, the individual will react to personal problems and frustrations and in a calm, philosophical manner.
Those theories present that family has a strong influence to ones personality development. Family is a strong factor that can alter or form a child personality.
An individual is part of the society, his ability to interact and to contribute something in his social life can influence his existence in the society. The way an
individual behaves also influence the society approval to him. Therefore, social life determines one’s existence in his social life.
According to Hurlock 1974: 232, a person whose behavior comes up to social expectations and who tries to play the social role prescribe for him by the
group can be assured of reasonable approval and acceptance.
2.2 Criticism
In analyzing Sue monk Kidd’s The Mermaid Chair, this study needs supports from some critics to reveal Sue Monk Kidd’s work. Many readers say that this novel
is a novel that is a woman’s coming-of-middle-age novel. Therefore, this novel is very suitable for middle-age woman.
Fortunately, Sue Monk Kidd gives a space in her website to place some critics about her works www.suemonkkidd.com. Therefore, it will be easier for the
reader to know the quality of her work. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
Time magazine stated, “Her writing is so smart and sharp, she gives new life to old midlife crises, and she draws connections from the feminine to the divine to
the erotic that a lesser writer wouldn’t see, and might the guts to follow” The critic comes from Fort Worth Star-Telegram., it says that the novel is a
well- told tale about marriage, mystery and mermaid. It also says that Kidd at a deeper emotional level fabulously popular Bees. In this novel the character are more
tormented, more complex, in their process of coming unwound and then healing. Furthermore, it also states that in the novel there is a quite powerful feminist
statement on the basis of Kidd’s beautiful use of language. While according to Philadelphia Inquirer, The Mermaid Chair is a woman’s
coming –of-middle-age novel. It says that Kidd can really turn a phrase and her descriptions of nature’s archetypal element are magnificent.
Booklist is also adding that Kidd’s second offering is just as gracefully written as her first and possesses an equally compelling story. It should appeal to the
many readers who mad her first novel a hit with book clubs. Publisher Weekly starred review states that “rewarding second novel by the author of the bestselling
Secret Life of Bees. Writing from the perspective of conflicted discontented Jessie, Kidd achieves a bold intensity and complexity that was not possible in The Secret
Life of Bees, narrated by teenage Lily. Jessie’s efforts to cope with marital stagnation, Whit’s crisis of faith and Nellie’s tormented reckoning with the past will
resonate with many readers. This emotionally rich novel, full of sultry, magical descriptions of life in the South, is sure to be another hit for Kidd.”
From the statements and also the critics that come from many source, it can be seen that Sue Monk Kidd is a good author and many people know about her
works. Her first famous novel The Secret Life of Bees attracts many people to read her another novel. It shows that her works is stunning and enjoyable to read.
2.3 Theoretical Framework
There are some theories that are reviewed for references to help to analyze the novel. The theory of character by Abrams 1993: 24 helps to analyze Jessie’s
character and people around her. The theory of characterization by Holman and Harmon, 1968: 81 and M.J Murphy, Understanding Unseen 1972: 161-173 are
used to get better understanding about the personalities and characters in the novel. By applying this theory, the reader will be more easily to understand how the
characters are analyzed. Furthermore, in understanding Jessie’s personality development this study
applied some theory about personality and psychology. Hurlock’s theory is used to analyze Jessie’s personality development Hurlock 1976: 108. The theory of human
development is by Murray 1981: 165. Furthermore, the theory of minor character that influences Jessie’s personality development is based on the theory of Milligan
1983: 195. By understanding the definition of minor character, it gives the reader a picture of the main character itself and its role in the novel
The theories of Pikunas 1976: 68 and Floyd L.Ruch 1963: 111-112 are used to get better understanding in analyzing Jessie’s personality. The theory of Mid-
Life Transition will help the study to figure out Jessie’s personality development. The aim of these theories is to strengthen the Hurlock theory about personality
development. These theories will help to analyze how the transition can effect one’s personality development of a mid-life adult.
