Background of the Study

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CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

This chapter provides five parts, namely the background of the study, the research problem that the writer wants to solve, the benefits of this study for the readers, and some definition of terms on this study. The background of the study contains explanation of reasons that become the basis of writing this thesis. The problem formulation states the problems discussed in the study. The objectives of the study present the aim of analyzing the study. The benefits of the study states theoretical benefit for the sake of the development of theories, which are applicable. For the last, the definitions of terms clarify some important terms used in this study.

1.1 Background of the Study

Literary works have greatest pleasure and satisfaction for the readers. It is because the readers can see the realities, problems, feelings and relationship which is shown by the author, as Moody 1986: 2- 3 states, “the greatest pleasure and satisfaction can be found in literature. A literary work may bring us back to the reality of human’s satisfaction, problems, feelings, and relationship.” Hudson in An Introduction to the Study of Literature states, “Literature is the expression of life through the medium of language. It can be regarded as something essential since it contains about real life, people, thought, and their feeling about life”1960:10. It can be said that there is a close relationship between literature PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI 2 and human life. By literature, we can enrich our knowledge and our experience since literature is the reflection of human life. So, reading literature does not simply enjoy the pleasure and excitement, but we can dig out the meaning inside because literature is the medium for learning about life. Among several genres of literature, the writer is mostly interested in novels, because novels are usually portraits of human life that involves various characters and conversation that make the story alive. Wellek and Warren in Theory of Literature st ate, “a literary work of art is not a simple object but rather a highly complex organization of stratified characters with multiple meaning and relationship” 1977: 27. This opinion is supported by Van De Laar and Schoonderwoerd in An Approach to English Literature who define “a novel as a work of art in so far as it introduces us into a living world; in some respect resembling the world we live in, but with an individuality of its own” 1963:163. It means that a novel is a human nature’s reflection that shows in a literary work, the meaning indeed is deep. Novel shows us experiences, social problems, individual problems, etc. The writer chooses the novel Falling Leaves as the subject of analysis because the story of the novel gives a good value about motivation to the writer and it has to offer to the readers. Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah is an example of a novel, which teaches the reader about the motivation of life. There is some painful story of her life which is to be the most basic of human needs: acceptance, love, and understanding. Motivation acts may be seen in this novel through Adeline’s motivation in achieving her dream to be accepted and loved by PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI 3 her family, especially her father, Joseph Yen. This is the reason why the writer chose this novel. As Adeline gets older and becomes successful, her father confesses his belief in Adeline. He does not want Niang stepmother to hear or even know that he still loves his daughter. It becomes more obvious as life goes on that Niang hates Adeline so much and will do anything to get her out of their life. Adeline stays strong and pushes herself to become exactly what her father wants and nothing or no one will stop her. Adeline needs to succeed in life and she does . Following Adeline’s life and the ups and downs she encounters, it makes the book very surprising and full of suspense. The writer is interested in the story of the novel because the story represents human nature about affection. People behave the way they do. They must have motivation to do anything to satisfy their needs. Through the novel “Falling Leaves” by Adeline Yen Mah, the writer would like to discuss about Adeline’s motivation to be accepted and loved by her family. Her family in this study refers to Adeline’s Father, Niang, and siblings Edgar, Lydia, and Gregory

1.2 Problem Formulation