Generally, the crocodile in The Rainbow Troops symbolizes dangers, problems and obstacles in life. The relation between the crocodile and Lintang
symbolizes problems or dangers which sometimes cannot be solved even by an extremely smart student like him. No matter how clever or strong someone is,
sometimes there are problems which cannot be solved without others’ hands. Similarly, the relation between the crocodile and Flo symbolizes problems which
comes to anyone. In this case, Flo puts herself into trouble by going into the Buta River. This symbolizes humans behavior which often put themselves into
problems through their own actions.
B. The Significace of Symbols in Conveying Theme
Here in the novel, are found five details which are considered as symbols. They include the title The Rainbow Troops, Lintang, the filicium tree, the Ferris
wheel, and the crocodile. As explained before, those all details convey something beyond themselves and beyond their literal meanings. All symbols in the novel fit
naturally into the context and form special connection with one another. This connection is related to the theme of the novel.
Theme, according to Roberts and Jacobs 1987 refers to “something laid down, a postulate, a central or unifying idea” p. 318. The theme of the novel The
Rainbow Troops is about life struggle of ten members of The Rainbow Troops
which also reflects the relationship between human and human, human and nature, and of course human and God.
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In conveying the theme, symbols in The Rainbow Troops appear in some ways. First, it appears by repetition that forms certain patterns. The pattern is that
the symbols appear repeatedly and always adhere to certain crucial moments in the novel. This happens to the filicium tree and the crocodile. These symbols are
trying to show the relation among human, nature, and God and also problems, dangers, and obstacles in life. By using these as symbols, Hirata has created a
successful story. He chooses each word and detail effectively. These symbols also help the writer “evokes ideas and emotions vivid” Stanton, 1964, p.31. The
crocodile has successfully evoked the sense of danger, death and darkness through its appearance in certain significant events. While, the filicium tree evokes the
idea of relationship among human, nature and God. Second, the symbol appears by mentioning it on the title like The Rainbow
Troops . Through this, Hirata wants the readers to have initial pictures about the
idea of the novel. While reading the title, readers know that the novel is about The Rainbow Troops
. While reading half of the story, readers will know what The Rainbow Troops
is. While reading the whole story, reader will understand why The Rainbow Troops
is chosen as the title. And while reading the whole story carefully, readers will find the implicit meaning of The Rainbow Troops. By using
this symbol, the writer wants to reveal that Ibu Mus wants to kindle the spirit of her students. She conveys her hope that her students will give a new life for
themselves, for their family, for the school, and for Belitong. This symbol enables the writer to evoke the emotion of the readers that the novel is mainly about
struggle.
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Third, the symbol appears by evoking certain emotional and intellectual power beyond its literal meaning. It happens to the Ferris wheel as also happens to
Lintang. The Ferris wheel appears only two times throughout the whole story. However, it comes in a very significant moment that is Ikal’s and A Ling’s first
date. It is also used by the writer to tell about the collapse of PN Timah. Thus, the emotion brought by the Ferris wheel is clearly conveyed. While, the name Lintang
seems to bring certain emotional power because his character fulfills the characteristics of the star. This can be felt after readers really understand his
character. Fourth, the symbol appears by contrasting it to other details in the novel as
it happens to Lintang. As explained in the analysis before, Lintang is a star which shines the dark night sky. He is also a symbol of an irony of life. Here, Lintang
and other details in the novel are contrast to each other. Lintang is a star while his life is the dark night sky.
Those all symbols support the unity of the theme. It is concluded that all symbols found in the novel support the theme. Lintang stands for the irony of life,
while the dynamic of life in the relation among human, nature, and God is shown through the appearance of the Ferris wheel, the crocodile, and the filicium tree. On
the other hand, the title The Rainbow Troops summarizes all of them into one point that is a hope for a change and for a better life. Revealing symbols can cause
pleasure to the readers because they have successfully solved a complex puzzle in the novel. By the appearance of those all symbols, readers are allowed to feel the
senses which the writer wants to convey. The symbols let us perceive the senses,
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ideas, or attitude described by the writer as part of his experience. Finally, by the revelation of symbols, they are able to understand the novel deeper and catch
hidden message in the novel.
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42
CHAPTER V CONCLUSIONS, IMPLICATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
This chapter consists of three parts including: conclusions, implications, and suggestions. The conclusions summarize the entire content of the study.
Meanwhile, the implications provide ideas and reflections on the result of the study which are related to education in general. Finally, suggestion is given for
future research related to the study.
A. Conclusion
Based on the previous analysis, there are two points to draw as conclusions of the study. The first is about major symbols which exist in Andrea
Hirata’s The Rainbow Troops and their extended meanings. While, the second conclusion deals with the significance of existing symbols in the novel in
conveying the theme. There are five major symbols which can be found in Andrea Hirata’s The
Rainbow Troops . The symbols appear in some ways. The title The Rainbow
Troops appears by being mentioned in the title. While, Lintang which appears as
both name and character symbolism is emphasized in two ways. The first way is by being contrasted to the surrondings, while the second way is by evoking certain
emotional power through the character. On the other hand, the filicium tree appears by repetition in certain crucial moments. The Ferris wheel also appears by
evoking certain emotional power. Finally, the crocodile appears as a symbol by
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