20
3.2 Melanie
Melanie is a close friend of Allyson. She is 18 years old. Melanie is characterized by her blonde hair and her camisole. Melanie and Allyson have been
best friends since the family moves to Allyson’s house in the summer before second grade elementary school. Just like Allyson, Melanie also continues her
studies in New York. Melanie has often spent time with Allyson, to the extent that they almost
have a sign language or a private joke gaze. For Allyson, Melanie is a friend who captious and really like commenting on other people. As written below,
“Geez, the Brits do love to line up. Or queue. Or whatever. They should take a lesson from Italians, who just mob. Or maybe the Italians
should take a lesson from the Brits.” Forman
While Melanie has a conversation with him, arrogantly Melanie says that
she is more beautiful than other women on campus. As written below, “No one at college will know that we were AP automatons. I mean,
we’re too pretty to just be brainiacs, and at college, everyone will be smart. So we can be cool and smart. Those two things will no longer be
mutually exclusive.”Forman 2013:6
Not only that. Melanie is also clever to tell lies in front of her friends, when she wants to watch Twelfth Night drama. Melanie tries to deceive tour guide
by means pretending to be ill, so that Melanie does not watch the drama Hamlet that she has ever wanted to watch before. It can be seen in the following
statement, “Oh, yeah. I totally have heatstroke.” Melanie turns to Paula. “Paula,
I’m feeling so dizzy.” “I think I might faint or something. I’m seeing black spots.” “Don’t pile it on,” Allyson said. “I feel like I’m going to
Universitas Sumatera Utara
21
puke.” Melanie pushes on.”I would hate to do that inside the Swan Theater.”
Finally they are successful deceive her tour guide, and then they go to the drama place. Melanie and Allyson are successful go to a drama place and watch
the drama until it is finished. After the drama is finished, Melanie invites Allyson to join the drama group, however Allyson rejects it. Melanie feels offend when
Allyson disobeys. It can be seen in the following dialogue, “Maybe we should go find them. Go hang out with them or
something.”Melanie said. “I shake my head.”I doubt they want to hang out with stupid American teenagers.” Allyson said. “We’re not stupid,
and most of them didn’t seem that much older than teenagers themselves.” Melanie said. “No, we should get back to the room.”
Allyson said. “Why do you always do this?” Melanie said. “Do what?” Allyson said. “Say no to everything. It’s like you’re averse to
adventure.” Melanie said. “I don’t always say no.” Allyson said. “Nine times out of ten. We’re about to start college. Let’s live a little.”
Forman 2013:15
After returning to the U.S. for college, Melanie becomes the smartest student in the class by getting better grades than Allyson. As written below,
“Melanie got a three-point-eight,” Mom brags. “Yes Melanie genius and I am idiot.” Allyson said. Melanie looks wounded. “I go to the
Gallatin School. Everyone gets A,” she says apologetically. Forman 2013:174
Universitas Sumatera Utara
22
3.3 Willem