Problem Formulation Objectives of the Study

Sulasmi also stated that the characteristics of Sheila Levine and Linda Minsk in the novel, which are willing to develop themselves as independent persons, free to look for their own interest, possessing the traditional qualities of women, thinking mainly of herself Sulasmi, 2007: 26-41. She also desribed the lifestyle of Sheila Levine and Linda Minks in the novel. They are delaying and avoiding the marriage, premarital sexual intercourse, taking occupation related with traditional qualities of women, getting higher education, and reading books, shopping and vacations as leisure activities Sulasmi, 2007: 41-60. The second study is the undergraduate thesis written by Windy Wirdhoningrum entitled “The Motivation of Sheila Levine in Committing Suicide as seen in Sheila Levine is Dead and Living in new York.” Wirdhiningrum states that Sheila Levine is described as a pessimistic, easy to give up and negative thinking girl. She is also a perfectionist and dreamer. Her negative personality is formed by some factors. They are family and society factors. Living in a family and society, which has some rules make Sheila feels depressed. It happens because Sheila finds many difficulties following the rules and norms that prevail in her society and family. Therefore, her personalities become negative because she cannot fullfil her needs. It makes Sheila become easy to feel desperate about her life and thinks that death is the best way to end her suffer in the world where she cannot do anything without being judged Wirdhoningrum, 2006: 59. Wirdhoningrum also states that Sheila’s motivation to commit a suicide is difficulties facing her life with her condition, especially her physical appearances, which she thinks different and also her struggles to get a man to be married, which has no re sult at all, while her age running. Her surrounding which seem so “normal” not happened to her. She is frustrated about her condition. She wants to end her suffer, and then she decides to commit suicide. She thinks that by ending her life, the world will be better without her and she will not feel ashamed, afraid, and worry about her single status, her overweight body and her curly hair. She thinks that by commiting suicide she can find happiness because she will be free from her problems and suffers Wirdhoningrum, 2006: 59. Next study is from New York Times Community. Lassie says that set in New York pre-sex in the city days, when middle class people could afford to live there. Sheila Levine is Dead and Living in New York was a favorite novel back in the 70’s by Gail Parent. Sheila that is living in New York should afford to face the reality of the life in New York. She is a Jewish girl who looks for a husband and a happines in her life. But the reality she should stuggle her life to be accepted in the society. Because of her life is hard then she gives up and decides to kill herself http:community.nytimes.com . Another criticism is written by A. Lively. According to Lively, Sheila Levine hates her life. She hates being unmarried, unattractive and overweight Jewish woman living in New York City. She suffers from having a controlling mother, no real friends and alone in the city that never sleeps. The answer of Sheila’s misery is to commit suicide. Before she commits suicide, she writes a note to all people that have caused her pain. Sheila also wants everyones know that she