CLASS STRUGGLE AGAINTS HUMAN’S OPPRESSION CLASS STRUGGLE AGAINTS HUMAN’S OPPRESSION IN JAMES CAMERON’S AVATAR (2009): A MARXIST APPROACH.

CLASS STRUGGLE AGAINTS HUMAN’S OPPRESSION
IN JAMES CAMERON’S AVATAR (2009):
A MARXIST APPROACH

RESEARCH PAPER

Submitted as a partial fulfillment of the Requirements
for Getting Bachelor Degree of Education
in English Department
by:

PUPUT ARIANTO
A 320 070 070

SCHOOL OF TEACHIS TRAINING AND EDUCATION
MUHAMMADIYAH UNIVERSITY OF SURAKARTA
2011
i

APPROVAL

CLASS STRUGGLE AGAINTS HUMAN’S OPPRESSION
IN JAMES CAMERON’S AVATAR (2009):
A MARXIST APPROACH

by:
PUPUT ARIANTO
A.320070070

Approved to be Examined by Consultant Team

Consultant I

Consultant II

Drs. Abdillah Nugroho, M.Hum.

ii

Nur Hidayat, S.Pd.

ACCEPTANCE
CLASS STRUGGLE AGAINTS HUMAN’S OPPRESSION
IN JAMES CAMERON’S AVATAR (2009):
A MARXIST APPROACH

By:
PUPUT ARIANTO
A 320 070 070

Accepted by the Board of Examiners
School of Teacher Training and Education
Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta

Team of examiners:
1. Drs. H. Abdillah Nugroho, M. Hum.
Chair Person

(

)

2. Nur Hidayat, S. Pd.
Member I

(

)

3. Dr. Phil. Dewi Candraningrum S.Pd. M.Ed.
Member II

(

)

School of Teacher Training and Education
Dean,

(Drs. H. Sofyan Anif. M Si)
NIK: 547

iii

TESTIMONY

Herewith, I testify that in this research paper there is no plagiarism of the
previous literary work which has been raised to obtain bachelor degree of a
university, nor there are opinions or masterpieces which have been written or
published by others, except those which the writing are referred in the manuscript
and mentioned in bibliography.
Here later, if it is proven that there are some untrue statements in this
testimony, hence I will hold fully responsibility.

Surakarta,

Puput Arianto

iv

MOTTO

Bersikaplah kukuh seperti batu karang yang tidak putus-putus-nya
dipukul ombak. Ia tidak saja tetap berdiri kukuh, bahkan ia
menenteramkan amarah ombak dan gelombang itu.
- Marcus Aurelius

Keramahtamahan dalam perkataan menciptakan
keyakinan, keramahtamahan dalam pemikiran
menciptakan kedamaian, keramahtamahan dalam
memberi menciptakan kasih.
- Lao Tse

Kebanggaan kita yang terbesar adalah bukan tidak pernah gagal, tetapi bangkit
kembali setiap kali kita jatuh.
- Confusius

v

DEDICATION
This paper is dedicated to:
 My father and Mother who have sacrificed everything for me and always

support me with love, praying and trust.
 My brother, “Agung Wahyudi”. Thanks for always give a little smile to
me.

vi

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Assalamu’alaikum Wr. Wb.
Alhamdulillah, all praise be to Allah SWT who has given the writer a
chance to present this research as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for
getting Bachelor Degree of Education in English Department. In presenting this
paper, the writer realizes that without His blessing, it is impossible for him to
finish it.
The writer thanks to all people around him who have supported,
guided, and helped him in completing this paper. Those people are:
1. Drs. Sofyan Anif, M.Si, the Dean of School of Teacher Training and
Education.
2. Mr. Titis Setyabudi, S.Si, the head of English who has permitted him to
write this research paper,

3. Drs. Abdillah Nugroho M,Hum , as the first consultant who has advised
and guided him during the arrangement of this research paper.
4. Mr. Nur Hidayat, S.Pd, as the second consultant who has improved the
research’s writing in order to make this research paper more interesting to
read in correct sentences.
5. Drs. M. Thoyibi, S.S, as the Academic Consultant.
6. Dr. Phil. Dewi Candraningrum S.Pd M, Ed as the Examiner

vii

7. All of English Department’s lecturers in Muhammadiyah University of
Surakarta.
8. His PARENTS for giving prays, loves, support, and spirit.
9. His Brother Agung Wahyudi for always standing beside the writer and
supporting him.
10. “Zoezhop Family”, (Dhani, Devi, Sinta, Nunung, Reni, Cech, Siwi,
Alvian, Nadewi) for everything. Without them the writer can’t finish this
research paper.
11. His dearly friend in English Department: Amalia Khalifah, Nila, Mila,
Arum, Ayu, Edi, and everyone who can’t be mentioned one by one, for

being His friends in His sadness and happiness.
12. All of His friends in Al-Pucone Boarding House: Jeki, Heri, Teguh, Mas
Yudik, Anang, Pedet, and Galuh for the support and loves.
13. His friends in English Department especially in class B.
14. Everyone who can’t be mentioned one by one for the spirit and support in
finishing this report.
The writer realizes that this research paper is far from being perfect, in
order to make it better, the writer will accept some advice and criticism. The last,
the writer wishes this research paper would be useful for readers.
Wassalamu’alaikum Wr. Wb.
Surakarta, June 2011

PUPUT ARIANTO

viii

SUMMARY

PUPUT ARIANTO. A320 070 070. CLASS STRUGGLE AGAINTS
HUMAN’S OPPRESSION IN JAMES CAMERON’S AVATAR (2009): A

MARXIST APPROACH. RESEARCH PAPER. MUHAMMADIYAH
UNIVERSITY OF SURAKARTA. 2011.
The major problem of this study is to reveal how the class struggle is
reflected in James Cameron’s Avatar movie viewed by Marxist perspective. The
objective of this study is to analyze the movie based on its structural elements and a
Marxist approach.
In analysis, the writer uses qualitative method. The object of the study is
James Cameron’s Avatar released in 2009 in the United States. The data sources
consist of primary and secondary data sources. The primary data source is Avatar
movie itself and the secondary data sources are the other sources related to the
primary data such as the information taken from internet, websites, and the historical
background of American in the early of twenty first century. The method of the data
collection are watching the movie, taking notes the important data, capturing image
from the movie, classifying the data into categories and the last is drawing conclusion
to get the last result. The technique of data analysis is descriptive analysis.
The outcome of the study is shown in the following conclusion. First, based
on the structural analysis, James Cameron wants to deliver a message that every
human is created equal, there is no one allowed to disturb another right. Second,
based on the Marxist analysis, James Cameron reflects the racial discrimination by
present Marxist issues in this movie. The Na’vi struggle against the oppression to

seeking the freedom for life and living which is begun by several conflicts.

Key words: Class struggle, Oppression, Marxist approach

Consultant I

Consultant II

(Drs. Abdillah Nugroho M,Hum)

(Nur Hidayat, S.Pd)

Dean

(Drs. H. Sofyan Anif. M Si)

ix

TABLE OF CONTENT

Page
COVER .................................................................................................................... i
APPROVAL ........................................................................................................... ii
ACCEPTANCE ..................................................................................................... iii
TESTIMONY ......................................................................................................... iv
MOTTO ...................................................................................................................v
DEDICATION ........................................................................................................ vi
ACKNOWLEDGMENT ...................................................................................... vii
SUMMARY ............................................................................................................ ix
TABLE OF CONTENT ......................................................................................... x
CHAPTER 1

:

INTRODUCTION .............................................................. 1
A. Background of the Study................................................ 1
B. Literature Review .......................................................... 10
C. Problem of the Study..................................................... 12
D. Objective of the Study................................................... 12
E. Limitation of the Study ................................................. 12
F. Benefit of the Study .......................................................12
G. Research Method ............................................................13
1. Type of the Study ..................................................... 13
2. Object of the Study................................................... 13
3. Type of the Data and the Data Source ..................... 13

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4. Technique of the Data Collection ............................ 14
5. Technique of the Data Analysis ............................... 14
H. Research Paper Organization ........................................ 15
CHAPTER II

:

UNDERLYING THEORY ............................................... 16
A. Nature of Marxism ........................................................ 16
B. Major Principle of Marxist Theory .............................. 18
1. Dialectical Materialism ............................................ 18
2. Historical Materialism .............................................. 19
3. Alienation ................................................................. 20
4. Class Struggle .......................................................... 21
5. Revolution ................................................................ 22
C. Structural Elements of the Movie ................................. 23

CHAPTER III

:

THE SOCIAL HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF
AMERICAN SOCIETY IN EARLY TWENTY FIRST
CENTURY ......................................................................... 35
A. Social Aspect ................................................................. 35
B. Economic Aspect .......................................................... 37
C. Political Aspect ............................................................. 43
D. Cultural Aspect.............................................................. 48
E. Science and Technology ............................................... 51
F. Religious Aspect ........................................................... 53

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CHAPTER IV

:

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS............................................. 57
A. Structural Elements ....................................................... 57
1. Narrative Element ..................................................... 57
a. Character and Characterization ......................... 57
b. Plot ................................................................... 70
c. Setting ............................................................... 73
d. Point of View .................................................... 78
e. Theme ............................................................... 79
2. Technical Elements ................................................... 80
a. Misc-en-Scene ................................................... 80
b. Cinematography ................................................ 94
c. Sound ................................................................. 98
d. Editing……………………………………….. ..99
B. Discussion .....................................................................101

CHAPTER V :

MARXIST ANALYSIS ..................................................... 105
A. Marxist Analysis ........................................................... 105
1. Dialectical Materialism ........................................... 105
2. Historical Materialism ............................................. 109
3. Alienation ................................................................ 113
4. Class Struggle ......................................................... 114
5. Revolution ............................................................... 116
B. Discussion ..................................................................... 117

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CHAPTER VI

:

CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION ......................... 120
A. Conclusion..................................................................... 120
B. Suggestion ..................................................................... 121

BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDIX

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LIST OF FIGURE
Page
1. Fig. 1. Jake sully Profil ....................................................................................... 58
2. Fig. 2. Dream Walker ......................................................................................... 59
3. Fig. 3. Riding ikran ............................................................................................. 59
4. Fig. 4. The sixth Toruk Makto........................................................................... 59
5. Fig. 5. Jake Fight Animals ................................................................................. 60
6. Fig. 6. Jake as the Leader ................................................................................... 60
7. Fig. 7. Nyetiri Profile .......................................................................................... 61
8. Fig. 8. Nyetiri’s Physical .................................................................................... 61
9. Fig. 9. Nyetiri Save Jake .................................................................................... 62
10. Fig. 10. Nyetiri..................................................................................................... 62
11. Fig. 11. Dr. Grace’s Profile ................................................................................ 62
12. Fig. 12. Dr Grace in Avatar body ...................................................................... 63
13. Fig. 13. Tsu’Tey Profile ..................................................................................... 63
14. Fig. 14. Leader of the tribe ................................................................................. 64
15. Fig. 15. Banshe Rider ......................................................................................... 64
16. Fig. 16. Col. Quatrich Profile ............................................................................ 65
17. Fig. 17. Quatrich die in war ............................................................................... 66
18. Fig. 18. Moat Profile ........................................................................................... 66
19. Fig. 19. Eytukan Profile ..................................................................................... 67
20. Fig. 20. Norm Profile .......................................................................................... 68
21. Fig. 21. Norm as a Pilot ...................................................................................... 68
22. Fig. 22. Norm Attitude ....................................................................................... 69
23. Fig. 23. Selfdrige Profile .................................................................................... 69
24. Fig. 24. Cryo ........................................................................................................ 73
25. Fig. 25. Pandora ................................................................................................... 74
26. Fig. 26. Laboratorium ......................................................................................... 74
27. Fig. 27. Link Room ............................................................................................. 75
28. Fig. 28. Hammerhead Titanothere .................................................................... 76

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29. Fig. 29. Thanator ................................................................................................. 76
30. Fig. 30. Jake meet Nyetiri .................................................................................. 77
31. Fig. 31. School Ruins.......................................................................................... 77
32. Fig. 32. Home Tree ............................................................................................. 77
33. Fig. 33. First person point of view .................................................................... 78
34. Fig. 34. Narrator point of view .......................................................................... 79
35. Fig. 35. Third person point of view .................................................................. 79
36. Fig. 36. Main room ............................................................................................. 80
37. Fig. 37. Linking room ......................................................................................... 81
38. Fig. 38. Bio Lab ................................................................................................... 81
39. Fig. 39. Cryo ........................................................................................................ 81
40. Fig. 40. Aero Plane ............................................................................................. 82
41. Fig. 41. Avatar Bedroom .................................................................................... 82
42. Fig. 42. Military Headquarters .......................................................................... 82
43. Fig. 43. Plane ....................................................................................................... 83
44. Fig. 44. Giant car ................................................................................................ 83
45. Fig. 45. War plane ............................................................................................... 83
46. Fig. 46. Robots..................................................................................................... 84
47. Fig. 47. Scientist uniform ................................................................................... 84
48. Fig. 48. Pilot uniform.......................................................................................... 84
49. Fig. 49. Upper class costume ............................................................................. 84
50. Fig. 50. Omaticayan costume ............................................................................ 85
51. Fig. 51. Army Uniform ....................................................................................... 85
52. Fig. 52. Jake’s Make-up ..................................................................................... 85
53. Fig. 53. Quatrich’s Make - up............................................................................ 86
54. Fig. 54. Parker’s make up .................................................................................. 86
55. Fig. 55. Nyetiri’s make up.................................................................................. 86
56. Fig. 56.Hard Lighting ......................................................................................... 87
57. Fig. 57.Soft Lighting ........................................................................................... 87
58. Fig. 58.Frontal lighting ....................................................................................... 88
59. Fig. 59.Side Lighting .......................................................................................... 88

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60. Fig. 60.Back Lighting ......................................................................................... 89
61. Fig. 61.Under Lighting ....................................................................................... 89
62. Fig. 62.Top Lighting ........................................................................................... 89
63. Fig. 63.Source Lighting ...................................................................................... 90
64. Fig. 64.Red colour, indicate danger condition ................................................ 91
65. Fig. 65.Orange colour, indicate romantic condition ....................................... 91
66. Fig. 66.Dim colour, indicate quiet condition ................................................... 91
67. Fig. 67.Dr. Grace In the Main room ................................................................. 92
68. Fig. 68.Gesture Kissing ...................................................................................... 92
69. Fig. 69.Agony Facial Expression ...................................................................... 92
70. Fig. 70.Angry Facial Expression ....................................................................... 93
71. Fig. 71.Sadness Facial Expression .................................................................... 93
72. Fig. 72.Happiness Facial Expression ................................................................ 93
73. Fig. 73.Disparage Facial Expression ................................................................ 94
74. Fig. 74.Slow motion I ......................................................................................... 95
75. Fig. 75.Slow motion II ........................................................................................ 95
76. Fig. 76.Straight on angle expression................................................................. 95
77. Fig. 77.Low angle................................................................................................ 96
78. Fig. 78.High angle expression ........................................................................... 96
79. Fig. 79.Extremely long shot ............................................................................... 96
80. Fig. 80.Medium long shot .................................................................................. 97
81. Fig. 81.Long shot expression ............................................................................. 97
82. Fig. 82. Medium shot expression ...................................................................... 97
83. Fig. 83. Close up expression .............................................................................. 98
84. Fig. 84 Axis of action ......................................................................................... 99
85. Fig 85 establishing shot 1 .................................................................................. 100
86. Fig 86 establishing shot 2 .................................................................................. 100
87. Fig. 87 Reverse shot 1 ....................................................................................... 100
88. Fig. 88 reverse shot 2 ......................................................................................... 100
89. Fig. 89 Eye line match 1 .................................................................................... 100
90. Fig. 90 Eye line match 2 .................................................................................... 100

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91. Fig 91 Match on Action 1 ................................................................................. 101
92. Fig 92 Match on Action 2 ................................................................................. 101
93. Fig 93 Cross cutting 1 ........................................................................................ 101
94. fig 94 Cross cutting 2 ......................................................................................... 101
95. Fig. 95. Eytukan give command ....................................................................... 107
96. Fig. 96. Jake Sully speech ................................................................................. 107
97. Fig. 97 Grace teach the Omaticayan ................................................................ 108
98. Fig. 98.Bio Lab ................................................................................................... 110
99. Fig. 99. Tank ....................................................................................................... 110
100. Fig. 100.War Plane .......................................................................................... 110
101. Fig. 101.Robots ............................................................................................... 111
102. Fig. 102.Ikran .................................................................................................. 111
103. Fig. 103.Banshee ............................................................................................. 111
104. Fig. 104.Home Tree ........................................................................................ 111
105. Fig. 105. Base camp........................................................................................ 112
106. Fig. 106. Main room ...................................................................................... 112
107. Fig. 107. Home Tree ........................................................................................ 112
108. Fig. 108.Nyetiri angry ..................................................................................... 114
109. Fig. 109. Jake warning omaticayan people ................................................... 114
110. Fig. 110. Jake binded up in a pole ................................................................. 114
111. Fig. 111.Toruk Makto ..................................................................................... 115
112. Fig. 112.Jake as the Leader............................................................................. 115
113. Fig. 113. Horse clans of the plain .................................................................. 116
114. Fig. 114. Ikran people of the Easter Sea ....................................................... 116
115. Fig. 115.War in the plain ................................................................................ 116
116. Fig. 116. War in the air ................................................................................... 116
117. Fig. 117.Defeating RDA ................................................................................. 119
118. Fig. 118.Sky people chased away .................................................................. 119
119. Fig. 119.Jake transferred to avatar body ....................................................... 120

xvii