The symbols expressed in Paulo Coelho`s Brida.

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THE SYMBOLS EXPRESSED
IN PAULO COELHO’S BRIDA
A SARJANA PENDIDIKAN THESIS
Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
to Obtain the Sarjana Pendidikan Degree
in English Language Education

By
Elisabeth Christya Noviargarini
Student Number: 081214121

ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM
DEPARTEMENT OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS EDUCATION
FACULTY OF TEACHERS TRAINING AND EDUCATION

SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
YOGYAKARTA
2013

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THE SYMBOLS EXPRESSED
IN PAULO COELHO’S BRIDA
A SARJANA PENDIDIKAN THESIS
Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
to Obtain the Sarjana Pendidikan Degree
in English Language Education

By
Elisabeth Christya Noviargarini

Student Number: 081214121

ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM
DEPARTEMENT OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS EDUCATION
FACULTY OF TEACHERS TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
YOGYAKARTA
2013
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A Sarjana Pendidikan Thesis
THE SYMBOLS EXPRESSED
IN PAULO COELHO’S BRIDA


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A Sarjana Pendidikan Thesis on
THE SYMBOLS EXPRESSED
IN PAULO COELHO’S BRIDA

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STATEMENT OF WORK’S ORIGINALITY

I honestly declare that this thesis, which I have written, does not contain the work
or parts of the work of other people, except those cited in the quotations and the
references, as a scientific paper should.

Yogyakarta, July 12, 2013
The Writer


Elisabeth Christya Noviargarini
081214121

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LEMBAR PERNYATAAN PERSETUJUAN
PUBLIKASI KARYA ILMIAH UNTUK KEPENTINGAN AKADEMIS
Yang bertanda tangan di bawah ini, saya mahasiswa Universitas Sanata Dharma:
Nama

: Elisabeth Christya Noviargarini


Nomor Mahasiswa

: 081214121

Demi pengembangan ilmu pengetahuan, saya memberikan kepada Perpustakaan
Universitas Sanata Dharma karya ilmiah saya yang berjudul:

THE SYMBOLS EXPRESSED IN PAULO COELHO’S BRIDA
beserta perangkat yang diperlukan (bila ada). Dengan demikian saya memberikan
kepada Perpustakaan Universitas Sanata Dharma hak untuk menyimpan,
mengalihkan dalam bentuk media lain, mengelolanya dalam bentuk pangkalan
data, mendistribusikan secara terbatas, dan mempublikasikannya di Internet
atau media lain untuk kepentingan akademis tanpa perlu meminta ijin dari
saya maupun memberikan royalti kepada saya selama tetap mencantumkan nama
saya sebagai penulis.

Demikian pernyataan ini saya buat dengan sebenarnya.
Dibuat di Yogyakarta
Pada tanggal 12 Juli 2013
Yang menyatakan,


(Elisabeth Christya Noviargarini)

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ABSTRACT
Noviargarini, Elisabeth Christya. 2013. The Symbols Expressed in Paulo
Coelho’s Brida. Yogyakarta: Sanata Dharma University.
As an example of literary work which uses symbols, Paulo Coelho’s Brida
tells about a journey of an Irish girl named Brida who finds her love through
learning magic. Through ‘Brida’, Paulo Coelho delivers his messages not only
through the story which can be easily interpreted by the readers but also through
some symbols. However, the messages which are contained in the symbols seem

difficult to interpret because each symbol may contain more than one meaning.
The objectives of this study are to reveal the symbols expressed in Paulo
Coelho’s Brida and to reveal the meanings of the symbols. This study employs a
library research method. The data are obtained from various sources such as Paulo
Coelho’s Brida which becomes the primary source and several literary books,
journals, and some reliable Internet sources as the secondary ones. Since this
study is aimed to reveal the symbols in Paulo Coeho’s Brida, the New Criticism is
applied.
This study found out two types of symbols revealed in Paulo Coelho’s
Brida. The first type of symbol is the symbols which are reflected through the
main characters of Brida which cover three symbols. The first is Brida as the
symbol of the quest of love, youthful confusion, quest of identity, and life
transformation. The second is the Magus as the symbol of self – reflection or
introspection time. The third is Wicca as the symbol of guidance. Meanwhile the
second type of symbol is the symbols which are reflected through the main
characters’ action. The second type of symbols also covers three symbols of
action. The first symbol is the actions of learning magic and finding a soul mate as
the symbols of Brida’s desire to change her life, maturation, and self-completion.
The second symbol is the action of recalling childhood memories which
symbolizes encouragement. The last is the action of turning out the lights while

letting one acrylic sculpture remain lit which symbolizes the Magus’s desire to
express his feeling.
It is recommended that future researchers deal with psychological aspects
by using the psychological approach. Analyzing the main characters’ personality
development, especially Brida, will give contribution to the development of
underdeveloped areas.
Keywords: symbols, journey, love, learning magic, Brida

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ABSTRAK
Noviargarini, Elisabeth Christya. 2013. The Symbols Expressed in Paulo
Coelho’s Brida. Yogyakarta: Sanata Dharma University.

Sebagai salah satu karya sastra yang menggunakan simbol, Brida karya
Paulo Coelho berkisah tentang perjalanan seorang gadis Irlandia bernama Brida
yang menemukan cintanya dengan mempelajari sihir. Melalui Brida, Paulo
Coelho menyampaikan pesannya tidak hanya melalui cerita yang dapat dengan
mudah dimengerti pembaca namun juga melalui simbol. Meskipun demikian,
pesan – pesan yang terkandung di dalam simbol – simbol tersebut sulit untuk
ditafsirkan karena setiap simbol dapat memiliki lebih dari satu arti.
Skripsi ini bertujuan untuk mengungkap simbol – simbol yang terdapat
dalam novel karya Paulo Coelho yang berjudul Brida dan mengungkap arti dari
simbol – simbol tersebut. Skripsi ini menerapkan studi pustaka sebagai metode
penelitian. Data-data yang diperoleh untuk menjawab permasalahan berasal dari
berbagai sumber seperti novel Brida karya Paulo Coelho sebagai sumber utama
penelitian, dan seluruh buku kesusasteraan, jurnal serta berbagai sumber Internet
terpercaya sebagai sumber pendukung. Pendekatan New Criticism diterapkan
karena skripsi ini bertujuan untuk mengungkapkan simbol – simbol dalam Brida.
Penelitian ini menemukan dua jenis simbol yang terkandung dalam novel
Brida. Tipe pertama merupakan tiga simbol yang tercermin dalam karakter –
karakter utama Brida. Pertama adalah Brida yang menyimbolkan pencarian
cinta, kebingungan masa muda, pencarian jati diri, serta transformasi kehidupan.
Kedua adalah sang Magus yang menyimbolkan refleksi diri atau waktu

introspeksi. Ketiga adalah Wicca yang menyimbolkan bimbingan. Sementara,
simbol tipe kedua merupakan tiga simbol yang tercermin dalam tindakan yang
dilakukan oleh karakter – karakter utama dalam novel Brida. Simbol tindakan
yang pertama adalah mempelajari sihir dan menemukan pasangan jiwa, yang
mewakili hasrat Brida untuk mengubah hidupnya, proses pendewasaan diri, dan
pemenuhan jati diri. Simbol tindakan kedua adalah mengingat kembali kenangan
– kenangan masa kecil, yang menyimbolkan penguatan. Simbol terakhir adalah
tindakan memadamkan seluruh lampu dan membiarkan sebuah patung akrilik
tetap menyala yang menyimbolkan hasrat sang Magus untuk mengungkapkan
perasaannya.
Skripsi ini menyarankan kepada peneliti selanjutnya untuk meneliti aspek
psikologi dengan menggunakan pendekatan psikologis. Menganalisa
perkembangan karakter utama, terutama Brida akan memberikan kontribusi
untuk perkembangan penelitian berikutnya.
Kata kunci: symbols, journey, love, learning magic, Brida

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Firstly and foremost, I would like to give my deepest gratitude to Jesus Christ
for His amazing blessing and grace which strengthen me during this thesis
completion.
Secondly, I would also like to extend my gratitude to my advisor, Henny
Herawati S.Pd., M.Hum. for willingly guiding and supporting me in completing
this thesis. I thank Angga Benedikto, S.Pd., who gladly helped me in correcting
this thesis.
I would also thank all PBI’s lecturers for their guidance and for their
willingness to share their knowledge with me. I am also grateful to PBI’s
secretariat, mbak Danik and mbak Tari for their help and their cooperation during
my study.
Then, I give my greatest thanks to my dearest parents, F.X. Suyadi and Y.
Kristin K.H., who give me the greatest supports in my life. I also thank my
beloved brothers and sisters: Thomas, Theo, Ci Tari and Icen, and also my
beautiful niece Geby, for their endless supports and their wonderful love.
My special thanks go to my best friends Pius Dwi Setyo (Pius), Esther
Yulyanti (Esther), Maryska Firiady (Ika), Yohanes Gabriel Aris Widana Putra
(Hans), and Antonius Wisnu Yoga (Yo) who give me a lot of wonderful
memories. I am also indebted to Gustin Lawis, Pauline Widyastuti, Lucia Astri,
Christina Ratna, Galih Prabaswara P. and all PBI students who keep inspiring me
to finish this thesis.
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Lastly, I would like to give my best regards to those who supported me in
everything during my thesis completion.

Elisabeth Christya Noviargarini

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
TITLE PAGE ...................................................................................................

i

APPROVAL PAGES .......................................................................................

ii

DEDICATION PAGE......................................................................................

iv

STATEMENT OF WORK’S ORIGINALITY ................................................

v

LEMBAR PERNYATAAN PERSETUJUAN PUBLIKASI.................................

vi

ABSTRACT .....................................................................................................

vii

ABSTRAK

.....................................................................................................

viii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .............................................................................

ix

TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................

xi

LIST OF APPENDICES ..................................................................................

x iv

CHAPTER

I

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study ...............................................................

1

B. Problem Formulation.....................................................................

3

C. Objectives of the Study .................................................................

3

D. Benefits of the Study .....................................................................

4

E. Definition of Term ........................................................................

4

CHAPTER

II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

A. Review of Related Theories ...........................................................

6

1. Theory of New Criticism ...............................................................

6

2. Theory of Symbols .........................................................................

7

3. Theory of Character and Characterization .....................................

11

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B. Theoretical Framework ..................................................................
CHAPTER

III

14

METHODOLOGY

A. Object of the Study.........................................................................

15

B. Approach of the Study ...................................................................

16

C. Method of the Study .......................................................................

17

CHAPTER

IV

ANALYSIS

A. The Symbols Expressed in Brida ...................................................

18

1. The Symbols Reflected Through the Main Characters ............

19

a.

Brida .......................................................................................

19

1) Brida as a Symbol..............................................................

19

2) The Characteristics of Brida ..............................................

20

The Magus ..............................................................................

28

1) The Magus as a Symbol ....................................................

28

2) The Characteristics of the Magus ......................................

29

Wicca ......................................................................................

40

1) Wicca as a Symbol ............................................................

40

2) The Characteristics of Wicca ............................................

41

2. The Symbols Reflected Through the Main Characters’ Action

47

a.

Learning Magic and Finding a Soul Mate .............................

47

b.

Recalling Childhood Memories .............................................

48

c.

Turning Out the Lights while Letting One Acrylic Sculpture

b.

c.

Remain Lit .............................................................................

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B. The Meaning of the Symbols Expressed in Brida .........................

52

1. The Symbols Reflected Through the Main Characters ............

52

a.

Brida ......................................................................................

53

b.

The Magus.............................................................................

57

c.

Wicca ....................................................................................

58

2. The Symbols Reflected Through the Main Characters’ Action ..

59

a.

Learning Magic and Finding a Soul Mate ............................

60

b.

Recalling Childhood Memories ............................................

62

c.

Turning Out the Lights While Letting One Acrylic Sculpture
Remain Lit ............................................................................

CHAPTER

V

63

CONCLUSIONS, IMPLICATIONS, AND SUGGESTION

A. Conclusions .....................................................................................

65

B. Implications .....................................................................................

68

C. Suggestion .......................................................................................

69

REFERENCES.................................................................................................

70

APPENDICES .................................................................................................

72

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LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix

................................................................................................. Page

A. Summary of Brida by Paulo Coelho ................................................

73

B. Biography of Paulo Coelho .............................................................

75

C. Lesson Plan for Paragraph Writing Class.........................................

77

D. Learning Material for Paragraph Writing Class ...............................

81

E. Students’ Worksheet for Paragraph Writing Class ...........................

84

F. Evaluation Rubric ...........................................................................

89

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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

This chapter discusses the reason behind the topic chosen for this study. This
chapter consists of six sections. They are the background of the study, problem
formulation, objectives of the study, benefits of the study, and definition of term.
The background of the study describes the topic and the reason of why the topic is
chosen and worth studying. The problem formulation represents the formulation
of problem which is discussed in this study. The objectives of the study state the
objectives of this study based on the problem formulation. The benefits of the
study identify the contribution of this study for students and people who are
interested in analyzing the same topic. The definition of term defines a special
term which is discussed in this study.

A. Background of the Study
Language is a way that is used by human beings in order to communicate
with one another. A man uses language as a way to deliver his feelings and his
ideas about many things so that other human beings can understand him. There
are many forms of language which are used by human beings in order to deliver
their message. One of those forms of language is symbols. Symbol is a common
term which is usually used to represent significant thing. As stated by Harris
(2010), “Symbol is an image that represents something else”. A man uses symbols
in order to deliver his messages in one form of object. For example in daily life,
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people notice a red rose to represent someone’s love. Another example is the color
green which is often considered as a symbol of fertility.
Related to the use of symbol as a form of language for delivering messages,
authors also use symbol in their literary works. The use of symbols in literary
works increases their aesthetical aspect. According to Symons (1908), symbolism
is an essential part which influences the existence of literary works. Through his
statement, Symons (1908) describes how important the use of symbol in making a
literary work is. Related to the word ‘aesthetic’ which is stated by Symons (1908),
the use of symbols in the form of particular object in literary works helps the
readers in drawing images described in those literary works. By being able to
draw images in literary works, the readers will understand the stories and finally
retrieve the real messages which are delivered by the authors of related literary
works.
A fiction story such as a novel is one of the examples of literary works which
often uses symbols in order to deliver the author’s messages. The use of symbols
can make the story in the novel become more meaningful. Paulo Coelho’s Brida is
an example of literary works which uses symbols. This novel tells about a journey
of an Irish girl named Brida. In his novel, Paulo Coelho describes how Brida finds
her love through learning magic. Through ‘Brida’, Paulo Coelho delivers his
messages not only through the story which can be easily interpreted by the readers
but also through some symbols. However, the messages which are contained in
symbols seem difficult to interpret because each symbol may contain more than
one

meaning

(Literary

Analysis:

Using

Elements

of

Literature

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www.roanestate.edu, 2001). Meanwhile, the ability to interpret symbols is
important in order to understand and enjoy the entire aspects of a related literary
work. Reuben (2010) states “The ability to interpret symbols is essential to the full
understanding and enjoyment of literature.” Therefore, in order to reveal the
author’s messages behind the story in the novel, someone needs to analyze the
symbols.
In this study, the writer intends to analyze the symbols of a novel entitled
‘Brida’ who was written by Paulo Coelho. Through this study, the identification
of symbols in Paulo Coelho’s Brida may help the readers to get the entire message
of the story. This study analyzes the symbols that are expressed in the novel and
find out their meanings. Therefore, the focus of this thesis is only the
identification of the symbols and the meaning of the symbols which are expressed
in Paulo Coelho’s Brida.

B. Problems Formulation
The problems that the writer intends to analyze in this thesis are:
1. What are the symbols expressed in Paulo Coelho’s Brida?
2. What are the meanings of those symbols?

C. Objectives of the Study
This study aims to find out the symbols which are expressed in Paulo
Coelho’s Brida and to reveal the meanings of the symbols.

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D. Benefits of the Study
This thesis is expected to enrich the students’ knowledge especially for those
who want to study the same novel. This thesis can be useful for those who are
making further research about symbolism. Furthermore, this thesis can help
people who hope for more enjoyment in reading and are interested in
understanding Paulo Coelho’s Brida as a part of literary work.

E. Definition of Term
In order to avoid misunderstanding, the writer provides some definitions of a
term that will be discussed in this study. Here are some definitions related to the
term ‘symbol’.
Symbol
Arp and Johnson (2009) mention that “A literary symbol means more than
what it is. It has layers of meanings. Whereas an image has one meaning, a
symbol has many.” The same definition about symbol is also stated by Harris
(2010), “A symbol is something that on the surface is its literal self but which also
has another meaning or even several meanings.” For example water does not only
mean water but also symbolizes life or rebirth and a sword may symbolize justice.
According to Kennedy and Gioia (1999), a symbol generally is not abstract terms
like love or truth, but is likely to be perceptible objects. Often the symbols found
in inanimate objects, but other things also may function symbolically (p. 218). In
this case, the characters can also become the symbols. Meanwhile, Arp and

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Johnson (2009) state that the symbols can be used into three forms. These three
forms are names, objects, and actions (p. 289).
In this study, the symbols refer to the names of the characters, main
characters, and actions performed by the main characters in Paulo Coelho’s Brida.
The symbols of names refer to the names of Brida and Wicca as the main
characters of the story. The symbols of characters refer to Brida, the Magus, and
Wicca. Meanwhile, the symbols of actions refer to the actions done by the main
characters such as learning magic and finding a soul mate, recalling childhood
memories, and turning out the lights while letting one acrylic sculpture remain lit.

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CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents the review of related theories and theoretical
framework. The review of related theories reviews theories which are relevant to
be employed in this study. The theoretical framework explains the contribution of
each theory in solving the problems of the study.
A. Review of Related Theories
This study presents some theories that can be used as a means to answer the
problems of the study. These theories are the New Criticism, theory of symbol,
and theory of character and characterization.

1. New Criticism
Klarer (1999) states that a central term often used synonymously with New
Criticism is close reading, which is concentrating on the relationships within the
text that give the text its own distinctive character or form (p. 86). In short, the
New Criticism is an approach which requires the writer to perform a close
reading. Performing a close reading is done by focusing on the internal features of
the text. As an addition, Murfin and Ray (1997) state that the New Criticism
focuses on phenomena such as multiple meaning, paradox, irony, word - play,
puns, or rhetorical figures, which – as the smallest distinguishable elements of a
literary work-form interdependent links with the overall context. Special attention
is paid to repetition and particular images or symbols in this approach.
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Guerin, Labor, Morgan, Reesman, and Willingham (2005) state that the New
Criticism is made based on the idea of how the author delivers his thought through
his work by using certain tools such as images and symbols (pp.143-149).
Furthermore, Murfin and Ray (1997) add that the New Criticism has sometimes
been called an "objective" approach to literature because it stresses close textual
analysis and seeing the text as a carefully crafted, orderly object containing
formal, observable pattern. Based on their statements, it can be concluded that an
analysis of the symbols, images, and their intended meanings by using the New
Criticism would likely be marked as an objective work. This theory is used to
analyze the text of a literary work without considering its external features and to
reveal its intended meanings by giving special attention to repetition and
particular images and symbols.

2. Theory of Symbol
Abrams (1999) defines a symbol as a word or a phrase that signifies an object
or an event, which turns signifies something, or a range of reference, beyond itself
(p. 311). Stanton (1965) mentions that symbols may be consisted in every element
of a story such as in the form of a single object, a repeated type of object, a
physical substance, a shape, a gesture, a color, a sound, a fragrance and may
represent a part of a human personality, the indifference of nature to man’s
suffering, futile ambition, human responsibility, and the romanticism of youth
(para. 31). Meanwhile, Guth (1997) defines the symbols as images such as details,
a characters, or incidents that have meanings beyond their literal role in the

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narrative. Therefore, becoming sensitive to symbolic overtones and implications is
necessary in order to fully respond to a story. (para.189)
Related to the meaning of symbols, Busenbark (1949, p.5) states that
“Symbols have their exoteric or open meanings for the masses, but they also have
their esoteric or closed meanings.” Through this statement, Busenbark describes
that symbols have two types of meanings. The first one, Busenbark mentions that
a symbol has an exoteric or open meaning which means that it can be easily
understood. The second one, Busenbark mentions that a symbol can also have an
esoteric or close meaning which means that a symbol can only be understood by a
small number of people who have special knowledge related to symbolism.
Related to Busenbark’s definition, Reuben (2011) mentions that the ability to
recognize and interpret symbols indeed requires experience in literary readings,
perception, and tact. However, Arp and Johnson (2009) state that the readers may
be able to interpret the symbols by following these four cautions. Firstly, the story
itself must furnish a clue that a detail is to be taken symbolically. The symbols
nearly always signal their existence by emphasis, repetition, or position. Secondly,
the meaning of a literary symbol must be established and supported by the entire
context of the story. A symbol has its meaning inside not outside a story. Thirdly,
to be called a symbol, an item must suggest a meaning different in kind from its
literal meaning. Fourthly, a symbol has a cluster of meanings. (pp. 290 – 291)
Kennedy and Gioia (1999) also give some idea on how the readers can
recognize a symbol in fiction. Similar with Arp and Johnson, Kennedy and Gioia
state that the authors often give the symbols particular emphasis and may be

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mentioned repeatedly throughout the story or it may even supply the story with
the title. According to Kennedy and Gioia, the readers should pay attention to
words, phrases, or sentences which are mentioned repeatedly, because they might
suggest that they are symbols. Kennedy and Gioia (1999) further add that
sometimes, an important symbol will open a story or end it. A symbol, an object,
an act, or a character is given special emphasis and importance. In the literary
works, the readers may find that some characters often are not well rounded and
fully known, but are seen fleetingly and remain slightly mysterious. This type of
characters may also be the symbols (p. 218). Therefore, focusing on certain
characters and actions is necessary in order to look for the symbols because
usually the author invents them based on certain purposes especially to support his
idea.
Moreover, Kennedy and Gioia (1999) add that an object, an act, or a character
is surely symbolic if, when the readers finish reading the story they realize that it
was the item which led them to the essential meaning of the story (p. 218).
Meanwhile, Stanton (1965) mentions that the existence of symbols usually brings
three effects depends on how it is used. The first effect is a symbol that appears
during an important moment of the story underlines the significance of that
moment. The second effect is a symbol repeated several times reminds the readers
of some constant element in the story’s world. The third effect is a symbol that
recurs in varying context helps to define or clarify the theme.
Reuben (2011) states a symbol may have more than one meaning which
distinguishes it from an image. To identify the symbols in a literary work, one has

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to recognize the form of symbols in that literary work. According to Kennedy and
Gioia (1999), a symbol generally is not abstract terms like love or truth, but is
likely to be perceptible objects. Often the symbols found in fiction are inanimate
objects, but other things also may function symbolically (p. 218).
There are several categories in symbols. According to Arp and Johnson
(2009), the symbols can be used into three forms. Those three forms are names,
objects, and actions (p.289). Symbolism in name can be found in a story, where
the author purposely giving his characters peculiar names. This is not only to label
the characters, but also to guide the readers’ understanding about something else
related to the characters. Similarly, Stanton (1965) also mentions that the
characters’ names may contain the author’s explicit description and comment
upon the characters (p. 18).
Related to the categories of symbols, Myers and Simms (1989) divide
symbols into three different types. The first is ‘the archetypal or cultural symbols’
in which a natural object refers to a limited a number of interpretations that
transcends cultural barriers. For example the sun which represents energy, a
source of life, and the male active principle. The second is 'the general symbol',
which appeals to a smaller audience. However, it contains more associative
meaning. The last symbol is 'the private symbol or authorial or contextual
symbol', which is created in an author's imagination and conveying any number of
meanings in the guiding context (p. 298). This means that a symbol can also be
the author’s imagination which exists in a story in order to convey the readers’
understanding toward the story.

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Meanwhile, Harris (2010) divides symbols into two general types. The first is
‘universal symbols’ which embody universally recognizable meanings wherever
used, such as light to symbolize knowledge, or a skull to symbolize death. The
second is ‘constructed symbols’ which are given symbolic meaning by the way an
author uses them in a literary work, as the white whale becomes a symbol of evil
in Moby Dick. (p.4)
According to Rohrberger and Woods (1971), the presence of symbols in the
literary works is inevitable. Some people think that many great works of art use
the literary symbols because they suggest complexity, intricacy, and richness. If
the symbols are present in literary works, whether through emphasis, repetition,
implication, or recurring patterns, it means that the author purposely uses them as
a tool to deliver his messages. Therefore such a hint should not be neglected in
order to get the actual understanding of the literary work itself (p. 17).
3. Theory of Character and Characterization
In this study, the implementation of the theory of character and
characterization is necessary considering the fact that the characters can convey
the ideas of the authors. Wheeler (n.d.) defines a character as any representation
of an individual being presented in a dramatic or narrative work through extended
dramatic or verbal representation. Meanwhile, Abrams (1999) defines a character
as a person who is often endowed with moral, disposition, and emotional qualities
that are expressed through dialogue and action in a dramatic or narrative work
(pp.32–33).

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According to Arp and Johnson (2009), the authors usually present their
characters in two ways, direct presentation and indirect presentation. The direct
presentation means that the authors present their characters straightly to the
readers by analyzing or through another character. The indirect presentation
means that the authors present their characters through their actions (pp. 162-165).
Based on Abram and Arp and Johnson’s definition about the characters, the
readers are able to understand the disposition of the characters through the
utterances and actions described in the story.
Another definition about character is also given by Roberts and Jacobs (1986)
who define character as an extended verbal representation of human being, the
inner self that determines thought, speech, and behavior (p. 143). Through their
definition, Roberts and Jacobs mention that the characters in a work of fiction
have the same way to express their feeling as well as human beings in true life.
The characters may feel happy, hate, angry, revenge, and may talk and behave as
well as human beings do. It is possible that the characters have characteristics
because the characters in fiction function as the representatives of the human
beings in true life.
According to Murphy (1972), there are nine methods which can be employed
in order to understand the characteristics of a character. The first is personal
description, in which the author describes a person's physical appearance and
clothes to build the character. The second is presenting the character as seen by
another. In this method, the author describes the character through the eyes and
opinions of another character instead of describing it directly. The third is speech,

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in which the author describes the character through what he says. The fourth is
past life. In this method, the author can give the readers a clue to the character’s
past life events to describe his character. The fifth is conversation of others, in
which the author gives clues to a person’s character through the conversations of
other people and things they say about him. The sixth is reactions which enable
the readers to get a description of a person’s character through his reactions
toward situations and events. The seventh is direct comment, in which the author
gives his personal comment on a person’s character directly. The eighth is
thoughts which enable the readers to recognize a person’s character by knowing
his thoughts. The last one is mannerisms, in which the author can describe a
person's mannerisms, habits, or unusual behaviors in order to tell the readers
something about his character (pp. 161-173).
Meanwhile, Rohrberger and Woods (1971) define ‘characterization’ as the
process by which an author creates a character. It is the device used by the author
to make the readers believe that each of the characters is the particular type of
person he is (p. 20). Therefore, the author of a literary work uses the characters to
describe people or human beings as in reality. Roberts and Jacobs (1986) state that
this is a strategy to emphasize that the characters' actions, statements, and
thoughts must all be what human beings are likely to do, say, and think under the
conditions presented in the work (p. 148). Meanwhile, according to Gill (1995),
characterization is the way in which a character is created (p. 35). To put it
simply, characterization is the process and character is the result.

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Arp and Johnson (2009) state three principles of characterization. Firstly, the
characters are generally consistent in their behavior. They do not behave
differently in an occasion unless there is a clear and sufficient reason for change.
Secondly, the characters’ words and actions spring from motivations the readers
can understand and believe. Lastly, the characters must be plausible or lifelike.

B. Theoretical Framework
In this study, the writer uses three theories. These theories are the New
Criticism, theory of symbol, and theory of character and characterization. Each of
these theories is essential in order to solve the problems of this study. Firstly, the
theory of symbols is used to identify the symbols expressed in the novel. It helps
the writer to recognize the patterns of the symbols and to prove that the symbols
exist in this story. Secondly, the theory of character and characterization is used to
identify the characteristics of Brida, Wicca, and the Magus as the symbols
reflected through the main characters. Finding their characteristics helps the writer
to reveal the ideas behind the characters. Revealing the ideas behind the characters
and their characterization enables the writer to reveal the possible meanings of the
symbols reflected through the main characters in Brida. Thirdly, the theory of
New Criticism is applied to help the writer to analyze the intended meanings of
the symbols through the intrinsic features of the text. This theory enables the
writer to find the meanings of the symbols expressed in Brida objectively.

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CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY

This chapter is aimed to present how the writer works with the study and what
kind of literary work is concerned in this study. This chapter consists of three
sections. They are the object of the study, approach of the study, and method of
the study. The object of the study gives general information about the literary
work which is analyzed by the writer. The approach of the study discusses the
approach which is being used in analyzing the literary work. The method of the
study describes the method and the procedures in analyzing the literary work.

A. Object of the Study
The object of the study in this thesis is a novel written by Paulo Coelho
entitled “Brida”. This novel which was published in 2008 after Paulo Coelho’s
previous work “The Alchemist” consists of 266 pages. This novel was originally
written in the Portuguese. However, this thesis only focuses on studying the
English version of Paulo Coelho’s ‘Brida’. In this novel, Paulo Coelho
emphasized love, spirituality, and mystery as the topics of the story.
As a work of fiction, this novel tells about the character named Brida who is
interested in magic and wants to be a witch in order to know the secrets of the
world. During her process of learning magic, Brida should be able to make
difficult decisions and struggle to find her soul mate. She almost stops herself
from learning magic after traveling to her past life. However, she is finally able to
make decisions to continue learning magic and seize her dream to be a witch.
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B. Approach of the Study
This thesis used New Criticism. Guerin, Labor, Morgan, Reesman, and
Willingham (2005) divide approaches of literature into six basic sections. One of
these basic sections is the New Criticism. By using this approach, the writer
intends to study the meaning of the text by studying its internal features which are
contained in words, images, actions, symbols, ideas, and personalities. Guerin,
Labor, Morgan, Reesman, and Willingham (2005) conclude that the New
Criticism allows the researcher to appreciate related literary work by recognize
the pattern of symbols (p. 106). Furthermore, they also state that this approach is
made based on the idea of how the author delivers his thought through his work
by using certain tools such as images and symbols (pp. 143 - 149). In short, the
New Criticism suggests that a literary work is a tool that is used by the author to
communicate his thought with the readers.
Murfin and Ray (1997) state that the New Criticism has sometimes been
called an "objective" approach to literature because it stresses close textual
analysis and seeing the text as a carefully crafted, orderly object containing
formal, observable pattern. They further add that “New Critics are more likely
than certain other critics to believe and say that the meaning of a text can be
known objectively”. By using the New Criticism the writer intends to identify the
symbols expressed in Paulo’s Brida and find out their meanings. This approach is
suitable to be employed in this analysis since it can reveal the meaning of the text
objectively.

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C. Method of the Study
This thesis is a library study. The primary source of this study is a novel
written by Paulo Coelho entitled ‘Brida’. The secondary sources of this study are
other scientific studies including reliable journals, books, and sites such as,
Perrine’s Literature: Structure, Sound & Sense written by Arp and Johnson, A
Glossary of Literary Terms written by M. H. Abrams, Reading and Writing about
Literature written by Mary Rohrberger and Samuel H. Woods, Jr., Fiction: An
Introduction to Reading and Writing written by Roberts and Jacobs, and so on.
In conducting this study, the writer took several steps. In the first step, the
writer read the story of Paulo Coelho’s Brida repeatedly in order to understand the
content. The second, the writer collected the necessary data and theories to
support this study. The third, the writer identified the main characters of the story
and took notes of the important points. The fourth, the writer identified the
symbols through the main characters of the story and their actions by using the
theory of symbol. The fifth, the writer made an analysis to solve the problems of
the study by applying the theory of the New Criticism. The sixth, the writer
supported her idea with the data and supporting theories she has collected. The
last step taken by the writer was drawing the conclusions of her work.

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CHAPTER IV
ANALYSIS
In this chapter, the writer will analyze the symbols that are expressed in
Paulo Coelho’s Brida. There are two parts in this chapter. The first part covers the
analysis of the symbols which are reflected through the main characters: Brida,
Wicca, and the Magus. The second part discusses the possible meanings of the
symbols reflected through the main characters in Brida.

A. The Symbols Expressed in Brida
In order to identify symbols in Paulo Coelho’s Brida, it is important to pay
attention to certain characters and actions because usually the author suggests
something through these characters and their actions (Kennedy & Gioia, p. 147).
This identification covers detailed information about the characters such as the
characteristics of characters. Focusing on a detail such as the characteristics of a
character in literary work is necessary in order to reveal the meaning behind it.
Guth (1997) states that become sensitive to symbolic overtones and implications
is necessary in order to fully respond to a story because the symbols can appear in
the form of images such as details, characters, or incidents that have a meaning
beyond their literal role in the narrative (para.189). This part of the study focuses
on the identification of symbols which are expressed in Paulo Coelho’s Brida.
In this study, the writer found out six symbols which then are categorized into
two types of symbols. These two types of symbols are the symbols of characters
and the symbols of actions. The first is the symbols of characters: Brida, the
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Magus, and Wicca. The second is the symbols reflected through their actions are
recalling childhood memories, learning magic and finding a soul mate and turning
out the light while letting one acrylic sculpture remain lit. The theory of symbol
and the theory of character and characterization are implemented in order to solve
the first problem formulated in this study.

1.

The Symbols Reflected Through the Main Characters
This part covers the analysis of the three main characters of Brida including

Brida, the Magus, and Wicca as the symbols and also the description of each main
character’s characteristics. The analysis of the main characters as symbols
explains the reasons why they become the symbols and the analysis of each main
character’s characteristics will help the writer to find their meanings as symbols.
a.

Brida
This part consists of two parts. The first one is the explanation of how Brida

becomes the symbol in this story and the second one is the characteristics of
Brida.
1) Brida as a Symbol
Brida is a symbol because she is described as a character who leads the
readers’ understanding about the essence of the story. In this story, Brida is not
only taking her role as a central character but also the key to open the message
which is delivered by the author. In the previous chapter, it has been discussed
that a symbolic character leads the reader to the essential meaning of the story
(Kennedy & Gioia, p. 218). Brida’s existence in this story is very important to

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lead the readers’ understanding toward the meaning behind the story since it
provides her journey in learning magic, her struggle in finding her faith, and her
search for a soul mate. Furthermore, the author provides the title with the name of
the heroine: Brida. In the previous chapter, it is also mentioned that the author
often gives the symbols particular emphasis and may be mentioned repeatedly
throughout the story or it may even supply the story with the title (Kennedy &
Gioia, p.218). The author provides the title with the main character’s name implies
that he gives an importance to Brida as the symbol which can lead the readers
toward the essential meaning of the story. Without Brida’s existence in this story,
it is possible if the essential meaning of the story will not be received by the
readers.

2) The Characteristics of Brida
A character is a representative of a human being therefore a character is
described with several characteristics just like a human being in the real life.
Brida, as one of the main characters in the story has several characteristics. Her
characteristics can be seen as follows.
a) Young
Brida is the central character of “Brida”. As The Magus’s soul mate, Brida is
described as a beautiful woman whose age is 21 years and wants to learn magic
for the search of knowledge (p. 4). It means that Brida is still young, especially for
a person who is interested in learning magic. The Magus asks Brida about her for
being too young to learn magic from him in their first meeting. “Don’t you think

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you’re rather young?” Instead of a question, the Magus is actually giving his
opinion about Brida’s age which is very young. Previously, the Magus has already
guessed if Brida is about twice his age, and she is too young, not only to be a
witch or to learn magic, but also to be his soul mate (p.3). Wicca also gives
similar opinion about Brida’s young age when they meet in Wicca’s apartment for
the first time (p.24). For Wicca, Brida is a young woman who resembles herself
when she was at the same age. It is not only because of her young age but also her
anxiety in search of meaning for everything (p. 48).

b) Indecisive
Another personality that distinguishes Brida from other main characters in this
story is her indecisiveness. At the beginning of the story, the author describes
Brida’s indecisiveness through her conversation with the Magus. The Magus
gives her a question that demands her to make a decision between love and magic
with honesty. Brida cannot answer his question directly because it is very difficult
for her to answer such a question. “It wasn’t so much a question, it was a choice,
the most difficult choice anyone would have to make in life…” (p. 8). It implies
that the question which is given by the Magus is very sensitive for Brida. It
indicates that love and magic are both very important for her. Therefore, when she
only chooses one she will lose the other. Then, she continues with her past
experience with love, “She’d had several boyfriends and had always believed that
she loved e