Perceptions of achieving a successful life revealed in Amy Tan`s The Kitchen God`s Wife and Richard Bach`s Jonathan Livingston Seagull.
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
PERCEPTIONS OF ACHIEVING A SUCCESSFUL LIFE
REVEALED IN AMY TAN’S THE KITCHEN GOD’S WIFE AND
RICHARD BACH’S JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL
A Thesis
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
to Obtain the Sarjana Pendidikan Degree
in English Language Education
By
Yosep Rahmat Pratama
Student Number: 051214076
ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM
DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS EDUCATION
FACULTY OF TEACHERS TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
YOGYAKARTA
2009
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
PERCEPTIONS OF ACHIEVING A SUCCESSFUL LIFE
REVEALED IN AMY TAN’S THE KITCHEN GOD’S WIFE AND
RICHARD BACH’S JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL
A Thesis
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
to Obtain the Sarjana Pendidikan Degree
in English Language Education
By
Yosep Rahmat Pratama
Student Number: 051214076
ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM
DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS EDUCATION
FACULTY OF TEACHERS TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
YOGYAKARTA
2009
i
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
ii
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
iii
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
iv
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
Success can be achieved by hardworking,
not just by dreaming.
Do not ever give up before you are completely lost.
Do not ever get lost before you fight.
Do not ever go for fight if you do not have the faith you can win.
ORA et LABORA
I dedicated this thesis to:
*. My ALMIGHTY LORD JESUS CHRIST and MOTHER MARY
*. My beloved father Mr. Andreas Sunarjo, my beloved mother Mrs. Jani
Djuanda, my beloved grandmother (emak) Mrs. Hertati, my beloved late
grandfather (akung) Mr. Agus Aripin, and my beloved late grandfather (opa) Mr.
Stefanus Djuanda.
*. My lovely younger sister and brother, Elizabeth Dianita Dwinanda and
Yacobus Trinugraha Putranto.
v
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First of all, I would like to express my highest and deepest gratitude to the
ALMIGHTY LORD JESUS CHRIST and MOTHER MARY for THEIR
greatest love and blessing in my life, for THEIR HOLY SPIRIT. Thank him for
always beside me and for keeping me up when problems come in my life. Thank
him for every single miracle and blessing in my life which always comes in the
right time when I need it. Thank him for guiding me to pass the hard time in doing
my thesis, so that finally I can finish it.
I am deeply indebted to Henny Herawati, S.Pd., M.Hum., as my thesis
sponsor for her patience, guidance, encouragement, assistance, and correction in
the process of making this thesis. I am also deeply indebted to Sister Margareth
FCJ for her patience, guidance, encouragement, assistance, and correction in the
process of making this thesis. This thesis would be nothing without their
noteworthy advice. May God Himself, will be the One who gives them all the
happiness, health, and success as the return of their kindness.
My gratitude also goes to all my lecturers in English Language
Education Study Program of Sanata Dharma University for the knowledge
and help during my study.
I also would like to express my highest and deepest gratitude to my
beloved father Mr. Andreas Sunarjo, my beloved mother Mrs. Jani Djuanda,
my beloved grandmother Mrs. Hertati, my beloved late grandfather Mr.
Agus Aripin, my beloved late grandfather Mr. Stefanus Djuanda, my lovely
vi
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
younger sister Elizabeth Dianita Dwinanda, and my lovely younger brother
Yacobus Trinugraha Putranto for their love, encouragement, support, faith, and
prayer. Neither any of spoken nor written words could ever describe how much
they really mean to my life.
I also send big thanks to my best friends Andika for his support and for
the dear friendship in the bitter moments and the sweet moments. I am so grateful
to have best friends like them.
Last but not least, I sincerely thank all the people who help me in finishing
this thesis. I cannot mention their names one by one. However, their support and
prayer really help me so that I can finish this thesis. Their participation and
contribution are very much appreciated. May God grant them with happiness,
health, and success.
Yosep Rahmat Pratama
vii
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE………………………………………………………………
i
APPROVAL PAGES………………………………………………………
ii
STATEMENT OF WORK’S ORIGINALITY…………………………….
iv
PAGE OF DEDICATION…………………………………………………
v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS………………………………………………..
vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS ………………………………………………….
viii
ABSTRACT………………………………………………………………..
xii
ABSTRAK…………………………………………………………………..
xiv
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study……………………………………….
1
1.2 Problem Formulation……………………………………………
4
1.3 Objectives of the Study………………………………………….. 5
1.4 Benefits of the Study……………………………………………
5
1.5 Definition of Terms……………………………………………..
6
CHAPTER 2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Review of Related Theories…………………………………….
8
2.1.1 Critical Approaches to Literature……………………..
9
2.1.2 Cultures and Beliefs…………………………………..
10
viii
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
2.2 Review of Related Cultures…………………………………….
12
2.2.1 Chinese Culture………………………………………….
12
2.2.1.1 Confucianism as the Reflection of Chinese Culture..
12
2.2.1.2 The Origin of Feng Shui……………………………
13
2.2.1.3 Yin – Yang…………………………………………
13
2.2.2 American Culture………………………………………..
14
2.2.2.1 Rags to Riches and Tramps to Millionaire…………
15
2.2.2.2 The American Dream………………………………
16
2.2.2.3 The Way to Wealth in Poor Richard’s Almanack….
17
2.3 Review of Related Proverbs……………………………………
18
2.3.1 Chinese Proverbs………………………………………...
19
2.3.2 American Proverbs………………………………………
20
2.4 Theoretical Framework…………………………………………
21
CHAPTER 3. METHODOLOGY
3.1 Object of the Study……………………………………………..
25
3.2 Approach of the Study………………………………………….
27
3.3 Method of the Study……………………………………………
28
CHAPTER 4. ANALYSIS
4.1 The Meanings of Success……………………………………….
31
4.1.1 Success is a Continuous Journey………………………...
32
4.1.2 Success is a Compilation of One Small Step……….........
35
ix
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
4.1.3 Success is Creating the Harmony in the Life……….........
38
4.1.4 Success is All about Perfection…………………………..
43
4.1.5 Success is a Choice………………………………………
44
4.2 The Process of Achieving Success……………………………..
47
4.2.1 Learning and Working Hard Continuously……………...
48
4.2.2 Doing the Process Carefully……………………………..
51
4.3 Characteristics of a Successful Person…………………………
54
4.3.1 Positive Thinking and Optimistic…………......................
55
4.3.2 Talking Less and Doing More…………………………..
57
4.3.3 Serious and Discipline………………………..................
59
4.3.4 Creative………………………………………………….
61
4.3.5 Humble ………………………………………….............
63
4.3.6 Willing to Learn from Others …………………………...
64
4.3.7 Independent and Confident…………………...................
66
4.3.8 Careful and Well-Planned……………………………….
67
4.3.9 Building a Good Synergy ……………………………….
69
4.3.10 Acknowledging Both Strengths and Weaknesses ……..
70
4.4 Values of Success ……………………………………………
72
4.4.1 Success is a Matter of Luck……………………………..
72
4.4.2 Perfection is Having No Limit…………………………..
72
4.4.3 Where there is a Will, there is a Way……………………
73
4.4.4 Failure is Not the End of Everything……………………
74
x
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
CHAPTER 5. CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
5.1 Conclusions…………………………………………………….
77
5.2 Suggestions…………………………………………………….
80
5.2.1 Suggestion for the Future Researchers ………………….
80
5.2.2 Suggestion for the English Teachers ……………………
81
REFERENCES……………………………………………………………
85
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 Biography of Amy Tan…………………………………….
88
APPENDIX 2 The Summary of The Kitchen God’s Wife ………………..
92
APPENDIX 3 Amy Tan and Her Works ………………………………….
96
APPENDIX 4 Biography of Richard Bach ………………………………..
97
APPENDIX 5 The Summary of Jonathan Livingston Seagull ……………
100
APPENDIX 6 Richard Bach and His Works………………………………
102
APPENDIX 7 Syllabus of Intensive Reading II…………………………...
103
APPENDIX 8 Lesson Plan of Intensive Reading II……………………….
105
APPENDIX 9 Materials for Teaching Intensive Reading II………………
108
xi
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
ABSTRACT
Rahmat Pratama, Yosep. (2009). Perceptions of Achieving a Successful Life
Revealed in Amy Tan’s the Kitchen God’s Wife and Richard Bach’s
Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Yogyakarta: English Language Education Study
Program, Department of Language and Arts Education, Faculty of Teachers
Training and Education, Sanata Dharma University.
This thesis discusses the comparison of perceptions of achieving a
successful life derived from Chinese and American culture as revealed in Amy
Tan’s The Kitchen God’s Wife and Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull.
Various perceptions about the meaning of success, process of achieving success,
characteristics of a successful person, and values of success which are revealed in
those two novels are being discussed in this thesis.
The objective of this study is to compare the perceptions of achieving a
successful life derived from Chinese and American culture as revealed in Amy
Tan’s The Kitchen God’s Wife and Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull.
This study intends to compare the perceptions of achieving a successful life
derived from these two cultures to figure out the similarities and differences
between them. The research problem can be formulated as follows: What are the
perceptions of achieving a successful life as revealed in Amy Tan’s The Kitchen
God’s Wife and Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull?
This study employed the novels Amy Tan’s The Kitchen God’s Wife and
Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull as the primary sources. Besides,
some relevant books on literature, theories of cultures and beliefs, and some
reviews of related culture and perception were used as the secondary sources in
order to support the analysis. Since this study concerned with the characteristics
and values of Chinese and American cultures which influenced certain
perceptions of success revealed in the novels, the socio-cultural approach was
applied.
The conclusion of this study is certain perception about success is really
influenced by certain cultural value and philosophy. Chinese people define
success more to the harmony which is created by creating a balanced condition on
the elements that exist in this life. Moreover, they also define success as “a matter
of luck.” Those two perceptions are influenced by the philosophy of Yin-Yang
and Feng Shui. On the other side, American culture sees success in a different
perception. They see success as “perfection.” This perception is really influenced
by American philosophy that “practice makes perfect.” However, both Chinese
and American cultures also define success as a journey. It is due to the fact that
we have to experience series of events along the way to achieve success. Finally,
success also means a choice that we are free to choose in what fields we are
interested to succeed.
Then, there are two processes of achieving a successful life. First is
learning and working hard continuously. Second is doing the process carefully.
Talking about success is not complete without talking about the
characteristics of a successful person. Positive thinking and optimism, talk less do
xii
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
more, serious and discipline, humble, willing to learn from others, independent
and confident, careful and well planed, building a good synergy, and
acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses are the common characteristics of a
successful person.
The values of success also need to be concerned. First, success is a matter
of luck. Second, perfection is having no limit. Moreover, where there is a willthere is a way and failure is not the end of everything become the last value of
success.
To future researchers who intend to do an in-depth study on the novels
Amy Tan’s The Kitchen God’s Wife and Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston
Seagull, the analysis on the characters development that is influenced by certain
cultural backgrounds and the analysis of the differences between Chinese and
American cultures in specific areas such as marriage or family still interested to be
discussed. Meanwhile, English teachers could also utilize parts of these novels to
increase students’ motivation to read in order to develop their reading skills.
xiii
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
ABSTRAK
Rahmat Pratama, Yosep. 2009. Perceptions of Achieving a Successful Life
Revealed in Amy Tan’s the Kitchen God’s Wife and Richard Bach’s
Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Yogyakarta: Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa
Inggris, Jurusan Pendidikan Bahasa dan Seni, Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu
Pendidikan, Universitas Sanata Dharma.
Skripsi ini mengulas tentang perbandingan persepsi - persepsi dalam hal
meraih kesuksesan hidup yang berasal dari kebudayaan Cina dan Amerika seperti
yang terdapat dalam novel karya Amy Tan yang berjudul The Kitchen God’s Wife
dan novel karya Richard Bach yang berjudul Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Ada
banyak persepsi tentang arti dari kesuksesan, proses untuk meraih sebuah
kesuksesan, karakteristik seorang yang sukses, dan nilai - nilai dari sebuah
kesuksesan yang tertuang dalam kedua novel tersebut dibahas dalam skripsi ini.
Tujuan dari skripsi ini adalah untuk membandingkan persepsi - persepsi
dalam hal meraih kesuksesan hidup yang berasal dari kebudayaan Cina dan
Amerika seperti yang terdapat dalam novel karya Amy Tan yang berjudul The
Kitchen God’s Wife dan novel karya Richard Bach yang berjudul Jonathan
Livingston Seagull. Studi ini ingin membandingkan persepsi-persepsi dalam hal
meraih kesuksesan hidup yang berasal dari dua kebudayaan tersebut untuk
menemukan kesamaan-kesamaan maupun perbedaan-perbedaan diantara
keduanya. Rumusan permasalahan dalam studi ini adalah: Apa saja persepsipersepsi untuk meraih sebuah kesuksesan dalam hidup sebagaimana tertuang
dalam novel karya Amy Tan yang berjudul The Kitchen God’s Wife dan novel
karya Richard Bach yang berjudul Jonathan Livingston Seagull?
Studi ini menggunakan novel karya Amy Tan yang berjudul The Kitchen
God’s Wife dan novel karya Richard Bach yang berjudul Jonathan Livingston
Seagull sebagai sumber utama. Selain itu, buku-buku yang relevan mengenai
kesusasteraan, teori-teori tentang kebudayaan dan kepercayaan, dan beberapa
pembahasan tentang kebudayaan dan persepsi-persepsi terkait digunakan sebagai
sumber-sumber tambahan untuk mendukung analisa. Oleh karena skripsi ini
menekankan pembahasan pada karakteristik dan nilai-nilai kebudayaan Cina dan
Amerika yang mempengaruhi persepsi-persepsi tertentu tentang sukses
sebagaimana tertuang didalam novel, digunakanlah pendekatan social dan
kebudayaan.
Kesimpulan dari studi ini adalah persepsi tertentu tentang kesuksesan
sangat dipengaruhi oleh nilai kebudayaan dan filosofi tertentu. Orang Cina
menganggap sukses lebih kepada suatu harmoni yang tercipta dengan membuat
kondisi yang seimbang diantara elemen-elemen yang ada dalam hidup ini. Lebih
lanjut, mereka juga menganggap sukses sebagai “hal yang berkaitan dengan
keberuntungan.” Dua persepsi tersebut dipengaruhi oleh filosofi Yin-Yang dan
Feng Shui. Di lain pihak, kebudayaan Amerika melihat kesuksesan dari persepsi
yang berbeda. Mereka melihat kesuksesan sebagai “kesempurnaan.” Persepsi ini
sangat dipengaruhi oleh filosofi mereka tentang “latihan akan menjadikan
sempurna.”
xiv
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
Bagaimanapun, baik kebudayaan Cina dan Amerika mengartikan
kesuksesan sebagai sebuah petualangan. Ini dikarenakan fakta bahwa kita harus
mengalami berbagai macam kejadian selama kita berusaha mencapai sukses.
Akhirnya, sukses juga berarti sebuah pilihan dimana kita bebas memilih di
bidang mana kita berminat untuk meraih sukses.
Lalu, proses meraih sukses dapat dibagi menjadi dua bagian. Pertama
adalah belajar dan bekerja keras secara berkelanjutan. Kedua adalah
melaksanakan proses secara cermat.
Berbicara tentang sukses tidak lengkap tanpa berbicara tentang karakter
seorang yang sukses. Berpikir positif dan optimis, serius dan disiplin, rendah hati,
belajar dari oarng lain, mandiri dan percaya diri, cermat dan terencana baik,
membangun sinergi yang baik, dan mengenal kelebihan dan kelemahan adalah
karakter-karakter umum dari seorang yang sukses.
Lalu, nilai-nilai dari sebuah kesuksesan juga perlu diperhatikan. Pertama,
kesuksesan adalah sebuah keberuntungan. Kedua, kesempurnaan tidak
mempunyai batasan. Lalu, dimana ada kemauan disitu ada jalan dan kegagalan
bukanlah akhir dari segalanya menjadi nilai kesuksesan terakhir.
Bagi para peneliti di waktu mendatang yang bermaksud untuk melakukan
studi mendalam mengenai novel karya Amy Tan yang berjudul The Kitchen
God’s Wife dan novel karya Richard Bach yang berjudul Jonathan Livingston
Seagull, analisa mengenai perkembangan karakter-karakter yang dipengaruhi latar
belakang kebudayaan tertentu dan analisa-analisa mengenai perbedaan antara
kebudayan Cina dan Amerika dalam hal-hal tertentu seperti pernikahan dan
keluarga masih sangat menarik untuk dibicarakan. Sementara itu, bagi para guru
Bahasa Inggris dapat pula memanfaatkan bagian-bagian dari kedua novel ini
untuk meningkatkan motivasi para siswa untuk mengembangkan kemampuan
membaca mereka.
xv
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
This chapter consists of five parts; they are background of the study,
problem formulation, objective of the study, benefit of the study, and definition of
terms. The background of the study describes briefly the main topic of this thesis
and also covers the reason for choosing the subject. Problem formulation
mentions the essential problem to be analyzed in this thesis, whereas the
objectives of the study explain the objectives or aims of conducting this research.
Benefits of the study reveal the advantages that the readers may gain in reading
this thesis. Moreover, this part is purposed to make the readers familiar with both
novels used in this thesis. Definition of terms is the last part of this chapter which
contains the description of key terms that are used in analyzing this novel.
1.1 Background of the Study
Reading literary works may give people some values. It may enrich or
broaden the reader’s perception and mind because literary works usually contain
many truths about life as the reflection of the writer’s experiences. Henkel says
that “a novel reflects elemental facts and forces in our rapidly changing world”
(22). It shows that a literary work derived from human experiences
chronologically that every human can learn about it, respond to it, and interpret it
with various perceptions. Danziger and Johnson state that “literature is an
imitation of varied experiences of living people which come from the result of an
1
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
2
author’s or a writer’s interpretation and perception of life” (34). In this case, the
writer’s interpretation and perception of life can be influenced by values of culture
as a reflection of writer’s descendant. Hence, as one of the genres of literature, a
novel consists of certain interpretations and perceptions of life.
As well as the writers raise various perceptions in writing the novel, in
reading the novel, the readers also raise different perceptions. In relation to choose
the topic for writing the thesis, I intend to discuss the topic related to perceptions
especially in achieving a successful life. Moreover, since my thesis is in the field
of literature, I am going to discuss the topic of perceptions of achieving a
successful life by comparing two novels from two different writers who have
different backgrounds of culture.
I intend to discuss the topic related to the perceptions of achieving a
successful life due to the fact that we live in the global era. It cannot be denied
that life in the global era demands a lot for succeeding. Besides, living in the
global era demands a qualified person who is able to compete with others. In this
case, competition is dealing with success in achieving something. According to
Kiyosaki, success is “obtaining a desired goal which is not something inherited”
(48). It means success can only be achieved through a good competition which is
done through qualified efforts. Therefore, no matter what age, colour or origin you
are, success is something that everyone can achieve at certain points in their life
by finishing a competition with qualified efforts.
There are several scientists and experts who determine the meaning of
success. According to Thomas Alfa Edison, who is well known as one of the
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
3
biggest scientists in the world, success is based on imagination plus ambition and
the will to work. By looking at his statement, success can be described as the
realization of an aim which needs hard works as the essential part of it. According
to Confucianism, a Chinese philosophy which primarily focuses more internally
on the way emphasizes benevolence and harmony in life, success always deals
with how we can create the balance and the harmony within all of the elements in
this universe, control the change in cycle, and do everything in discipline.
According to Daniel T. Willingham, an American educator from American
Federation of Teachers, success can be achieved through practice beyond the
point of perfection.
Concerning the facts above, I am interested in comparing the perceptions
of achieving a successful life derived from Chinese and American culture as
portrayed in literary works. Those two cultures are two of the biggest cultures in
the world which have lots of unique values and characteristics. Hence, I am
interested in comparing these two cultures to figure out the differences and the
similarities between them in the way they view success. Since my concern in this
study is comparing the perceptions of achieving a successful life from Chinese
and American culture as portrayed in literary works, I chose The Kitchen God’s
Wife written by Amy Tan and Jonathan Livingston Seagull written by Richard
Bach as the main source of this study. These two novels bring their own
perceptions from two different writers coming from two different cultures.
I choose The Kitchen God’s Wife written by Amy Tan, a ChineseAmerican born writer, as the representative of Chinese way of thinking, values of
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
4
norms, and principles of life, especially in the relation of achieving a successful
life.
Moreover, I also chose Jonathan Livingston Seagull written by Richard
Bach as the second novel in this study as the representative of American way of
thinking, values of norms, and principles of life especially in the relation of
achieving a successful life.
Looking at the statement from Danziger and Johnson (34) which says that
“literature is an imitation of varied experiences of living people which come from
the result of an author’s or a writer’s interpretation and perception of life,” I am
sure that the writer’s interpretation and perception of life can be influenced by
values of certain cultures as the reflection of writer’s descendant. Therefore, using
these two novels as the main sources of the study can help me to compare the
perceptions of achieving a successful life derived from Chinese and American
culture.
1.2 Problem Formulation
There is one essential problem which leads the analysis of the study to a
profound explanation. The research problem can be formulated as follows:
What are the perceptions of achieving a successful life as revealed in Amy Tan’s
The Kitchen God’s Wife and Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull?
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
5
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The objective of the study is to compare the perceptions of achieving a
successful life derived from Chinese culture and American culture as revealed in
Amy Tan’s The Kitchen God’s Wife and Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston
Seagull. Moreover, this study intends to compare the perceptions from these two
cultures to figure out the differences and the similarities in the way they view
success, in the way they view the process to achieve success, in the way they view
the characteristics of a successful person, and in the way they view the values of
success.
1.4 Benefits of the Study
The first benefit of this study is to make the readers of this thesis familiar
with Amy Tan’s and Richard Bach’s works. By reading this thesis, the readers in
general and the students of English Language Education Study Program who are
interested in Amy Tan’s and Richard Bach’s works will get more perspectives on
the novels The Kitchen God’s Wife and Jonathan Livingston Seagull. They also
can get more comprehension about the perceptions of achieving a successful life
derived from Chinese and American culture. Moreover, this study will give a lot
of benefits for the development of education. Hopefully, this thesis could be
useful for other researchers who are conducting their work related to this study.
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
6
1.5 Definition of Terms
In order to avoid misinterpretations, the writer defines some important
terms that are used throughout this study. The first term is Confucianism.
According to Xinzhong (58), “Confucianism is a Chinese philosophy which
primarily focuses more internally on the way emphasizing benevolence, harmony,
wisdom, family, and honouring one's ancestors.” Moreover, this philosophy also
explains about the relation between matter and principle, the method of
discovering truth, relation between human and nature, and the tendency not to
invoke a unified and personified supernatural power. In this study, Confucianism
means the way or a principle to achieve a success which deals with how we can
create the balance and the harmony within all of the elements in this universe,
control the change in cycle, and do everything in discipline.
Another term used in this study is harmony. According to Xinzhong (34),
“harmony is a state of peaceful existence and agreement or the things go well
together and produce an attractive result.” In this study, harmony is having a
closer difference in the meaning. Harmony in this study means the balance
condition between good and bad sides that lots of people in the world try to fulfil
in order to support their intention in achieving something which is worthy. Thus,
harmony is some kind of situation in which things around it are arranged in a
good order so that these things can go well together to produce a good result.
Yin and Yang comes as the third important term. According to Xinzhong
(69), Yin and Yang means “a balance between two opposite things, such as female
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
7
(yin) and male (yang).” In this study, Yin and Yang means the balanced condition
which creates two things in opposite, such as good and bad, dark and bright.
Perfection according to Denver (47) is “the act of making something
perfect by doing the final improvements.” In this case, everyone who wants to
reach the perfection must have everything is finished in a complete condition
without faults or weaknesses. In this study, perfection also means to make
something become perfect by doing the final improvements.
Luck according to Xinzhong is a positive energy achieved from
maintaining the harmony in life (57). The positive energy really needs to support
our efforts to achieve success. Creating the positive energy can only be done with
maintaining the harmony in life. We should give a balance portion for doing lots
of efforts, taking a rest, giving a charity, and praying to God. Those ways are the
example of maintaining the harmony to get luck. Luck is important and really
needs to support our efforts to achieve success. Luck in this study also has the
same meaning as what Xinzhong said.
Perception according to Hornby is a belief or an image which comes up as
the result of how someone sees or understands something especially with sense
and mind (58). In this study, perception also has the same meaning as what
Hornby said. Perception really shows the ways of understanding for certain
things. That understanding is gain through the process of sensing and thinking.
Moreover, looking at certain facts and proofs can also be used as the ways to
create certain perceptions.
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
In this chapter, certain theory of critical approach to literature, certain
theories of cultures and beliefs, certain reviews about Chinese and American
culture, and certain reviews of related perceptions to achieve success are
presented to support the discussion. This chapter is divided into four parts, namely
review of related theories or theoretical description, review of related culture,
review of related perception, and the last part is theoretical framework.
Review of related theories consists of some related theories which are
applied in conducting this study. Review of related culture consists of reviews of
two related cultures which are applied in this study. Some philosophies and
beliefs are discussed in this part. Review of related perceptions consists of some
related perceptions of achieving a successful life in the form of proverbs.
Theoretical framework explains the contribution of the theories and
reviews in solving the problems, especially in the matter of why those theories
and reviews are needed and how they are applied in the study. Moreover, those
theories and reviews are synthesized so as to make them operationally applicable
to the problems.
2.1 Review of Related Theories
The theories which are applied in this study deal with the theory of critical
approaches to literature and theory of cultures and beliefs.
8
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
9
2.1.1 Critical Approaches to Literature
According to Rohrberger and Woods (3), “literary criticism is the study,
discussion, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of literary works.” Literary
criticism is usually expressed in the form of a critical essay. In analyzing a literary
work, we need to determine what we want to explore and reveal, then we select
the appropriate tool to criticize the work. Therefore, a critical approach to
literature needs an understanding of its nature, function, and positive values.
Someone must know what literature is, how to read it, and how to appraise it.
There are some common critical approaches which are usually used as
tools to criticize the literary work. The first approach is the Formalist approach.
This approach comes up due to the fact that literature is a unique form of human
knowledge. Hence, it is necessary to understand the work within the work itself
by looking at all the elements contained in the work.
This approach also tries “demonstrating the harmonious involvement of all
parts to the whole, pointing out how meaning is derived from structure, and
pointing out how technique determines structure” (7).
The Biographical approach is the second approach which is used to
examine a literary work based on the importance of acknowledging the author’s
personal life for a deep understanding to his or her writings. However, in this
approach, it is not necessary to include all the facts from the author’s life,
especially when it is not relevant to the meaning or the context of the work. Thus,
providing useful facts that could put the reader in a better position to understand
and appreciate the literary object is important in this approach.
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
10
The Socio-Cultural approach seeks to understand a literary work by
investigating the social, cultural, and intellectual context that produce it. “It
focuses on the cultural, economic, and political values contained in that literary
work” (9). Hence, it explores more to the relationship between the writer and the
society.
The Gender approach seeks to understand how sexual identity influences
the creation and reception of literary works. In this approach, feminist critics
usually appear to criticize the literary work by examining how the image of men
and women in literature reflects or rejects the social forces. It talks mainly about
the equality between men and women.
The Psychological approach seeks to examine the work by reflecting on
life as a realistic representation of human motivation and behaviour. “This
approach sees the literary work as an expression of the state of mind and the
structure of personality of the individual author” (13). Moreover, this approach
uses the theory of psychology to explain human’s motivation, personality and
behaviour patterns written in the literary objects.
The Mythological approach examines the literary work by dealing with
how the individual imagination uses myths and symbols in different cultures and
epochs.
2.1.2 Cultures and Beliefs
The British anthropologist, Sir Edward Burnett Taylor (57), defines
“culture as the mixture of knowledge and beliefs which influences most of human
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
11
perceptions and behaviours.” In the 1950s, A. L. Kroeber and Clyde Kluckhon
(62) stated that culture is “the values and beliefs that people used to interpret
experience and generate behaviour, and all of those reflected in their behaviour.”
According to Havilland (24), culture in anthropology, is “the patterns of
behaviour and thinking that people living in social groups learn, create, and
share.” Every human group has different types of cultures from others.
According to Lakoff (64), culture has several different characteristics.
First, culture is based on symbols. “Culture is abstracts ways of referring and
understanding ideas, objects, feelings, or behaviours, and the ability to
communicate with symbols using language.” Second, culture is shared. People in
the same society share common behaviours and ways of thinking through culture.
Third, culture is learned. Culture is socially inherited. It can be understood trough
the process of learning. A person must learn culture from other people in a society
so that the person can be accepted in the society. The last, culture is adaptive.
People use culture to flexibly and quickly adjust to the changes in the world
around them.
One German anthropologist, Biehler, said that
Belief is one of specific categories of ideology besides value and idea. Belief
gives people an understanding of how the world works and how they should
respond to the actions of others and their environments. This understanding
influences most of people’s perception and behaviour. Moreover, particular
beliefs often tie in closely with the daily concerns of domestic life such as
making a living, health and sickness, happiness and sadness, interpersonal
relationships and death. (42)
On the other side, Scriven (27) in “Primary Philosophy” stated that “belief
is any simple proposition, conscious or unconscious, inferred from what a person
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
12
says or does.” The content of belief may describe an object or situation as true or
false and evaluate it as good or bad.
2.2 Review of Related Cultures
This part represents some reviews of related culture. Since this study
discusses the perceptions of achieving successful life derived from Chinese and
American culture, some reviews of Chinese and American culture in the form of
certain philosophies and beliefs are discussed in this part.
2.2.1 Chinese Culture
Confucianism, Feng Shui, and Yin-Yang are discussed in this part. Those
three items are the Chinese philosophies which really give big influences to the
Chinese people’s perceptions.
2.2.1.1 Confucianism as the Reflection of Chinese Culture
Confucianism is an old Chinese philosophy. According to Mao Tse Dong,
“Confucianism is a Chinese tradition of thought that focused in the fields of ethics
and politics, emphasizing personal and governmental morality, correctness of
social relationships, justice, traditionalism, and sincerity.” He also states that
Confucianism creates the world meritocracy by its principle which says that
“one's status should be determined by ability instead of ancestry, wealth, or
friendships.” Confucianism can also be said as a system of moral, social, political,
and religious that has had tremendous influence on Chinese history, thought, and
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
13
culture up to this era. Thus, Confucianism really gives big influence for shaping
the Chinese culture and state of China.
2.2.1.2 The Origin of Feng Shui
The Chinese believe that the universe is influenced by the interaction of
four elements or wu qing (metal, wood, fire, and earth) which are derived from the
art-science called Feng Shui.
According to Yitseng,
風水
Feng Shui (
/ Fung Shway), translated literary as wind (feng) and water
(shui), is the ancient Chinese art-science which gives priority to placement
and arrangement of place to achieve the harmony with the environment. Feng
Shui is a discrete Chinese belief which involves a mixture of ideas from
geographical, psychological, philosophical, mathematical, aesthetic, and
astrological field.
As it explained before that Feng Shui translated as Wind and Water, Qi is
said to be the life energy that flows within these two environments. Since life
exists within either air or water, Feng Shui is considered beneficial to attract and
channel Qi which is believed can encourage growth and prosperity.
2.2.1.3 Yin - Yang
In Chinese philosophy, there exists a duality in everything, represented by
the Yin - Yang concept. The Yin - Yang concept represents a balance between
two opposite things such as female (yin) and male (yang). This balance is
applicable to whole spectrum of things and situations. According to Yitseng, the
characteristics of Yin - Yang concept are:
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
14
Yin and Yang are equal and opposite
The equality of the two opposite things is crucial to be recognized to appreciate the
balance of power and to make one good entity. This balance should be applied across
the whole spectrum of parameters.
Yin and Yang are well defined
.
Every entity, parts of human body, food material, physical concepts such as heat and
cold, high and low, directions, and taste are either yin or yang. The yin or yang
aspect is always distinct, definite and consistent.
Yin and Yang are rooted to each other
.
Yin - Yang controls each other, restrains each other, and works together as a
coherent entity. Hence, without yin there is no yang and vice versa.
Yin and Yang are in dynamic equilibrium
.
Every mutual dependence and restraint always requires compromise that is to give
and take. Therefore, the balance condition between Yin and Yang is important to
be achieved.
Yin and Yang evolve
.
In practice yin or yang, there will always be a relative value because two opposite
things represented in yin - yang are in different sides of the same feature.
2.2.2 American Culture
This part discusses two of the special philosophies which describe the
characteristics of American people, “From rags to riches” and “From tramps to
millionaires”. Those philosophies are the foundation of “The American Dream.”
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
15
Therefore, a little in this part also discusses about “The American Dream.”
Moreover, seven phrases from “The Poor Richard’s Almanack” quoted in “The
Way to Wealth” are also discussed in this part. Those American philosophies
really give big influences to the American people’s perceptions.
2.2.2.1 Rags to Riches and Tramps to Millionaires
As Potter says in “People of Plenty,” the abundance has influenced
American life in many ways and universal opportunity to move through a scale
which traversed many levels is really important. This opportunity to move
between social classes as the part of social identity is identical with equality.
Moreover, this opportunity always deals with the position and status which have
wealth, power, and enviability (91).
Potter also says that “Rags to Riches” and “Tramps to Millionaires” refer
to certain situation in which a person rises from poverty to wealth, from obscurity
to fame, or sometimes from modesty to elegance. It describes the way in which
American people life is geared to success rather than to status. That is, the
American people measure their own worth by the distance which they have
progressed from their point of departure rather than by the position which they
occupy. They esteem high current income more than the possession of longaccumulated wealth (48).
Those philosophies are the foundation of “The American Dream” and
really give big influences to the American people’s perceptions, especially in the
matter of achieving a successful life. Influencing by those philosophies, American
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
16
people tend to say that success is all about perfection as describes in the
philosophies “From Rags to Riches.” They also think that success means
becoming a number one. They give the emphasizing on the achievement and the
process itself. Working hard and maintaining the persistence are two important
matters should be included in the process of achieving a successful life. Having
those two important matters, we can have the opportunity to achieve success.
2.2.2.2 The American Dream
As Johnson says, “The American Dream” is a national ethos of the United
States of America in which democratic ideals are perceived as a promise of
prosperity for its people. “The American Dream” is stated by James Truslow
Adams in 1931. He stated that citizens of every rank can achieve a “better, richer,
and happier life.” Moreover, he also stated that “all men are created equal” that
they have rights of life, liberty, and happiness. “The American Dream” builds the
characteristics of American people but is also blamed for overinflated
expectations. Due to this philosophy, the United States has regarded and promoted
itself as a beacon of liberty and prosperity. They see and achieve everything in the
perfect form. American people tend to say that success can only be achieved by
combining the hard work and persistence. Success is a journey towards the
achievement of the predetermined goals. Everyone is having the same opportunity
to follow the journey and achieve certain worthwhile goals. However, it depends
on someone’s choice. Taking a certain choice, someone has to be ready to take the
consequences.
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
17
“The American Dream” is purposed to answer two important questions.
They are “how to make a living” and “how to live.”
2.2.2.3 The Way to Wealth in Poor Richard’s Almanack
“The Way to Wealth” is an essay written by Benjamin Franklin in 1758.
This essay was quoted in “Poor Richard’s Almanack.” Moreover, this essay
contains some phrases which are categorized as an advice of success, work ethic,
perfection, being a number one, persistence, and the achievement of goals.
As Norton quoted in “The Norton Anthology of American Literature,”
there are seven phrases from “Poor Richard’s Almanack” which are well-known
as the characteristics of American people. Those phrases really give strong
influence to American people’s perceptions, especially in the matter of achieving
a successful life.
Those phrases are:
“The sleeping fox catches no poultry” (362).
“Early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise” (363).
“There are no gains without pains” (363).
“Diligence is the mother of good luck” (363).
“For age and want, save while you may;
No morning sun lasts a whole day” (366).
“Get what you can, and what you get hold;
Tis the stone that will turn all your lead into gold” (367).
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
18
2.3 Review of Related Proverbs
Every culture has its own characteristics. Moreover, they bring their own
perception of certain things in life which is influenced by certain values of their
culture. Characteristic and perception of certain cultures can be seen in various
forms. One of the most common representative forms of certain cultures
perception is proverb.
According to Xinzhao (92), “proverbs are the reflection of culture.”
Proverbs bring their own perception of certain things which is influenced by
certain values of culture. It shows how one culture looks, thinks, or percepts about
one thing based on certain values. It cannot be denied that one culture may have
different proverbs to reflect certain things in this life because in every culture,
each word has its own special meaning.
According to Lakoff (88), “proverb contains a reflection of cultural value
and indicates our thinking process.” Moreover, he also states that a proverb can
consciously or subconsciously shape our thoughts and speeches.
Since this study is purposed to find and compare the perceptions of
achieving a successful life from Chinese and American culture, some proverbs
which reflects Chinese’s and American’s perception about success are presented
in this part. The proverbs are about the meaning of success, the process to achieve
success, the characteristics of a successful person, and the values of success.
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
19
2.3.1 Chinese Proverbs
According to Zinxhong, there are some proverbs from Chinese culture
which consist of perceptions of achieving a successful life (88). They are:
“A tree with wide girdle grows from a tiny seed”
However big the project is, it started off as something tiny.
Success is not built overnight, it takes time to nurture.
“The man puts in the efforts, but the Heaven makes it a success.”
An often quoted statement, implying that though one could try their best,
the final outcome could be very circumstantial.
“Strike first to gain the upper hand”
Emphasize on the importance of controlling the situation early, before things
get out of hand.
Usually followed by “Strike late and you will be in disaster”
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step.” It means doing one
small step makes us one step closer to our success.
“The usefulness of a cup is in its emptiness.” It means we have to act like an
empty cup that we can add more additional knowledge, skills, and strategies.
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
20
“It is better to take many small steps in the right direction than to make a great
leap forward only to stumble backward.” It means we have to do the right action
at the right time and place to achieve success. In this case, patience is the most
important aspect.
“Success is a matter of luck.” It means to achieve success we need luck besides
doing a lot of efforts and mastering a lot of skills.
“A wise man makes his own decisions; an ignorant man follows public opinions.”
It means we have to depend on ourselves when we do or decide something for our
life. Do not ever depend on someone else’s opinion. Our life is in our hand.
However, we can try to listen for someone else’s advice if it is good for us.
“You cannot catch a cub without going into a tiger’s den.”
Risky as it is, if you are afraid of taking chances, there is no way you can succeed.
“Dripping water can eat through a stone.”
(Chinese original:
Chinese Pinyin: Di1 shui3 chuan1 shi2.)
Perseverance will lead to success.
2.3.2 American Proverbs
According to Kearny, there are some proverbs from American culture
which consist of perceptions of achieving a successful life. They are:
“Insanity is doing the same thing in the same way and expecting a different
outcome.” It means to ac
PERCEPTIONS OF ACHIEVING A SUCCESSFUL LIFE
REVEALED IN AMY TAN’S THE KITCHEN GOD’S WIFE AND
RICHARD BACH’S JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL
A Thesis
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
to Obtain the Sarjana Pendidikan Degree
in English Language Education
By
Yosep Rahmat Pratama
Student Number: 051214076
ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM
DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS EDUCATION
FACULTY OF TEACHERS TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
YOGYAKARTA
2009
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
PERCEPTIONS OF ACHIEVING A SUCCESSFUL LIFE
REVEALED IN AMY TAN’S THE KITCHEN GOD’S WIFE AND
RICHARD BACH’S JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL
A Thesis
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
to Obtain the Sarjana Pendidikan Degree
in English Language Education
By
Yosep Rahmat Pratama
Student Number: 051214076
ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM
DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS EDUCATION
FACULTY OF TEACHERS TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
YOGYAKARTA
2009
i
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
ii
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
iii
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
iv
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
Success can be achieved by hardworking,
not just by dreaming.
Do not ever give up before you are completely lost.
Do not ever get lost before you fight.
Do not ever go for fight if you do not have the faith you can win.
ORA et LABORA
I dedicated this thesis to:
*. My ALMIGHTY LORD JESUS CHRIST and MOTHER MARY
*. My beloved father Mr. Andreas Sunarjo, my beloved mother Mrs. Jani
Djuanda, my beloved grandmother (emak) Mrs. Hertati, my beloved late
grandfather (akung) Mr. Agus Aripin, and my beloved late grandfather (opa) Mr.
Stefanus Djuanda.
*. My lovely younger sister and brother, Elizabeth Dianita Dwinanda and
Yacobus Trinugraha Putranto.
v
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First of all, I would like to express my highest and deepest gratitude to the
ALMIGHTY LORD JESUS CHRIST and MOTHER MARY for THEIR
greatest love and blessing in my life, for THEIR HOLY SPIRIT. Thank him for
always beside me and for keeping me up when problems come in my life. Thank
him for every single miracle and blessing in my life which always comes in the
right time when I need it. Thank him for guiding me to pass the hard time in doing
my thesis, so that finally I can finish it.
I am deeply indebted to Henny Herawati, S.Pd., M.Hum., as my thesis
sponsor for her patience, guidance, encouragement, assistance, and correction in
the process of making this thesis. I am also deeply indebted to Sister Margareth
FCJ for her patience, guidance, encouragement, assistance, and correction in the
process of making this thesis. This thesis would be nothing without their
noteworthy advice. May God Himself, will be the One who gives them all the
happiness, health, and success as the return of their kindness.
My gratitude also goes to all my lecturers in English Language
Education Study Program of Sanata Dharma University for the knowledge
and help during my study.
I also would like to express my highest and deepest gratitude to my
beloved father Mr. Andreas Sunarjo, my beloved mother Mrs. Jani Djuanda,
my beloved grandmother Mrs. Hertati, my beloved late grandfather Mr.
Agus Aripin, my beloved late grandfather Mr. Stefanus Djuanda, my lovely
vi
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
younger sister Elizabeth Dianita Dwinanda, and my lovely younger brother
Yacobus Trinugraha Putranto for their love, encouragement, support, faith, and
prayer. Neither any of spoken nor written words could ever describe how much
they really mean to my life.
I also send big thanks to my best friends Andika for his support and for
the dear friendship in the bitter moments and the sweet moments. I am so grateful
to have best friends like them.
Last but not least, I sincerely thank all the people who help me in finishing
this thesis. I cannot mention their names one by one. However, their support and
prayer really help me so that I can finish this thesis. Their participation and
contribution are very much appreciated. May God grant them with happiness,
health, and success.
Yosep Rahmat Pratama
vii
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE………………………………………………………………
i
APPROVAL PAGES………………………………………………………
ii
STATEMENT OF WORK’S ORIGINALITY…………………………….
iv
PAGE OF DEDICATION…………………………………………………
v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS………………………………………………..
vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS ………………………………………………….
viii
ABSTRACT………………………………………………………………..
xii
ABSTRAK…………………………………………………………………..
xiv
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study……………………………………….
1
1.2 Problem Formulation……………………………………………
4
1.3 Objectives of the Study………………………………………….. 5
1.4 Benefits of the Study……………………………………………
5
1.5 Definition of Terms……………………………………………..
6
CHAPTER 2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Review of Related Theories…………………………………….
8
2.1.1 Critical Approaches to Literature……………………..
9
2.1.2 Cultures and Beliefs…………………………………..
10
viii
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
2.2 Review of Related Cultures…………………………………….
12
2.2.1 Chinese Culture………………………………………….
12
2.2.1.1 Confucianism as the Reflection of Chinese Culture..
12
2.2.1.2 The Origin of Feng Shui……………………………
13
2.2.1.3 Yin – Yang…………………………………………
13
2.2.2 American Culture………………………………………..
14
2.2.2.1 Rags to Riches and Tramps to Millionaire…………
15
2.2.2.2 The American Dream………………………………
16
2.2.2.3 The Way to Wealth in Poor Richard’s Almanack….
17
2.3 Review of Related Proverbs……………………………………
18
2.3.1 Chinese Proverbs………………………………………...
19
2.3.2 American Proverbs………………………………………
20
2.4 Theoretical Framework…………………………………………
21
CHAPTER 3. METHODOLOGY
3.1 Object of the Study……………………………………………..
25
3.2 Approach of the Study………………………………………….
27
3.3 Method of the Study……………………………………………
28
CHAPTER 4. ANALYSIS
4.1 The Meanings of Success……………………………………….
31
4.1.1 Success is a Continuous Journey………………………...
32
4.1.2 Success is a Compilation of One Small Step……….........
35
ix
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
4.1.3 Success is Creating the Harmony in the Life……….........
38
4.1.4 Success is All about Perfection…………………………..
43
4.1.5 Success is a Choice………………………………………
44
4.2 The Process of Achieving Success……………………………..
47
4.2.1 Learning and Working Hard Continuously……………...
48
4.2.2 Doing the Process Carefully……………………………..
51
4.3 Characteristics of a Successful Person…………………………
54
4.3.1 Positive Thinking and Optimistic…………......................
55
4.3.2 Talking Less and Doing More…………………………..
57
4.3.3 Serious and Discipline………………………..................
59
4.3.4 Creative………………………………………………….
61
4.3.5 Humble ………………………………………….............
63
4.3.6 Willing to Learn from Others …………………………...
64
4.3.7 Independent and Confident…………………...................
66
4.3.8 Careful and Well-Planned……………………………….
67
4.3.9 Building a Good Synergy ……………………………….
69
4.3.10 Acknowledging Both Strengths and Weaknesses ……..
70
4.4 Values of Success ……………………………………………
72
4.4.1 Success is a Matter of Luck……………………………..
72
4.4.2 Perfection is Having No Limit…………………………..
72
4.4.3 Where there is a Will, there is a Way……………………
73
4.4.4 Failure is Not the End of Everything……………………
74
x
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
CHAPTER 5. CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
5.1 Conclusions…………………………………………………….
77
5.2 Suggestions…………………………………………………….
80
5.2.1 Suggestion for the Future Researchers ………………….
80
5.2.2 Suggestion for the English Teachers ……………………
81
REFERENCES……………………………………………………………
85
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 Biography of Amy Tan…………………………………….
88
APPENDIX 2 The Summary of The Kitchen God’s Wife ………………..
92
APPENDIX 3 Amy Tan and Her Works ………………………………….
96
APPENDIX 4 Biography of Richard Bach ………………………………..
97
APPENDIX 5 The Summary of Jonathan Livingston Seagull ……………
100
APPENDIX 6 Richard Bach and His Works………………………………
102
APPENDIX 7 Syllabus of Intensive Reading II…………………………...
103
APPENDIX 8 Lesson Plan of Intensive Reading II……………………….
105
APPENDIX 9 Materials for Teaching Intensive Reading II………………
108
xi
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
ABSTRACT
Rahmat Pratama, Yosep. (2009). Perceptions of Achieving a Successful Life
Revealed in Amy Tan’s the Kitchen God’s Wife and Richard Bach’s
Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Yogyakarta: English Language Education Study
Program, Department of Language and Arts Education, Faculty of Teachers
Training and Education, Sanata Dharma University.
This thesis discusses the comparison of perceptions of achieving a
successful life derived from Chinese and American culture as revealed in Amy
Tan’s The Kitchen God’s Wife and Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull.
Various perceptions about the meaning of success, process of achieving success,
characteristics of a successful person, and values of success which are revealed in
those two novels are being discussed in this thesis.
The objective of this study is to compare the perceptions of achieving a
successful life derived from Chinese and American culture as revealed in Amy
Tan’s The Kitchen God’s Wife and Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull.
This study intends to compare the perceptions of achieving a successful life
derived from these two cultures to figure out the similarities and differences
between them. The research problem can be formulated as follows: What are the
perceptions of achieving a successful life as revealed in Amy Tan’s The Kitchen
God’s Wife and Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull?
This study employed the novels Amy Tan’s The Kitchen God’s Wife and
Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull as the primary sources. Besides,
some relevant books on literature, theories of cultures and beliefs, and some
reviews of related culture and perception were used as the secondary sources in
order to support the analysis. Since this study concerned with the characteristics
and values of Chinese and American cultures which influenced certain
perceptions of success revealed in the novels, the socio-cultural approach was
applied.
The conclusion of this study is certain perception about success is really
influenced by certain cultural value and philosophy. Chinese people define
success more to the harmony which is created by creating a balanced condition on
the elements that exist in this life. Moreover, they also define success as “a matter
of luck.” Those two perceptions are influenced by the philosophy of Yin-Yang
and Feng Shui. On the other side, American culture sees success in a different
perception. They see success as “perfection.” This perception is really influenced
by American philosophy that “practice makes perfect.” However, both Chinese
and American cultures also define success as a journey. It is due to the fact that
we have to experience series of events along the way to achieve success. Finally,
success also means a choice that we are free to choose in what fields we are
interested to succeed.
Then, there are two processes of achieving a successful life. First is
learning and working hard continuously. Second is doing the process carefully.
Talking about success is not complete without talking about the
characteristics of a successful person. Positive thinking and optimism, talk less do
xii
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
more, serious and discipline, humble, willing to learn from others, independent
and confident, careful and well planed, building a good synergy, and
acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses are the common characteristics of a
successful person.
The values of success also need to be concerned. First, success is a matter
of luck. Second, perfection is having no limit. Moreover, where there is a willthere is a way and failure is not the end of everything become the last value of
success.
To future researchers who intend to do an in-depth study on the novels
Amy Tan’s The Kitchen God’s Wife and Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston
Seagull, the analysis on the characters development that is influenced by certain
cultural backgrounds and the analysis of the differences between Chinese and
American cultures in specific areas such as marriage or family still interested to be
discussed. Meanwhile, English teachers could also utilize parts of these novels to
increase students’ motivation to read in order to develop their reading skills.
xiii
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
ABSTRAK
Rahmat Pratama, Yosep. 2009. Perceptions of Achieving a Successful Life
Revealed in Amy Tan’s the Kitchen God’s Wife and Richard Bach’s
Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Yogyakarta: Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa
Inggris, Jurusan Pendidikan Bahasa dan Seni, Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu
Pendidikan, Universitas Sanata Dharma.
Skripsi ini mengulas tentang perbandingan persepsi - persepsi dalam hal
meraih kesuksesan hidup yang berasal dari kebudayaan Cina dan Amerika seperti
yang terdapat dalam novel karya Amy Tan yang berjudul The Kitchen God’s Wife
dan novel karya Richard Bach yang berjudul Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Ada
banyak persepsi tentang arti dari kesuksesan, proses untuk meraih sebuah
kesuksesan, karakteristik seorang yang sukses, dan nilai - nilai dari sebuah
kesuksesan yang tertuang dalam kedua novel tersebut dibahas dalam skripsi ini.
Tujuan dari skripsi ini adalah untuk membandingkan persepsi - persepsi
dalam hal meraih kesuksesan hidup yang berasal dari kebudayaan Cina dan
Amerika seperti yang terdapat dalam novel karya Amy Tan yang berjudul The
Kitchen God’s Wife dan novel karya Richard Bach yang berjudul Jonathan
Livingston Seagull. Studi ini ingin membandingkan persepsi-persepsi dalam hal
meraih kesuksesan hidup yang berasal dari dua kebudayaan tersebut untuk
menemukan kesamaan-kesamaan maupun perbedaan-perbedaan diantara
keduanya. Rumusan permasalahan dalam studi ini adalah: Apa saja persepsipersepsi untuk meraih sebuah kesuksesan dalam hidup sebagaimana tertuang
dalam novel karya Amy Tan yang berjudul The Kitchen God’s Wife dan novel
karya Richard Bach yang berjudul Jonathan Livingston Seagull?
Studi ini menggunakan novel karya Amy Tan yang berjudul The Kitchen
God’s Wife dan novel karya Richard Bach yang berjudul Jonathan Livingston
Seagull sebagai sumber utama. Selain itu, buku-buku yang relevan mengenai
kesusasteraan, teori-teori tentang kebudayaan dan kepercayaan, dan beberapa
pembahasan tentang kebudayaan dan persepsi-persepsi terkait digunakan sebagai
sumber-sumber tambahan untuk mendukung analisa. Oleh karena skripsi ini
menekankan pembahasan pada karakteristik dan nilai-nilai kebudayaan Cina dan
Amerika yang mempengaruhi persepsi-persepsi tertentu tentang sukses
sebagaimana tertuang didalam novel, digunakanlah pendekatan social dan
kebudayaan.
Kesimpulan dari studi ini adalah persepsi tertentu tentang kesuksesan
sangat dipengaruhi oleh nilai kebudayaan dan filosofi tertentu. Orang Cina
menganggap sukses lebih kepada suatu harmoni yang tercipta dengan membuat
kondisi yang seimbang diantara elemen-elemen yang ada dalam hidup ini. Lebih
lanjut, mereka juga menganggap sukses sebagai “hal yang berkaitan dengan
keberuntungan.” Dua persepsi tersebut dipengaruhi oleh filosofi Yin-Yang dan
Feng Shui. Di lain pihak, kebudayaan Amerika melihat kesuksesan dari persepsi
yang berbeda. Mereka melihat kesuksesan sebagai “kesempurnaan.” Persepsi ini
sangat dipengaruhi oleh filosofi mereka tentang “latihan akan menjadikan
sempurna.”
xiv
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
Bagaimanapun, baik kebudayaan Cina dan Amerika mengartikan
kesuksesan sebagai sebuah petualangan. Ini dikarenakan fakta bahwa kita harus
mengalami berbagai macam kejadian selama kita berusaha mencapai sukses.
Akhirnya, sukses juga berarti sebuah pilihan dimana kita bebas memilih di
bidang mana kita berminat untuk meraih sukses.
Lalu, proses meraih sukses dapat dibagi menjadi dua bagian. Pertama
adalah belajar dan bekerja keras secara berkelanjutan. Kedua adalah
melaksanakan proses secara cermat.
Berbicara tentang sukses tidak lengkap tanpa berbicara tentang karakter
seorang yang sukses. Berpikir positif dan optimis, serius dan disiplin, rendah hati,
belajar dari oarng lain, mandiri dan percaya diri, cermat dan terencana baik,
membangun sinergi yang baik, dan mengenal kelebihan dan kelemahan adalah
karakter-karakter umum dari seorang yang sukses.
Lalu, nilai-nilai dari sebuah kesuksesan juga perlu diperhatikan. Pertama,
kesuksesan adalah sebuah keberuntungan. Kedua, kesempurnaan tidak
mempunyai batasan. Lalu, dimana ada kemauan disitu ada jalan dan kegagalan
bukanlah akhir dari segalanya menjadi nilai kesuksesan terakhir.
Bagi para peneliti di waktu mendatang yang bermaksud untuk melakukan
studi mendalam mengenai novel karya Amy Tan yang berjudul The Kitchen
God’s Wife dan novel karya Richard Bach yang berjudul Jonathan Livingston
Seagull, analisa mengenai perkembangan karakter-karakter yang dipengaruhi latar
belakang kebudayaan tertentu dan analisa-analisa mengenai perbedaan antara
kebudayan Cina dan Amerika dalam hal-hal tertentu seperti pernikahan dan
keluarga masih sangat menarik untuk dibicarakan. Sementara itu, bagi para guru
Bahasa Inggris dapat pula memanfaatkan bagian-bagian dari kedua novel ini
untuk meningkatkan motivasi para siswa untuk mengembangkan kemampuan
membaca mereka.
xv
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
This chapter consists of five parts; they are background of the study,
problem formulation, objective of the study, benefit of the study, and definition of
terms. The background of the study describes briefly the main topic of this thesis
and also covers the reason for choosing the subject. Problem formulation
mentions the essential problem to be analyzed in this thesis, whereas the
objectives of the study explain the objectives or aims of conducting this research.
Benefits of the study reveal the advantages that the readers may gain in reading
this thesis. Moreover, this part is purposed to make the readers familiar with both
novels used in this thesis. Definition of terms is the last part of this chapter which
contains the description of key terms that are used in analyzing this novel.
1.1 Background of the Study
Reading literary works may give people some values. It may enrich or
broaden the reader’s perception and mind because literary works usually contain
many truths about life as the reflection of the writer’s experiences. Henkel says
that “a novel reflects elemental facts and forces in our rapidly changing world”
(22). It shows that a literary work derived from human experiences
chronologically that every human can learn about it, respond to it, and interpret it
with various perceptions. Danziger and Johnson state that “literature is an
imitation of varied experiences of living people which come from the result of an
1
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
2
author’s or a writer’s interpretation and perception of life” (34). In this case, the
writer’s interpretation and perception of life can be influenced by values of culture
as a reflection of writer’s descendant. Hence, as one of the genres of literature, a
novel consists of certain interpretations and perceptions of life.
As well as the writers raise various perceptions in writing the novel, in
reading the novel, the readers also raise different perceptions. In relation to choose
the topic for writing the thesis, I intend to discuss the topic related to perceptions
especially in achieving a successful life. Moreover, since my thesis is in the field
of literature, I am going to discuss the topic of perceptions of achieving a
successful life by comparing two novels from two different writers who have
different backgrounds of culture.
I intend to discuss the topic related to the perceptions of achieving a
successful life due to the fact that we live in the global era. It cannot be denied
that life in the global era demands a lot for succeeding. Besides, living in the
global era demands a qualified person who is able to compete with others. In this
case, competition is dealing with success in achieving something. According to
Kiyosaki, success is “obtaining a desired goal which is not something inherited”
(48). It means success can only be achieved through a good competition which is
done through qualified efforts. Therefore, no matter what age, colour or origin you
are, success is something that everyone can achieve at certain points in their life
by finishing a competition with qualified efforts.
There are several scientists and experts who determine the meaning of
success. According to Thomas Alfa Edison, who is well known as one of the
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
3
biggest scientists in the world, success is based on imagination plus ambition and
the will to work. By looking at his statement, success can be described as the
realization of an aim which needs hard works as the essential part of it. According
to Confucianism, a Chinese philosophy which primarily focuses more internally
on the way emphasizes benevolence and harmony in life, success always deals
with how we can create the balance and the harmony within all of the elements in
this universe, control the change in cycle, and do everything in discipline.
According to Daniel T. Willingham, an American educator from American
Federation of Teachers, success can be achieved through practice beyond the
point of perfection.
Concerning the facts above, I am interested in comparing the perceptions
of achieving a successful life derived from Chinese and American culture as
portrayed in literary works. Those two cultures are two of the biggest cultures in
the world which have lots of unique values and characteristics. Hence, I am
interested in comparing these two cultures to figure out the differences and the
similarities between them in the way they view success. Since my concern in this
study is comparing the perceptions of achieving a successful life from Chinese
and American culture as portrayed in literary works, I chose The Kitchen God’s
Wife written by Amy Tan and Jonathan Livingston Seagull written by Richard
Bach as the main source of this study. These two novels bring their own
perceptions from two different writers coming from two different cultures.
I choose The Kitchen God’s Wife written by Amy Tan, a ChineseAmerican born writer, as the representative of Chinese way of thinking, values of
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
4
norms, and principles of life, especially in the relation of achieving a successful
life.
Moreover, I also chose Jonathan Livingston Seagull written by Richard
Bach as the second novel in this study as the representative of American way of
thinking, values of norms, and principles of life especially in the relation of
achieving a successful life.
Looking at the statement from Danziger and Johnson (34) which says that
“literature is an imitation of varied experiences of living people which come from
the result of an author’s or a writer’s interpretation and perception of life,” I am
sure that the writer’s interpretation and perception of life can be influenced by
values of certain cultures as the reflection of writer’s descendant. Therefore, using
these two novels as the main sources of the study can help me to compare the
perceptions of achieving a successful life derived from Chinese and American
culture.
1.2 Problem Formulation
There is one essential problem which leads the analysis of the study to a
profound explanation. The research problem can be formulated as follows:
What are the perceptions of achieving a successful life as revealed in Amy Tan’s
The Kitchen God’s Wife and Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull?
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
5
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The objective of the study is to compare the perceptions of achieving a
successful life derived from Chinese culture and American culture as revealed in
Amy Tan’s The Kitchen God’s Wife and Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston
Seagull. Moreover, this study intends to compare the perceptions from these two
cultures to figure out the differences and the similarities in the way they view
success, in the way they view the process to achieve success, in the way they view
the characteristics of a successful person, and in the way they view the values of
success.
1.4 Benefits of the Study
The first benefit of this study is to make the readers of this thesis familiar
with Amy Tan’s and Richard Bach’s works. By reading this thesis, the readers in
general and the students of English Language Education Study Program who are
interested in Amy Tan’s and Richard Bach’s works will get more perspectives on
the novels The Kitchen God’s Wife and Jonathan Livingston Seagull. They also
can get more comprehension about the perceptions of achieving a successful life
derived from Chinese and American culture. Moreover, this study will give a lot
of benefits for the development of education. Hopefully, this thesis could be
useful for other researchers who are conducting their work related to this study.
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
6
1.5 Definition of Terms
In order to avoid misinterpretations, the writer defines some important
terms that are used throughout this study. The first term is Confucianism.
According to Xinzhong (58), “Confucianism is a Chinese philosophy which
primarily focuses more internally on the way emphasizing benevolence, harmony,
wisdom, family, and honouring one's ancestors.” Moreover, this philosophy also
explains about the relation between matter and principle, the method of
discovering truth, relation between human and nature, and the tendency not to
invoke a unified and personified supernatural power. In this study, Confucianism
means the way or a principle to achieve a success which deals with how we can
create the balance and the harmony within all of the elements in this universe,
control the change in cycle, and do everything in discipline.
Another term used in this study is harmony. According to Xinzhong (34),
“harmony is a state of peaceful existence and agreement or the things go well
together and produce an attractive result.” In this study, harmony is having a
closer difference in the meaning. Harmony in this study means the balance
condition between good and bad sides that lots of people in the world try to fulfil
in order to support their intention in achieving something which is worthy. Thus,
harmony is some kind of situation in which things around it are arranged in a
good order so that these things can go well together to produce a good result.
Yin and Yang comes as the third important term. According to Xinzhong
(69), Yin and Yang means “a balance between two opposite things, such as female
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
7
(yin) and male (yang).” In this study, Yin and Yang means the balanced condition
which creates two things in opposite, such as good and bad, dark and bright.
Perfection according to Denver (47) is “the act of making something
perfect by doing the final improvements.” In this case, everyone who wants to
reach the perfection must have everything is finished in a complete condition
without faults or weaknesses. In this study, perfection also means to make
something become perfect by doing the final improvements.
Luck according to Xinzhong is a positive energy achieved from
maintaining the harmony in life (57). The positive energy really needs to support
our efforts to achieve success. Creating the positive energy can only be done with
maintaining the harmony in life. We should give a balance portion for doing lots
of efforts, taking a rest, giving a charity, and praying to God. Those ways are the
example of maintaining the harmony to get luck. Luck is important and really
needs to support our efforts to achieve success. Luck in this study also has the
same meaning as what Xinzhong said.
Perception according to Hornby is a belief or an image which comes up as
the result of how someone sees or understands something especially with sense
and mind (58). In this study, perception also has the same meaning as what
Hornby said. Perception really shows the ways of understanding for certain
things. That understanding is gain through the process of sensing and thinking.
Moreover, looking at certain facts and proofs can also be used as the ways to
create certain perceptions.
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
In this chapter, certain theory of critical approach to literature, certain
theories of cultures and beliefs, certain reviews about Chinese and American
culture, and certain reviews of related perceptions to achieve success are
presented to support the discussion. This chapter is divided into four parts, namely
review of related theories or theoretical description, review of related culture,
review of related perception, and the last part is theoretical framework.
Review of related theories consists of some related theories which are
applied in conducting this study. Review of related culture consists of reviews of
two related cultures which are applied in this study. Some philosophies and
beliefs are discussed in this part. Review of related perceptions consists of some
related perceptions of achieving a successful life in the form of proverbs.
Theoretical framework explains the contribution of the theories and
reviews in solving the problems, especially in the matter of why those theories
and reviews are needed and how they are applied in the study. Moreover, those
theories and reviews are synthesized so as to make them operationally applicable
to the problems.
2.1 Review of Related Theories
The theories which are applied in this study deal with the theory of critical
approaches to literature and theory of cultures and beliefs.
8
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
9
2.1.1 Critical Approaches to Literature
According to Rohrberger and Woods (3), “literary criticism is the study,
discussion, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of literary works.” Literary
criticism is usually expressed in the form of a critical essay. In analyzing a literary
work, we need to determine what we want to explore and reveal, then we select
the appropriate tool to criticize the work. Therefore, a critical approach to
literature needs an understanding of its nature, function, and positive values.
Someone must know what literature is, how to read it, and how to appraise it.
There are some common critical approaches which are usually used as
tools to criticize the literary work. The first approach is the Formalist approach.
This approach comes up due to the fact that literature is a unique form of human
knowledge. Hence, it is necessary to understand the work within the work itself
by looking at all the elements contained in the work.
This approach also tries “demonstrating the harmonious involvement of all
parts to the whole, pointing out how meaning is derived from structure, and
pointing out how technique determines structure” (7).
The Biographical approach is the second approach which is used to
examine a literary work based on the importance of acknowledging the author’s
personal life for a deep understanding to his or her writings. However, in this
approach, it is not necessary to include all the facts from the author’s life,
especially when it is not relevant to the meaning or the context of the work. Thus,
providing useful facts that could put the reader in a better position to understand
and appreciate the literary object is important in this approach.
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
10
The Socio-Cultural approach seeks to understand a literary work by
investigating the social, cultural, and intellectual context that produce it. “It
focuses on the cultural, economic, and political values contained in that literary
work” (9). Hence, it explores more to the relationship between the writer and the
society.
The Gender approach seeks to understand how sexual identity influences
the creation and reception of literary works. In this approach, feminist critics
usually appear to criticize the literary work by examining how the image of men
and women in literature reflects or rejects the social forces. It talks mainly about
the equality between men and women.
The Psychological approach seeks to examine the work by reflecting on
life as a realistic representation of human motivation and behaviour. “This
approach sees the literary work as an expression of the state of mind and the
structure of personality of the individual author” (13). Moreover, this approach
uses the theory of psychology to explain human’s motivation, personality and
behaviour patterns written in the literary objects.
The Mythological approach examines the literary work by dealing with
how the individual imagination uses myths and symbols in different cultures and
epochs.
2.1.2 Cultures and Beliefs
The British anthropologist, Sir Edward Burnett Taylor (57), defines
“culture as the mixture of knowledge and beliefs which influences most of human
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
11
perceptions and behaviours.” In the 1950s, A. L. Kroeber and Clyde Kluckhon
(62) stated that culture is “the values and beliefs that people used to interpret
experience and generate behaviour, and all of those reflected in their behaviour.”
According to Havilland (24), culture in anthropology, is “the patterns of
behaviour and thinking that people living in social groups learn, create, and
share.” Every human group has different types of cultures from others.
According to Lakoff (64), culture has several different characteristics.
First, culture is based on symbols. “Culture is abstracts ways of referring and
understanding ideas, objects, feelings, or behaviours, and the ability to
communicate with symbols using language.” Second, culture is shared. People in
the same society share common behaviours and ways of thinking through culture.
Third, culture is learned. Culture is socially inherited. It can be understood trough
the process of learning. A person must learn culture from other people in a society
so that the person can be accepted in the society. The last, culture is adaptive.
People use culture to flexibly and quickly adjust to the changes in the world
around them.
One German anthropologist, Biehler, said that
Belief is one of specific categories of ideology besides value and idea. Belief
gives people an understanding of how the world works and how they should
respond to the actions of others and their environments. This understanding
influences most of people’s perception and behaviour. Moreover, particular
beliefs often tie in closely with the daily concerns of domestic life such as
making a living, health and sickness, happiness and sadness, interpersonal
relationships and death. (42)
On the other side, Scriven (27) in “Primary Philosophy” stated that “belief
is any simple proposition, conscious or unconscious, inferred from what a person
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
12
says or does.” The content of belief may describe an object or situation as true or
false and evaluate it as good or bad.
2.2 Review of Related Cultures
This part represents some reviews of related culture. Since this study
discusses the perceptions of achieving successful life derived from Chinese and
American culture, some reviews of Chinese and American culture in the form of
certain philosophies and beliefs are discussed in this part.
2.2.1 Chinese Culture
Confucianism, Feng Shui, and Yin-Yang are discussed in this part. Those
three items are the Chinese philosophies which really give big influences to the
Chinese people’s perceptions.
2.2.1.1 Confucianism as the Reflection of Chinese Culture
Confucianism is an old Chinese philosophy. According to Mao Tse Dong,
“Confucianism is a Chinese tradition of thought that focused in the fields of ethics
and politics, emphasizing personal and governmental morality, correctness of
social relationships, justice, traditionalism, and sincerity.” He also states that
Confucianism creates the world meritocracy by its principle which says that
“one's status should be determined by ability instead of ancestry, wealth, or
friendships.” Confucianism can also be said as a system of moral, social, political,
and religious that has had tremendous influence on Chinese history, thought, and
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
13
culture up to this era. Thus, Confucianism really gives big influence for shaping
the Chinese culture and state of China.
2.2.1.2 The Origin of Feng Shui
The Chinese believe that the universe is influenced by the interaction of
four elements or wu qing (metal, wood, fire, and earth) which are derived from the
art-science called Feng Shui.
According to Yitseng,
風水
Feng Shui (
/ Fung Shway), translated literary as wind (feng) and water
(shui), is the ancient Chinese art-science which gives priority to placement
and arrangement of place to achieve the harmony with the environment. Feng
Shui is a discrete Chinese belief which involves a mixture of ideas from
geographical, psychological, philosophical, mathematical, aesthetic, and
astrological field.
As it explained before that Feng Shui translated as Wind and Water, Qi is
said to be the life energy that flows within these two environments. Since life
exists within either air or water, Feng Shui is considered beneficial to attract and
channel Qi which is believed can encourage growth and prosperity.
2.2.1.3 Yin - Yang
In Chinese philosophy, there exists a duality in everything, represented by
the Yin - Yang concept. The Yin - Yang concept represents a balance between
two opposite things such as female (yin) and male (yang). This balance is
applicable to whole spectrum of things and situations. According to Yitseng, the
characteristics of Yin - Yang concept are:
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
14
Yin and Yang are equal and opposite
The equality of the two opposite things is crucial to be recognized to appreciate the
balance of power and to make one good entity. This balance should be applied across
the whole spectrum of parameters.
Yin and Yang are well defined
.
Every entity, parts of human body, food material, physical concepts such as heat and
cold, high and low, directions, and taste are either yin or yang. The yin or yang
aspect is always distinct, definite and consistent.
Yin and Yang are rooted to each other
.
Yin - Yang controls each other, restrains each other, and works together as a
coherent entity. Hence, without yin there is no yang and vice versa.
Yin and Yang are in dynamic equilibrium
.
Every mutual dependence and restraint always requires compromise that is to give
and take. Therefore, the balance condition between Yin and Yang is important to
be achieved.
Yin and Yang evolve
.
In practice yin or yang, there will always be a relative value because two opposite
things represented in yin - yang are in different sides of the same feature.
2.2.2 American Culture
This part discusses two of the special philosophies which describe the
characteristics of American people, “From rags to riches” and “From tramps to
millionaires”. Those philosophies are the foundation of “The American Dream.”
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
15
Therefore, a little in this part also discusses about “The American Dream.”
Moreover, seven phrases from “The Poor Richard’s Almanack” quoted in “The
Way to Wealth” are also discussed in this part. Those American philosophies
really give big influences to the American people’s perceptions.
2.2.2.1 Rags to Riches and Tramps to Millionaires
As Potter says in “People of Plenty,” the abundance has influenced
American life in many ways and universal opportunity to move through a scale
which traversed many levels is really important. This opportunity to move
between social classes as the part of social identity is identical with equality.
Moreover, this opportunity always deals with the position and status which have
wealth, power, and enviability (91).
Potter also says that “Rags to Riches” and “Tramps to Millionaires” refer
to certain situation in which a person rises from poverty to wealth, from obscurity
to fame, or sometimes from modesty to elegance. It describes the way in which
American people life is geared to success rather than to status. That is, the
American people measure their own worth by the distance which they have
progressed from their point of departure rather than by the position which they
occupy. They esteem high current income more than the possession of longaccumulated wealth (48).
Those philosophies are the foundation of “The American Dream” and
really give big influences to the American people’s perceptions, especially in the
matter of achieving a successful life. Influencing by those philosophies, American
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
16
people tend to say that success is all about perfection as describes in the
philosophies “From Rags to Riches.” They also think that success means
becoming a number one. They give the emphasizing on the achievement and the
process itself. Working hard and maintaining the persistence are two important
matters should be included in the process of achieving a successful life. Having
those two important matters, we can have the opportunity to achieve success.
2.2.2.2 The American Dream
As Johnson says, “The American Dream” is a national ethos of the United
States of America in which democratic ideals are perceived as a promise of
prosperity for its people. “The American Dream” is stated by James Truslow
Adams in 1931. He stated that citizens of every rank can achieve a “better, richer,
and happier life.” Moreover, he also stated that “all men are created equal” that
they have rights of life, liberty, and happiness. “The American Dream” builds the
characteristics of American people but is also blamed for overinflated
expectations. Due to this philosophy, the United States has regarded and promoted
itself as a beacon of liberty and prosperity. They see and achieve everything in the
perfect form. American people tend to say that success can only be achieved by
combining the hard work and persistence. Success is a journey towards the
achievement of the predetermined goals. Everyone is having the same opportunity
to follow the journey and achieve certain worthwhile goals. However, it depends
on someone’s choice. Taking a certain choice, someone has to be ready to take the
consequences.
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
17
“The American Dream” is purposed to answer two important questions.
They are “how to make a living” and “how to live.”
2.2.2.3 The Way to Wealth in Poor Richard’s Almanack
“The Way to Wealth” is an essay written by Benjamin Franklin in 1758.
This essay was quoted in “Poor Richard’s Almanack.” Moreover, this essay
contains some phrases which are categorized as an advice of success, work ethic,
perfection, being a number one, persistence, and the achievement of goals.
As Norton quoted in “The Norton Anthology of American Literature,”
there are seven phrases from “Poor Richard’s Almanack” which are well-known
as the characteristics of American people. Those phrases really give strong
influence to American people’s perceptions, especially in the matter of achieving
a successful life.
Those phrases are:
“The sleeping fox catches no poultry” (362).
“Early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise” (363).
“There are no gains without pains” (363).
“Diligence is the mother of good luck” (363).
“For age and want, save while you may;
No morning sun lasts a whole day” (366).
“Get what you can, and what you get hold;
Tis the stone that will turn all your lead into gold” (367).
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
18
2.3 Review of Related Proverbs
Every culture has its own characteristics. Moreover, they bring their own
perception of certain things in life which is influenced by certain values of their
culture. Characteristic and perception of certain cultures can be seen in various
forms. One of the most common representative forms of certain cultures
perception is proverb.
According to Xinzhao (92), “proverbs are the reflection of culture.”
Proverbs bring their own perception of certain things which is influenced by
certain values of culture. It shows how one culture looks, thinks, or percepts about
one thing based on certain values. It cannot be denied that one culture may have
different proverbs to reflect certain things in this life because in every culture,
each word has its own special meaning.
According to Lakoff (88), “proverb contains a reflection of cultural value
and indicates our thinking process.” Moreover, he also states that a proverb can
consciously or subconsciously shape our thoughts and speeches.
Since this study is purposed to find and compare the perceptions of
achieving a successful life from Chinese and American culture, some proverbs
which reflects Chinese’s and American’s perception about success are presented
in this part. The proverbs are about the meaning of success, the process to achieve
success, the characteristics of a successful person, and the values of success.
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
19
2.3.1 Chinese Proverbs
According to Zinxhong, there are some proverbs from Chinese culture
which consist of perceptions of achieving a successful life (88). They are:
“A tree with wide girdle grows from a tiny seed”
However big the project is, it started off as something tiny.
Success is not built overnight, it takes time to nurture.
“The man puts in the efforts, but the Heaven makes it a success.”
An often quoted statement, implying that though one could try their best,
the final outcome could be very circumstantial.
“Strike first to gain the upper hand”
Emphasize on the importance of controlling the situation early, before things
get out of hand.
Usually followed by “Strike late and you will be in disaster”
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step.” It means doing one
small step makes us one step closer to our success.
“The usefulness of a cup is in its emptiness.” It means we have to act like an
empty cup that we can add more additional knowledge, skills, and strategies.
PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
20
“It is better to take many small steps in the right direction than to make a great
leap forward only to stumble backward.” It means we have to do the right action
at the right time and place to achieve success. In this case, patience is the most
important aspect.
“Success is a matter of luck.” It means to achieve success we need luck besides
doing a lot of efforts and mastering a lot of skills.
“A wise man makes his own decisions; an ignorant man follows public opinions.”
It means we have to depend on ourselves when we do or decide something for our
life. Do not ever depend on someone else’s opinion. Our life is in our hand.
However, we can try to listen for someone else’s advice if it is good for us.
“You cannot catch a cub without going into a tiger’s den.”
Risky as it is, if you are afraid of taking chances, there is no way you can succeed.
“Dripping water can eat through a stone.”
(Chinese original:
Chinese Pinyin: Di1 shui3 chuan1 shi2.)
Perseverance will lead to success.
2.3.2 American Proverbs
According to Kearny, there are some proverbs from American culture
which consist of perceptions of achieving a successful life. They are:
“Insanity is doing the same thing in the same way and expecting a different
outcome.” It means to ac