reader can enrich the literary skill in interpreting a work of literature through the characters.
From the study, it is expected that the reader will have a better view on equality between men and women. The society opinions on women existence and
women class are only a stigma that grows in the society. It is written in the Bible that God made men and women with equal right Genesis 2: 18.
This novel helps us to understand that women and men have the same right in every part of life. Each person’s rights and opportunities do not depend on
the gender. Everyone is born equal. For the student of English Education Study Program, the study may
inspire those who are interested in analyzing this novel from other different view. They may also use the novel as a source for teaching. Besides giving a lot of
values, this novel also helps the student enrich their vocabulary.
E. Definition of Terms
To avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretations, the definitions of the key words that are used in this study are discussed below.
1. Real Struggle
In this study, real struggle is the struggle to conquer ignorance in a person’s life and in the world around him. It can be a struggle to fight to get
something or struggle to survive in an inconvenient condition. In this study, the struggle means that the main character undergoes to fight for equality in India
where the caste system remains Chinmoy 79. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
2. Equality
There are three main kinds of equality used in this study. According to Becker 323 they are: equal treatment for equals, which specifies that those who
are equal in some relevant respect should be treated equally, fundamental equality, which concerns that all human beings are have equal worth, have equal
fundamental rights to be treated equally, social equality, which is related to political equality, economic equality, and equality status among the members of a
society.
3. Character
In this study, the word character means the person presented in a dramatic or narrative work, who is interpreted by readers as a living person with moral and
qualities that are showed by what he says in the dialogues, and by what he does from their actions Abram 20.
4. Caste System
In this study, “caste system is a social system Hindu social classes characterized by endogamy, hereditary membership and a specific style of life
which sometimes includes the pursuit by tradition of a particular occupation and is usually associated with a more or less distinct ritual status in hierarchical system,
based on the concept of purity and pollution Andre Beteille 274.”
5. The Paravan
The Paravan is the low caste in India. They usually work as fishermen. Like the other caste, being a Paravan is hereditary.
6. The Untouchables
The Untouchables class is the lowest caste. They usually work as toddy taper and live apart from the upper caste. They are considered as the pollutant for
the upper caste. In the novel, Velutha and his family are considered the Untouchables.
CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
This chapter is divided into three parts. The first part is the review of related theories. It consists of the theory of critical approach and theory of
character and characterization. The second part is the overview on women struggle. It consists of the theory of struggle, equality, caste and the position of
women in India. The last part is the theoretical framework.
A. Review of Related Theories 1. Critical Approach
