THE ISSUE OF FEMINISM IN LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S LITTLE WOMEN.
THE ISSUE OF FEMINISM IN LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S
LITTLE WOMEN
A THESIS
Submitted to the English Department, Faculty of Language and Art, State
University of Medan, in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for
Degree of Sarjana Sastra
By
Wardania Ningsih Tampubolon
Registration Number 2103220044
ENGLISH AND LITERATURE DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF LANGUAGES AND ARTS
STATE UNIVERSITY OF MEDAN
2014
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First of all, the writer expresses her best gratitude to the Almighty God,
Jesus Christ for giving the writer blessing, endless love and mercy, especially in
the process of accomplishing this thesis. In accomplishing this thesis, the writer
was helped by so many beloved people and the writer would like to express her
gratitude to:
Prof. Dr. Ibnu Hajar Damanik, M.Si. The Rector of State University of
Medan.
Dr. Isda Pramuniati, M.Hum. The Dean of Faculty of Languages and Arts
for her leadership and administrative assistance during the process of writing
this thesis.
Prof. Dr. Hj. Sumarsih, M.Pd. The Head of English and Literature
Department for her leadership and administrative assistance during the
process of writing this thesis
Dra. Meisuri, M.A. The Head of Applied Linguistics Program for her
leadership and administrative assistance during the process of writing this
thesis. And also thanks to all beloved lecturers in English and Literature
Department who advised and guided the writer during academic years.
Dr. Sri Minda Murni, M.S. Her thesis advisor, who has given her time,
support, guidance, kindness, contributions, and patience in correcting and
helping her in finishing this thesis.
Prof. Dr. Busmin Gurning, M.Pd. Her academic adviser, and as her
reviewer who has given time to support and guidance in correcting and
helping her in finishing this thesis.
Dra. Masitowarni Siregar, M.Ed. Her thesis reviewer who has given time to
support and guidance in correcting and helping her in finishing this thesis.
Drs. Lidiman Sahat Martua Sinaga, M.Hum. Her thesis reviewer who has
given time to support and guidance in correcting and helping her in finishing
this thesis and all her beloved lecturers in English and Literature Department
ii
Her beloved family, her father, Monjeling Tampubolon, and her mother,
Rohani Manurung , thank you for the understanding and the big support in
prayer, love, motivation and financial while accomplished this thesis.
Her dearest sisters, Nyta Ef Helzen Tampubolon, S.Si and also her dearest
brother,
Peres
Handerson
Tampubolon
and
Sabar
Parningotan
Tampubolon and others family Opung, Bg Mid, Kak Epse, Bg Dodo, Gyo,
Netty, all of occupants of boarding house Tombak 74 and many others family
that she cannot mention one by one thank you for the understanding and the
big support in prayer, love, motivation and financial while accomplished this
thesis
Her beloved friends Anggiat Hutajulu, Novinda, Yocong, Kidu, Ester,
Pulungan, Equinta, Bucong, thanks for your love, happiness, and friendship.
Her special thanks also go to all friends in Applied Linguistics A and B, and
many others that she cannot be mentioned one by one.
All others whose name cannot be mentioned one by one for their help and
support. Thanks for everything. May God bless us. Amin.
Finally, the writer admits that this thesis still far from being perfect.
Therefore, the writer would like to invite the readers to give suggestion for the
improvement of this thesis later on.
Medan,
June 2014
The writer,
Wardania Ningsih Tampubolon
iii
ABSTRACT
Tampubolon, Wardania Ningsih. 2014. The Issue of Feminism in Louisa May
Alcott’s Little Women. A Thesis. Faculty of Languages and Arts. State
University of Medan.
The study deals with the characterization of women main characters and
the reflection of feminism appeared through the characterization of main
characters in Little Women novel. The objectives of the study were to describe the
characterization of the women main characters in Little Women, and to describe
the reflection of feminism on the characterization of main character in Little
Women. This research focuses the study only on feminism as reflected on three
characters from five main characters; they were Josephine March, Margareth March and
Amy March. This research was conducted by using descriptive qualitative design
and limited on three of the main characters. The data analysis result was; there
were three characterizations in of three women main characters in this novel, those
were: ambitious, aggressive and sacrificial. The reflections of feminism through in
Little Women novel were; the struggle to get social equality and the struggle to get
economic equality. As a woman who lived in the nineteenth-century, a gender
difference that women were weaker and smoother than men was very visible.
However, in this novel we can saw the struggle of women to gain equality in
social and economic fields.
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract………………………………………………………………………………..i
Acknowledgment……………………………………………………………………..ii
Table of Contents………………………………………………………....…….........iv
List of Appendices…………………………………………………………………...vi
I.
Introduction.................................................................................................1
A. Background of Study..............................................................................1
B. Problem of Study....................................................................................4
C. The Scope of Study................................................................................4
D. The Objectives of Study.........................................................................4
E. The Significance of the Study ………..…………………….................5
II.
Review of Literature...................................................................................6
A. Feminism…………………………………………………………….....6
B. The Quoted of Feminism in Little Women...........................................10
C. Novel……………………………………………………………….....16
D. Character……………………………………………………………...19
III.
Research Method......................................................................................23
A. The Method of the Study......................................................................23
B. Source Data…………………………………………………………...23
C. The Technique of Collecting Data…………………………………....24
IV.
The Data and Data Analysis.....................................................................25
A. Data…………………………………………………………………...25
B. Data Analysis………………………………………………………....25
C. Research Finding..................................................................................42
D. Discussion……………...................................…………………....…..44
iv
V.
Conclusions and Suggestion.....................................................................45
A. Conclusions……………………………………………………….......45
B. Suggestions…………………………………………………………...46
References …………………………………………………………………………...47
Appendices
v
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX A.......................................................................................................49
APPENDIX B.......................................................................................................56
vi
CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
A.
Conclusion
After analyzing the value of feminism in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women
novel, the conclusion can be drawn as follow:
1. There were three types of characterization from three women main
characters in Little Women novel; those are ambitious, aggressive and
sacrificial. Every person of women main characters has different
characterizations, like Jo who was ambitious to be a famous writer,
aggressive and sacrificial. Meg who was ambitious to get luxury, nice
things, dainty food, and good society. Amy who was ambitious to be a
gentlewoman.
2. The reflection of feminism appears through of main characters in Little
Women novel are the struggle to get social equality and the struggle to get
economic equality. As a woman who lived in the nineteenth-century, a
gender difference that women are weaker and smoother than men is very
visible. However, in this novel we can see the struggle of women to gain
equality in social and economic fields. One of the things which exemplary
in the women characters in the novel is the struggle to gain social equality,
and they struggled without their father because their father was did his
military duty. These days they were simple, but surrounded warmth.
Although never escape from problems, sadness, dissatisfaction, and even
45
46
quarrel, they never stopped loving each other and very grateful to have the
other one. The mother was always there for them to give a lot of
inspiration and spirit. Not only in society, they also struggled to get
economic equality. When Mr. March lost his property in trying to help an
unfortunate friend, the two oldest girls begged to be allowed to do
something toward their own support, at least. Believing that they could not
begin too early to cultivate energy, industry, and independence, their
parents believe that they will be succeeding at last.
B.
Suggestion
Referring to the result of this research, there are some suggestions as
follows:
1.
In reading novel, drama, poems or other literary text, we can get moral
lesson that makes us know which is good or bad because it is related to
the human experience. It’s suggested for the future research to reading
novel or other literary text to get moral lesson from its novel.
2.
In Little Women novel, we can learn the struggle of women in life. It’s
suggested to learn the struggle of women life in another novel.
3.
In analyzing the literary work, it is suggested to the student’s university
especially young man and girls that should make a specific subject in
doing the analyzing. On analyzing literary text, we can improve our
knowledge and ways of life that we never know before.
REFERENCES
Ahmed, Aziza. 2013. Feminism, Power and Sex Work in the Context of
HIV/AIDS: Consequences for Women’s Health. Harvard Journal of Law
& Gender. Vol 34, 248-252.
Alcott Louisa May. 2013. Little Women. Bandung: utti Setiawati.
Barry. 2002. Beginning Theory; An Introduction toLiterary and Cultural Theory.
New York: Manchester University Press.
Collier and Helga. 1992. Literary Theory Today. Cambridge; Policy Press.
Dawson. 2002. Practical Research Methods: A user-friendly guide to mastering
research. United Kingdom: How To Book
Edbudu, Jonas. 2013. The Western Voice and Feminist Criticism of the Nigerian
Novel. World Journal of English Language, Vol 3, 24-35.
Endaswara, Suwardi. 2003. Metodologi Penelitian Sastra. Yogyakarta: Pustaka
Widyatama.
Gill. 2006. Mastering English Literature. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Haryanto, Sidung. 2012. Spektrum Teory Sosial, DariKlasik Hingga Postmodern.
Yogyakarta: Ar-ruzz Media.
Jones, H. Edward. 1968. Outlines of Literature-Short Stories, Novels, and Poems.
New York, The Macmillan Company.
Nurgiyantoro. 1998. Teory Sastra Kontemporer & 17 Tokohnya. Yogyakarta: IN
AzNa Books.
47
48
Suharto. 2002. Kritik Sastra Feminis; Teory dan Aplikasinya. Yogyakarta: Pustaka
Belajar.
Suwastin. 2013. Perkembangan Feminisme Barat dari Aba Kedelapan Belas
Hingga Postfeminisme: Sebuah Tinjauan Teoritis. Jurnal Ilmu Sosial dan
Humaniora Vol 2, 198-207.
Salden. 1991. Panduan Pembaca Teori Sastra Masa Kini. Yogyakarta: Gajahmada
University Press
http://www.123helpme.com/little-women-by-louisamayalcottview.asp?id=161796,
(retrieved on January 2014/20:50:29)
http://www.shmoop.com/little-women/women-femininity-quotes.html
(retrieved on March 2014/21:10:50)
http://en.situsbahasa.info/2011/11/definitions-and-intrinsic-elements-of.html.
(retrieved on April 2014/15:30:10)
http://www.sparknotes/lit/littlewomen/characters
(retrieved on January 2014/19:11:50)
http://www.virtualsalt.com/lit/noveltyp.htm (retrieved on January 2014/18:36:10)
LITTLE WOMEN
A THESIS
Submitted to the English Department, Faculty of Language and Art, State
University of Medan, in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for
Degree of Sarjana Sastra
By
Wardania Ningsih Tampubolon
Registration Number 2103220044
ENGLISH AND LITERATURE DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF LANGUAGES AND ARTS
STATE UNIVERSITY OF MEDAN
2014
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First of all, the writer expresses her best gratitude to the Almighty God,
Jesus Christ for giving the writer blessing, endless love and mercy, especially in
the process of accomplishing this thesis. In accomplishing this thesis, the writer
was helped by so many beloved people and the writer would like to express her
gratitude to:
Prof. Dr. Ibnu Hajar Damanik, M.Si. The Rector of State University of
Medan.
Dr. Isda Pramuniati, M.Hum. The Dean of Faculty of Languages and Arts
for her leadership and administrative assistance during the process of writing
this thesis.
Prof. Dr. Hj. Sumarsih, M.Pd. The Head of English and Literature
Department for her leadership and administrative assistance during the
process of writing this thesis
Dra. Meisuri, M.A. The Head of Applied Linguistics Program for her
leadership and administrative assistance during the process of writing this
thesis. And also thanks to all beloved lecturers in English and Literature
Department who advised and guided the writer during academic years.
Dr. Sri Minda Murni, M.S. Her thesis advisor, who has given her time,
support, guidance, kindness, contributions, and patience in correcting and
helping her in finishing this thesis.
Prof. Dr. Busmin Gurning, M.Pd. Her academic adviser, and as her
reviewer who has given time to support and guidance in correcting and
helping her in finishing this thesis.
Dra. Masitowarni Siregar, M.Ed. Her thesis reviewer who has given time to
support and guidance in correcting and helping her in finishing this thesis.
Drs. Lidiman Sahat Martua Sinaga, M.Hum. Her thesis reviewer who has
given time to support and guidance in correcting and helping her in finishing
this thesis and all her beloved lecturers in English and Literature Department
ii
Her beloved family, her father, Monjeling Tampubolon, and her mother,
Rohani Manurung , thank you for the understanding and the big support in
prayer, love, motivation and financial while accomplished this thesis.
Her dearest sisters, Nyta Ef Helzen Tampubolon, S.Si and also her dearest
brother,
Peres
Handerson
Tampubolon
and
Sabar
Parningotan
Tampubolon and others family Opung, Bg Mid, Kak Epse, Bg Dodo, Gyo,
Netty, all of occupants of boarding house Tombak 74 and many others family
that she cannot mention one by one thank you for the understanding and the
big support in prayer, love, motivation and financial while accomplished this
thesis
Her beloved friends Anggiat Hutajulu, Novinda, Yocong, Kidu, Ester,
Pulungan, Equinta, Bucong, thanks for your love, happiness, and friendship.
Her special thanks also go to all friends in Applied Linguistics A and B, and
many others that she cannot be mentioned one by one.
All others whose name cannot be mentioned one by one for their help and
support. Thanks for everything. May God bless us. Amin.
Finally, the writer admits that this thesis still far from being perfect.
Therefore, the writer would like to invite the readers to give suggestion for the
improvement of this thesis later on.
Medan,
June 2014
The writer,
Wardania Ningsih Tampubolon
iii
ABSTRACT
Tampubolon, Wardania Ningsih. 2014. The Issue of Feminism in Louisa May
Alcott’s Little Women. A Thesis. Faculty of Languages and Arts. State
University of Medan.
The study deals with the characterization of women main characters and
the reflection of feminism appeared through the characterization of main
characters in Little Women novel. The objectives of the study were to describe the
characterization of the women main characters in Little Women, and to describe
the reflection of feminism on the characterization of main character in Little
Women. This research focuses the study only on feminism as reflected on three
characters from five main characters; they were Josephine March, Margareth March and
Amy March. This research was conducted by using descriptive qualitative design
and limited on three of the main characters. The data analysis result was; there
were three characterizations in of three women main characters in this novel, those
were: ambitious, aggressive and sacrificial. The reflections of feminism through in
Little Women novel were; the struggle to get social equality and the struggle to get
economic equality. As a woman who lived in the nineteenth-century, a gender
difference that women were weaker and smoother than men was very visible.
However, in this novel we can saw the struggle of women to gain equality in
social and economic fields.
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract………………………………………………………………………………..i
Acknowledgment……………………………………………………………………..ii
Table of Contents………………………………………………………....…….........iv
List of Appendices…………………………………………………………………...vi
I.
Introduction.................................................................................................1
A. Background of Study..............................................................................1
B. Problem of Study....................................................................................4
C. The Scope of Study................................................................................4
D. The Objectives of Study.........................................................................4
E. The Significance of the Study ………..…………………….................5
II.
Review of Literature...................................................................................6
A. Feminism…………………………………………………………….....6
B. The Quoted of Feminism in Little Women...........................................10
C. Novel……………………………………………………………….....16
D. Character……………………………………………………………...19
III.
Research Method......................................................................................23
A. The Method of the Study......................................................................23
B. Source Data…………………………………………………………...23
C. The Technique of Collecting Data…………………………………....24
IV.
The Data and Data Analysis.....................................................................25
A. Data…………………………………………………………………...25
B. Data Analysis………………………………………………………....25
C. Research Finding..................................................................................42
D. Discussion……………...................................…………………....…..44
iv
V.
Conclusions and Suggestion.....................................................................45
A. Conclusions……………………………………………………….......45
B. Suggestions…………………………………………………………...46
References …………………………………………………………………………...47
Appendices
v
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX A.......................................................................................................49
APPENDIX B.......................................................................................................56
vi
CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
A.
Conclusion
After analyzing the value of feminism in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women
novel, the conclusion can be drawn as follow:
1. There were three types of characterization from three women main
characters in Little Women novel; those are ambitious, aggressive and
sacrificial. Every person of women main characters has different
characterizations, like Jo who was ambitious to be a famous writer,
aggressive and sacrificial. Meg who was ambitious to get luxury, nice
things, dainty food, and good society. Amy who was ambitious to be a
gentlewoman.
2. The reflection of feminism appears through of main characters in Little
Women novel are the struggle to get social equality and the struggle to get
economic equality. As a woman who lived in the nineteenth-century, a
gender difference that women are weaker and smoother than men is very
visible. However, in this novel we can see the struggle of women to gain
equality in social and economic fields. One of the things which exemplary
in the women characters in the novel is the struggle to gain social equality,
and they struggled without their father because their father was did his
military duty. These days they were simple, but surrounded warmth.
Although never escape from problems, sadness, dissatisfaction, and even
45
46
quarrel, they never stopped loving each other and very grateful to have the
other one. The mother was always there for them to give a lot of
inspiration and spirit. Not only in society, they also struggled to get
economic equality. When Mr. March lost his property in trying to help an
unfortunate friend, the two oldest girls begged to be allowed to do
something toward their own support, at least. Believing that they could not
begin too early to cultivate energy, industry, and independence, their
parents believe that they will be succeeding at last.
B.
Suggestion
Referring to the result of this research, there are some suggestions as
follows:
1.
In reading novel, drama, poems or other literary text, we can get moral
lesson that makes us know which is good or bad because it is related to
the human experience. It’s suggested for the future research to reading
novel or other literary text to get moral lesson from its novel.
2.
In Little Women novel, we can learn the struggle of women in life. It’s
suggested to learn the struggle of women life in another novel.
3.
In analyzing the literary work, it is suggested to the student’s university
especially young man and girls that should make a specific subject in
doing the analyzing. On analyzing literary text, we can improve our
knowledge and ways of life that we never know before.
REFERENCES
Ahmed, Aziza. 2013. Feminism, Power and Sex Work in the Context of
HIV/AIDS: Consequences for Women’s Health. Harvard Journal of Law
& Gender. Vol 34, 248-252.
Alcott Louisa May. 2013. Little Women. Bandung: utti Setiawati.
Barry. 2002. Beginning Theory; An Introduction toLiterary and Cultural Theory.
New York: Manchester University Press.
Collier and Helga. 1992. Literary Theory Today. Cambridge; Policy Press.
Dawson. 2002. Practical Research Methods: A user-friendly guide to mastering
research. United Kingdom: How To Book
Edbudu, Jonas. 2013. The Western Voice and Feminist Criticism of the Nigerian
Novel. World Journal of English Language, Vol 3, 24-35.
Endaswara, Suwardi. 2003. Metodologi Penelitian Sastra. Yogyakarta: Pustaka
Widyatama.
Gill. 2006. Mastering English Literature. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Haryanto, Sidung. 2012. Spektrum Teory Sosial, DariKlasik Hingga Postmodern.
Yogyakarta: Ar-ruzz Media.
Jones, H. Edward. 1968. Outlines of Literature-Short Stories, Novels, and Poems.
New York, The Macmillan Company.
Nurgiyantoro. 1998. Teory Sastra Kontemporer & 17 Tokohnya. Yogyakarta: IN
AzNa Books.
47
48
Suharto. 2002. Kritik Sastra Feminis; Teory dan Aplikasinya. Yogyakarta: Pustaka
Belajar.
Suwastin. 2013. Perkembangan Feminisme Barat dari Aba Kedelapan Belas
Hingga Postfeminisme: Sebuah Tinjauan Teoritis. Jurnal Ilmu Sosial dan
Humaniora Vol 2, 198-207.
Salden. 1991. Panduan Pembaca Teori Sastra Masa Kini. Yogyakarta: Gajahmada
University Press
http://www.123helpme.com/little-women-by-louisamayalcottview.asp?id=161796,
(retrieved on January 2014/20:50:29)
http://www.shmoop.com/little-women/women-femininity-quotes.html
(retrieved on March 2014/21:10:50)
http://en.situsbahasa.info/2011/11/definitions-and-intrinsic-elements-of.html.
(retrieved on April 2014/15:30:10)
http://www.sparknotes/lit/littlewomen/characters
(retrieved on January 2014/19:11:50)
http://www.virtualsalt.com/lit/noveltyp.htm (retrieved on January 2014/18:36:10)