Denny`s struggle for life as seen in Garth Stein`s The Art of Racing in the Rain.

PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI

ABSTRACT
Widyaningtyas, Maria Evi. (2013). Denny’s Struggle for Life as Seen in Garth
Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain. Yogyakarta: English Language Education
Study Program, Sanata Dharma University.
Living in the world always deals with problems. People cannot avoid their
problems. They should find the way how to overcome their problems otherwise
their problems will be bigger and more complicated. People need to struggle to
overcome their problems. In the novel from Garth Stein entitled The Art of Racing
in the Rain, Denny Swift should struggle for life to overcome the problems that
emerge in his life.
There are two problems formulated in this study: (1) How is Denny’s
character portrayed in Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain? and (2) Why
does Denny manage to survive in his struggle for life in Garth Stein’s The Art of
Racing in the Rain?
The method used in his study is library research. The researcher uses a
novel as primary data, books of literature, and the data from internet. This study
uses psychological approach since the aim of this study is to analyze the main
character.
Based on the analysis, there are two points that can be concluded. First, is

the description of Denny Swift. From the analysis, the character of Denny Swift is
portrayed as loyal, patient, diligent, competent, and caring. Second, is Denny’s
struggle for life. The reasons of his struggle are the sickness of his wife and the
custody of Zoё. Denny manages to survive by living apart from his family, and
fight for the custody of Zoё. Finally Denny can overcome his problems and move
on to reach his dream.
This study also provides three suggestions for further researchers who use
the same novel, The Art of Racing in the Rain. The future researchers may analyze
the minor characters that influence the major character to struggle and may use
this study as reference. They also may analyze the character development of
Denny Swift. The next researchers also can analyze the reason of the author using
the point of view from a dog.
Key words: struggle, life, character

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ABSTRAK

Widyaningtyas, Maria Evi. (2013). Denny’s Struggle for Life as Seen in Garth
Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain. Yogyakarta: Program Studi Pendidikan
Bahasa Inggris, Universitas Sanata Dharma.
Selalu ada permasalahan yang terjadi dalam hidup ini. Orang tidak bisa
menghidar dari permasalahan. Mereka harus menemukan cara untuk
menyelesaikan permasalahan mereka, jika tidak permasalahan itu akan semakin
besar dan rumit. Orang harus berjuang untuk menyelesaikan permasalahan
mereka. Di dalam novel Garth Stein The Art of Racing in the Rain, Denny Swift
harus berjuang menghadapi permasalahan dalam hidupnya.
Dalam studi ini terdapat dua permasalahan (1) Bagaimana, Denny,
karakter utama dalam novel The Art of Racing in the Rain digambarkan? dan (2)
Mengapa Denny berusaha untuk bertahan dalam berjuang untuk hidup?
Metode yang digunakan oleh peneliti adalah penelitian perpustakaan.
Peneliti menggunakan novel sebagai sumber utama, buku literature, dan data dari
internet. Studi ini menggunakan pendekatan psikologi karena tujuan dari studi ini
adalah untuk menganalisa karaketr utama.
Berdasarkan analisa karakter utama ada dua hal yang dapat disimpulkan,
yang pertama adalah deskripsi Denny Swift. Berdasarkan hasil analisa, karakter
Denny adalah setia, sabar, tekun, kompeten dan perhatian. Kedua, Denny berjuang
untuk hidup. Alasan untuk berjuang adalah sakitnya sang istri dan perebutan hak

asuh Zoё. Denny berjuang dengan tinggal terpisah dari keluarganya dan berjuang
mendapatkan hak asuh atas Zoё. Pada akhirnya Denny dapat berhasil
menyelesaikan segala permasalahan yang dihadapinya.
Studi ini juga memberi saran untuk peneliti selanjutnya yang akan
menggunakan novel The Art of Racing in the Rain. Peneliti selanjutnya dapat
mengadakan penelitian tentang pembahasan karakter minor yang mempengaruhi
perjuangan Denny, perkembangan karakter Denny, dan alasan mengapa
pengarang novel menggunakan sudut pandang seekor anjing.

Kata kunci: berjuang, hidup, karakter

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DENNY’S STRUGGLE FOR LIFE AS SEEN IN
GARTH STEIN’S THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN
A SARJANA PENDIDIKAN THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
to Obtain the Sarjana Pendidikan Degree

in English Language Education

By
Maria Evi Widyaningtyas
Student Number: 061214102

ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM
DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE ARTS AND EDUCATION
FACULTY OF TEACHERS TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
YOGYAKARTA
2013

PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI

DENNY’S STRUGGLE FOR LIFE AS SEEN IN
GARTH STEIN’S THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN
A SARJANA PENDIDIKAN THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
to Obtain the Sarjana Pendidikan Degree

in English Language Education

By
Maria Evi Widyaningtyas
Student Number: 061214102

ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM
DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE ARTS AND EDUCATION
FACULTY OF TEACHERS TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
YOGYAKARTA
2013
i

PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI

ii

PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI

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PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI

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

Yogyakarta, January 14, 2013
The Writer

Maria Evi Widyaningtyas
061214102

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This thesis is dedicated to…..

My Lord Jesus Christ
My Parents, My Brothers,
and my belovedJarot Sugiharto

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PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI

LEMBAR PERYATAAN PERSETUJUAN PUBLIKASI KARYA ILMIAH
UNTUK KEPENTINGAN AKADEMIS

Yang bertanda tangan di bawah ini, saya mahasiswa Universitas Sanata Dharma:
Nama
Nomor Mahasiswa

: Maria Evi Widyaningtyas
: 061214102

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

DENNY’S STRUGGLE FOR LIFE AS SEEN IN
GARTH STEIN’S THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN
Dengan demikian saya memberikan kepada Perpustakaan Universitas Sanata
Dharma hak untuk menyimpan, mengalihkan dalam bentuk media lain,
mengelolanya dalam bentuk pangkalan data, mendistribusikannya secara terbatas,
memplubikasikannya di internet atau media lain untuk kepentingan akademis
tanpa perlu meminta ijin kepada saya selama tetap mencantumkan nama saya
sebagai penulis.
Demikian surat pernyataan ini saya buat dengan sebenarnya.
Dibuat di Yogyakarta,
Pada tanggal: 14 Januari 2013
Yang menyatakan,

(Maria Evi Widyaningtyas)

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PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI

ABSTRACT

Widyaningtyas, Maria Evi. (2013). Denny’s Struggle for Life as Seen in Garth
Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain. Yogyakarta: English Language Education
Study Program, Sanata Dharma University.
Living in the world always deals with problems. People cannot avoid their
problems. They should find the way how to overcome their problems otherwise
their problems will be bigger and more complicated. People need to struggle to
overcome their problems. In the novel from Garth Stein entitled The Art of Racing
in the Rain, Denny Swift should struggle for life to overcome the problems that
emerge in his life.
There are two problems formulated in this study: (1) How is Denny’s
character portrayed in Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain? and (2) Why
does Denny manage to survive in his struggle for life in Garth Stein’s The Art of
Racing in the Rain?
The method used in his study is library research. The researcher uses a
novel as primary data, books of literature, and the data from internet. This study
uses psychological approach since the aim of this study is to analyze the main
character.
Based on the analysis, there are two points that can be concluded. First, is
the description of Denny Swift. From the analysis, the character of Denny Swift is
portrayed as loyal, patient, diligent, competent, and caring. Second, is Denny’s

struggle for life. The reasons of his struggle are the sickness of his wife and the
custody of Zoё. Denny manages to survive by living apart from his family, and
fight for the custody of Zoё. Finally Denny can overcome his problems and move
on to reach his dream.
This study also provides three suggestions for further researchers who use
the same novel, The Art of Racing in the Rain. The future researchers may analyze
the minor characters that influence the major character to struggle and may use
this study as reference. They also may analyze the character development of
Denny Swift. The next researchers also can analyze the reason of the author using
the point of view from a dog.
Key words: struggle, life, character

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PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI

ABSTRAK

Widyaningtyas, Maria Evi. (2013). Denny’s Struggle for Life as Seen in Garth
Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain. Yogyakarta: Program Studi Pendidikan

Bahasa Inggris, Universitas Sanata Dharma.
Selalu ada permasalahan yang terjadi dalam hidup ini. Orang tidak bisa
menghidar dari permasalahan. Mereka harus menemukan cara untuk
menyelesaikan permasalahan mereka, jika tidak permasalahan itu akan semakin
besar dan rumit. Orang harus berjuang untuk menyelesaikan permasalahan
mereka. Di dalam novel Garth Stein The Art of Racing in the Rain, Denny Swift
harus berjuang menghadapi permasalahan dalam hidupnya.
Dalam studi ini terdapat dua permasalahan (1) Bagaimana, Denny,
karakter utama dalam novel The Art of Racing in the Rain digambarkan? dan (2)
Mengapa Denny berusaha untuk bertahan dalam berjuang untuk hidup?
Metode yang digunakan oleh peneliti adalah penelitian perpustakaan.
Peneliti menggunakan novel sebagai sumber utama, buku literature, dan data dari
internet. Studi ini menggunakan pendekatan psikologi karena tujuan dari studi ini
adalah untuk menganalisa karaketr utama.
Berdasarkan analisa karakter utama ada dua hal yang dapat disimpulkan,
yang pertama adalah deskripsi Denny Swift. Berdasarkan hasil analisa, karakter
Denny adalah setia, sabar, tekun, kompeten dan perhatian. Kedua, Denny berjuang
untuk hidup. Alasan untuk berjuang adalah sakitnya sang istri dan perebutan hak
asuh Zoё. Denny berjuang dengan tinggal terpisah dari keluarganya dan berjuang
mendapatkan hak asuh atas Zoё. Pada akhirnya Denny dapat berhasil
menyelesaikan segala permasalahan yang dihadapinya.
Studi ini juga memberi saran untuk peneliti selanjutnya yang akan
menggunakan novel The Art of Racing in the Rain. Peneliti selanjutnya dapat
mengadakan penelitian tentang pembahasan karakter minor yang mempengaruhi
perjuangan Denny, perkembangan karakter Denny, dan alasan mengapa
pengarang novel menggunakan sudut pandang seekor anjing.

Kata kunci: berjuang, hidup, karakter

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First of all I want to thank Lord Jesus Christ for His grace and mercy so
that I can finish this thesis. His never ending love always guides me to finish the
duty as a student and daughter. He has given me the light when I am in the
darkness. His power enables me to face all of problems during the process of the
thesis.
I would like to address my gratefulness to Drs. L. Bambang Hendarto,
M.Hum., for his generous heart which guides the me during the process of thesis,
for the support and prayer, and for pushing me when I have no more spirit to
move on. I also thank all PBI’s lecturers and staff for the guidance and help, for
the support given to me so that finally I can finish this thesis.
My gratitude goes to my parents, brothers, and the whole family for
supporting me with the prayer, care and support. Next, special thanks go to my
beloved boyfriend Jarot Sugiharto for the guidance that bring me closer to the
Lord, for the presence in all situations, and for broadening my knowledge through
his life experience. He is the best gift from God.
My special thankfulness goes to Christina Maharani, Berlian Sugiharto,
Reni Wahyuningtyas, Yusta Vena, Nicholas Candra, Isaaq J Danny
Permana, Januarius Chytede Making, for the sharing moment when we were
stuck with the thesis and for the support. My appreciation is also for Satrio
Nugroho, Damasus Desta Herdian and Intan Kawuryan Jati for proof reading
my thesis. This help is really important for me. My thanks also go to Mrs. Linda
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Nugroho and Mr. Analius Giawa, Nia Fajar, Ika Rachma for their support,
prayer, and care. Finally I would like to thank every single person who has helped
me in my daily life.

Maria Evi Widyaningtyas

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
TITLE PAGE…..…………………………………………………………. i
APPROVAL PAGES……………………………………………………... ii
STATEMENT OF WORK’S ORIGINALITY…………………………. iv
DEDICATION PAGE…………………………………………………….v
PERNYATAAN PERSETUJUAN PUBLIKASI…………………………. vi
ABSTRACT………………………………………………………………. vii
ABSTRAK…………………………………………………………………. viii
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS……………………………………………….. ix
TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………… xi

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION………………………………………… 1
1.1 Backgound of the study………………………………….. 1
1.2 Objectives of the Study…………………………………… 4
1.3 Problem Formulation……………………………………... 4
1.4 Benefits of the Study……………………………………. 4
1.5 Definition of Terms………………………………………. 5
1.5.1 Character…………………………………………. 6
1.5.2 Struggle…………………………………………… 6
CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE……………… 7
2.1 Review of Related Theories……………………………….. 7
2.1.1 Character…………………………………………...7

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2.1.1.1 Definition of Character…………………….. 7
2.1.1.2 Kinds of Character…………………………. 8
2.1.2 Characterization…………………………………… 9
2.1.2.1 Definition of Characterization……………… 9
2.1.2.2 Methods of Characterization………………. 9
2.1.2.2.1 Personal Description……………... 9
2.1.2.2.2 Character Seen by Others…………10
2.1.2.2.3 Speech……………………………. 10
2.1.2.2.4 Past Life………………………….. 10
2.1.2.2.5 Conversation of Others…………... 10
2.1.2.2.6 Reaction………………………….. 10
2.1.2.2.7 Direct Comment………………….. 11
2.1.2.2.8 Thought…………………………... 11
2.1.2.2.9 Mannerism……………………….. 11
2.1.3 Critical Approach…………………………………. 12
2.1.3.1 The Formalist Approach……………………. 12
2.1.3.2 The Biography Approach…………………... 12
2.1.3.3 The Sociocultural-Historical Approach…… 13
2.1.3.4 The Mythopoeia Approach……………….. 13
2.1.3.5 The Psychological Approach………………. 13
2.1.4 Motivation………………………………………… 14
2.1.4.1 Definition of Motivation…………………… 14
2.1.4.2 Kinds of Motivation………………………... 15

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2.1.5 Human Basic Needs………………………………. 15
2.1.5.1 The Physiological Needs……………………16
2.1.5.2 The Safety Needs…………………………... 16
2.1.5.3 The Belonging and Love Needs………….... 16
2.1.5.4 The Esteem Needs…………………………..17
2.1.5.5 The Self Actualization Needs……………… 17
2.1.6 Struggle…………………………………………….17
2.2 Theoritical Framework…………………………………… 18

CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY……………………………………….. 20
3.1 Object of the Study……………………………………… 20
3.2 Approach…………………………………………………. 21
3.3 Method of the Study……………………………………… 21

CHAPTER 4 ANALYSIS………………………………………………… 23
4.1 The Description of Denny Swift…………………………. 23
4.1.1 Loyal………………………………………………. 24
4.1.2 Patient……………………………………………... 26
4.1.3 Diligent……………………………………………. 29
4.1.4 Competent………………………………………….31
4.1.5 Caring……………………………………………... 35
4.2 Denny’s Struggle for Life………………………………... 37
4.2.1 The Causes of Denny’s Struggle………………….. 38

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4.2.1.1 The Sickness of His Wife………………… 39
4.2.1.2 The Custody of Zoё………………………. 41
4.2.2 The Denny’s Struggle……………………………... 46
4.2.2.1 Living Alone……………………………… 47
4.2.2.2 Fighting for the Custody of Zoё…………...50

.CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSIONS, IMPLICATIONS,
AND SUGGESTIONS……………………………………………. 54
5.1 Conclusions…………………………………………….. 54
5.2 Implications……………………………………………..56
5.3 Suggestions…………………………………………….. 57

REFERENCES……………………………………………………………. 58
APPENDICES……………………………………………………………..60
APPENDIX 1 Summary………………………………………………….. 61
APPENDIX 2 The Biography of Garth Stein…………………………… 65
APPENDIX 3 Lesson Plan……………………………………………….. 67

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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

This chapter consists of background of the study, objectives of the study,
problems formulation, benefits of the study, and definition of terms. The
background of the study gives explanation about the topic of study. The objectives
of the study state the researcher purposes of writing this study. The problems
formulation consists of two questions, which describe the problems that will be
analyzed in this study. The benefits of the study explain the advantages and
importance of this study. The last part is the definition of terms. This section
provides explanations about some terms related to the study to avoid
misunderstanding.

1.1 Background of the Study
Living in the world always deals with problems. There are many problems
emerging in life. They are economical problems, family problems, career problems
and social problems. People cannot run from their problems. They should find the
way how to overcome their problems otherwise their problems will be bigger and
more complicated.
The problems make people be more mature and wiser in life. The problems
also make people struggle to survive. Every problem in our life is meant to make us
a better person. If we have a problem, it means that God want us to look inside our
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2

heart in order to improve from our behavior. Praying and struggling are the best
way to solve our problems.
Life experiences have inspired the authors of literary works to write a
story. The story can be in the form of short story, poet or novel. An author of
literary work may use a media called novel to share his reflection of life
experiences.The authors of literary work put the various human characters,
problems in life and various kinds of feelings to make the story alive. Many
authors share stories about life because they can share strength, support, life values,
and reflection of struggle for life for the readers.
Based on Bresseler (1999), novel as a work of literature is a text whose
certain qualities contain some elements such as plot, character, tone, symbol,
conflict, that often represent the author’s life and has a major action to teach good
values and clearly to entertain the readers (p.10). It means a literary work not only
tells a story to the readers but also gives some good values of life. Through literary
work the reader can learn something about life.
Garth Stein is one of many authors who use this genre to present human’s
struggle for life to get a better life. He wrote several novels and one of them is a
novel entitled The Art of Racing in the Rain. This novel tells about a man who
faces problems in his life and keeps struggle for his life. The story in this novel can
happen to anyone in this world. This novel contains so many life values. That is
why this novel worth to be studied. The Art of Racing in the Rain is one of Garth
Stein’s novels which share struggle in life. Denny Swift is the major character in

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3

this novel. The story tells about Denny’s effort in struggling for life. Denny is a
technician and a race car driver. Denny is very busy with his job. He pursues his
dream to become a Formula One race car driver. When he has a competition, he is
rarely at home. He goes from one race to another race seeking the points so that he
can reach his dream to join Formula One tournament. His wife sometimes feels so
lonely. One day Denny’s wife feels sick but she does not want to go to the hospital.
She only stays at home and let the pain go by itself. Until one day when they have a
vacation, Eve gets an incident. Her feet slip from the rock then her head hit a rock
when she plays with her daughter in the river. She feels a great pain in her head.
They go to the hospital and the doctor diagnoses that his wife has no longer time to
live because she has a cancer in her brain. Denny’s parent in law, who disagrees
with his marriage since the beginning, tries to separate Denny from his wife and
daughter. Denny does not give up easily. He faces problems by problems until
finally he becomes a winner in his life.
In The Art of Racing in the Rain, Denny faces many problems. The first
problem is his wife’s sickness which makes them live separately. The second
problem is Eve’s parents want to have the custody of Zoё, Denny’s daughter.
Denny has to struggle because problems come continually in his life. This novel is
very interesting to discuss because it can inspire us to struggle for a better life. The
major character in this novel never gives up facing problems. He has faith how to
make his family reunited again. This novel also teaches another life values that we
need to live in this world.

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1.2 Objectives of the Study
The objective of this study is to answer the questions stated in problem
formulation. First, the researcher is going to analyze the way the author described
the major character, Denny. Second, the researcher will find out the cause of
struggle for life and how Denny struggles for life after his wife’s death.

1.3 Problem Formulation
Based on the background above, the problem formulation of this study can
be stated as follows:
1.

How is Denny’s character portrayed in Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the
Rain?

2.

Why does Denny manage to survive in his struggle for life in Garth Stein’s
The Art of Racing in the Rain?

1.4 Benefits of the Study
This study has some benefits. Hopefully this study will help the readers in
broadening their mind that literature not only gives them pleasure but also new
knowledge about life values, the problems in life, and ways to solve problems in
life. The researcher hope after reading this analysis, the reader can reflect the life in
this novel with their actual life and take the useful information to make their life
better.

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5

For the teachers, hopefully this study can help them to provide literary
material which contains life values. This novel contains several metaphors of
racing which can be use in reading class. The teachers also can use this novel as
material for error analysis in structure class. The teachers can try to find other
benefits after they read this novel and use the information as teaching materials.
The next benefit is for the students. Read a literary work challenge the
students to interpret literary works and add new words. The study hopefully can
help them to appreciate literary work with all of their uniqueness. This study can
enrich our knowledge about human’s character with it’s the strength and the
weakness.
For the next researchers, hopefully this study can give some information
about Denny’s character, the reason of his struggle and how is his struggle toward
the problems come to him. And for the researcher, this study gives inspiration on
the way we struggle for something that very important in our life. No matter what
problems we have, as long as we walk in the right way God will help us to solve
our problems.

1.5 Definition of Terms
This section clarifies some important terms to avoid misunderstanding about
the content of the study:

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6

1.5.1 Character
According to Abrams (1981), the word character means the person presented
in a dramatic or narrative work who is interpreted by the readers as being endowed
with moral and dispositional quality that are expressed in what they say, the
dialogue and by what they do the actions (p.20). In this novel the character is
Denny Swift. This study will find out what kind of character Denny Swift is.
1.5.2 Struggle
McKenchie (1989) states that struggle is a task or goal requiring great effort
to accomplish or achieve (p.367). In this study struggle refers to every human effort
in facing life problems to achieve his goal in life. Denny Swift has some problems
in his life. He struggles to solve his problems and get his life back.

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CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter discusses theories that become the basis of the analysis of the
novel. In order to understand the theories underlie this thesis, the researcher divided
this chapter into two parts. The first part is review of related theories and the
second part is theoretical framework.

2.1 Review of Related Theories
This part consists of several theories related to this study. The theories are
character, characterization, critical approaches, motivation, human basic needs, and
struggle for life.

2.1.1 Character
Character is an important element in the story. A character can make the
story alive. To be able analyze the character it needs to define the meaning of
character first. This part is divided into two parts. The first part is definition of
character and the second part is kinds of character.
2.1.1.1 Definition of Character
Literary work has so many elements to make the story alive. Character is
one of the elements. The word “character” has many interpretations. Next, some
theories about of character are reviewed.
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8

Based on Abrams (1981) the word of character is defined based on the
performance of the character (pp.20-21). There are two definitions of character.
First, character is a short and usually witty, sketch in prose of a distinctive type of
person. Second, characters are the persons presented in dramatic narrative work,
who are interpreted by the reader as being endowed with moral and dispositional
qualities that are expressed in dialogue and action. In short, character is a
distinctive type of person presented in dramatic narrative work with moral and
dispositional qualities that are expressed in dialogue and action.
Holman and Harmon (2009) define character as a brief sketch of personage
who typifies some definite qualities (p.81). It means the character in literary work
is a person who has some sort of an identity. The identity of a character can be
analyzed by recognizing the appearance, conversation, action, name, and thought.
2.1.1.2 Kinds of Character
Based on Fosters (1974), there are two kinds of character namely flat and
round character based on internal complexity. A flat character is character that
never changes. Flat character can be expressed in single sentence (p.47). This kind
of character is easy to recognize by the reader because of their characteristic such
as static and not have many changes. Meanwhile, a round character is a character
that is complex, both in temperament and motivation, which is difficult to be
described.
Thus, Henkle (1977) divides character into two kinds. The first is major
character. He states “the major characters in the novel perform a key structural

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function: upon them we built expectation and desires, in which, in modification,
shift or establish our value (p.92).” The major character takes important role in
expressing and dramatizing of human value from the novel. The second character is
called secondary character. The function of secondary character is to establish the
context of the world in the novel (pp.94-95). The secondary characters help the
reader to understand the major character and story

2.1.2 Characterization
This part discuss about characterization theory, which is used to analyze the
character in the novel. This part consists of two parts. The first part is the definition
of characterization. The second part is the way of characterization.
2.1.2.1 Definition of Characterization
Based on Rorhberger and Wood Jr. (1971) characterization is a process
applied by the author to create a character (p.20). Thus, characterization is a
process to create an imaginary person as if he is alive so that the reader can accept
him as real person. Furthermore, Holman and Harmon (2009) define
characterization as the creation of imaginary person. The purpose is to make the
character as if it is alive for the reader (p.81).
2.1.2.2 Methods of Characterization
Murphy (1972) states nine ways of characterization; they are personal
description, character seen by others, speech, past life, conversation of others,
reaction, direct comment, though and mannerism (pp.161-173). The first method is

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personal description. The author describes the appearance of a character in details
such as the face, the skin color, the hair, and the clothes ware by the character.
Through this description the reader can have an imagination of the character. It will
help the reader to enjoy the story (p. 161).
The second method is character seen by others. The author describes the
character using secondary characters point of view and from any other characters
opinion. From other character’s opinion the author can describe the character’s
personality easily (p. 162).
The third method is speech. The author describes the character using the
words from character itself. The utterance of the character is important. It can
express or describe the character in the story (p. 164).
The fourth method is past life. The author describes the character using the
character past life. Through the past life of the character the reader can built an
image about the character. The past life of the character also gives the reader the
point of view about the background of the character (p.166).
The fifth method is conversation of others. Using another character’s saying
and their conversation, the author describes the major character. It is just like
speech but it emphasizes on the conversation between the character in order to
reveal the character and the role of the character (p. 167).
The sixth method is reaction. The reader will know the character of the
major characters from their reaction toward the situation and problem they are

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facing. Reactions from one character toward other characters can lead the reader to
discover the character in the novel (p. 168).
The seventh method is direct comment. The author can describes and
comment on the character directly on the story (p.170). The author usually gives
comment based on his/her point of view.
The eighth method is thought. The author describes the character directly to
the reader by letting the reader know the character’s mind. In this respect, the
character is able to do things that cannot be done in real life, and tells what other
people are thinking about (p.171).
The ninth method is mannerism. Through this method, the author can
describe the character’s mannerism, habits, or idiosyncrasies which may also tell
the readers something about his character (p.173).
Morever, Barnet (1988) also has a theory about characterization. Barnet
states four things to determine a character. The first is from the character’s
conversation. The words, opinion, and thought that come out from the character
can help the reader to analyze the characteristic of the character. The second is the
character does. The action, gesture, and posture of the character can be use to
analyze the characteristic of the character. The third is from other characters
(including the narrator) saying to the major character. We can see from the
dialogue of other characters to find the characteristic of major character. The last is
from the treatments of the other characters toward the character whether they like
him or not (pp.71-72).

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2.1.3 Critical Approaches
Rorhberger and Wood Jr. (1971) state that there are some approaches which
can be used in analyzing the literary work. They say that to have a reasonable
judgment, a means should be employed, which is called critical approach (p. 3).
The critical approach aims is to get a better understanding about the values that are
covered in the novel by the author. Critical approach is means to get a better
understanding about the values that are covered have their values and limitations on
the understanding of literary works so that the readers can find the approach that
best leads in the appreciation of a work of literature (p.15).
There are five approaches from Rorhberger and Wood Jr. (1971) that can be
used to analyze the novel, namely the formalist approach, the biography approach,
the sociocultural approach, the mythopoeic approach, and psychological approach
(pp.6-15).
The first approach is the formalist approach. This approach focuses on the
whole of the novel as literature subject. It means that the novel is seen as the unity
of literary works. The harmonious of the part of the novel is determined from the
structure and how the matters of the techniques determine the structure (pp.6-8).
The second approach is the biography approach. This approach aims to
consider the author’s life, the personality and the idea that becomes the major
element in the author’s work. It can be used for attempt to learn as much as they
can about the life and development of the author and to apply this knowledge in
their attempt to understand the author’s writing (p.8).

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The third approach is the sociocultural-historical approach. This approach is
focused on analyzing the novel reference to the civilization that produces the novel.
The civilization is defined as the attitudes and actions of a specific group of people.
Thus, a novel takes those attitudes and actions as subject matter. It is necessary to
investigate the social milieu, the cultural and historical background in which the
novel created (pp. 9-11).
The fourth approach is the mythopoeia approach. This approach is focuses
on discovering certain universally recurrent pattern of human thought. These
patterns are considered to have shared the universally common belief toward
certain community mind (p.11).
The fifth approach is the psychological approach. This approach is focused
on identifying any aspect of psychology that underlies a certain element of literary
works. The elements particularly focus on the character in the story. In this point of
view, the theory of psychology is meant to explain the character’s personality,
where it comes from, the idea that each character’s behavior could be referred to
the psychology of human being (p.13)
The approaches above have its function depends on the needs of the reader
on how they will interpret the literary work. Not all of the approaches are suitable
to be applied in every study. The readers must find out the proper approach that can
lead them to the better understanding.

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2.1.4 Motivation
This part will discuss the theory of motivation. This part also divided into
two parts. The first part is the definition of motivation. The second part is the kinds
of motivation.
2.1.4.1 The Definition of Motivation
Based on Murray (1978), motivation is desire (p.7). It is related to behavior
because it is involved in all kinds of behavior: learning, performing, perceiving,
attending, remembering, forgetting, thinking, creating and feeling. In other word,
motivation is a desire that affect someone’s behavior.
Smith (1983) has a close theory with Murray, he explains motivation is
categorized as an internal process that influences the direction, persistence and
vigor of goal directed behavior (p.282). In other word motivation is an internal
factor that moves human being to achieve the goal. Motivation makes human being
focus on their goal and keep their effort. Motivation also influences someone’s
behavior. The behavior change in a process to attain the goal.
Morris (1990) defines motive as “an inner direct force of a need or goals
that arouses the organism and direct behavior toward a goal (p.408)”. It means
motive is power from inside of human being that empowers them to do some effort
to reach their goal of life.
Furthermore, according to Gerring and Zimbardo (2002) motivation is the
process of starting, directing and maintaining physical and psychological activities
toward certain goals (p.364). It means we need to do some efforts with systematic

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system to reach our goal. It means we need both the motivation and the power from
our physic to do the action.
2.1.4.2 Kinds of Motivation
There are two kinds of motivation based on Huffman, Vernoy, and Vernoy
(2000), namely intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (p.377). Intrinsic motivation is a
desire to act for its own sake. This motivation comes from someone’s pleasure. He
will do something that he loves to do. In other word, he will get satisfaction after he
did his job well. While extrinsic motivation is a desire to act because of external
rewards or avoidance of punishment. It means that he does something to get reward
not to get satisfaction. He does something because he should do it not because he
really wants to do it.

2.1.5 Human Basic Needs
People act because of some reasons. The needs of something can motivate
people to do some actions. The needs can influence people’s behavior to make
decision in accordance with their goal.
Based on Maslow as quoted in Franken (2002), there are five human basic
needs. They are the physiological needs, the safety needs, the belongingness and
love needs, the esteem needs, and the self-actualization needs (p.15). The lowest
level must be fulfilled first before the next level.

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2.1.5.1 The Physiological Needs
This is the lowest need that one should fulfill first. The needs mainly:
eating, drinking, sleeping and sex. This very basic need should be fulfill first before
move to next level. One needs to recharge their energy so that they can think about
problems in life. When one cannot fulfill their physical needs, their concentration
will disturb (p.15).
2.1.5.2 The Safety Needs
After the physiological needs are sufficiently satisfied, the safety need
emerge. The safety needs primarily appears in emergency situation. It is the needs
to be secured and out of danger. The needs consist of personal security from crime,
security as against company lay-offs, health and well-being, and safety against
illness/accident and the adverse impact (p.15).
2.1.5.3 The Belongings and Love Needs
The belongings and love needs emerge when physiological and safety needs
are satisfied. This aspect involves emotionally-based relationship in general, such
as friendship, sexual intimacy, and supportive and communicative family. Human
needs the feeling to love and to be loved by other people. Without love someone’s
psychological aspect will not grow perfectly. When someone loses this aspect from
their life they become susceptible to loneliness, social anxiety, and depression
(p.15).

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2.1.5.4 The Esteem Needs
The esteem needs mean need for a positive, high evaluation of oneself.
There are two kinds of esteem need. They are self-esteem and self-respect from
other people. Self-esteem includes desire of confidence, competence mastery,
adequacy, achievement, independence and freedom. Self-respect from other people
includes prestige, recognition, acceptance, reputation, status, attention, and
appreciation. Self-esteem makes people be more confident and capable in doing
their work (p.15).
2.1.5.5 The Self-Actualization Needs
This final level of needs emerge after the esteem needs satisfied. This need
is the desire to become more and more, to become everything that someone is
capable of becoming. The self-actualization makes people become the most of their
abilities and to strive to be the best they can. Self-actualization is reaching
someone’s fullest potential. This need deals with the identification of the
psychological need for growth, development and utilization of potential (p.15).

2.1.6 Struggle
Every human being has their own problems. Based on Linder, Braun, and
Asimov (1979) everybody always has problems in their life. The problems come
from their society, family and internal problems. The problem can be simple or
complex. The way people solve their problem can affect their way of thinking in
facing life. In order to overcome their problem people need to struggle (p.478-480).

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People need to struggle to overcome their problems of life. The problems
may come from some events of life. Linder, Braun, and Asimov (1979) state that
there are many life events that causes people to struggle for life. The life events are
the death of a close family member, personal injury or illness, being fired from
work, gaining a new family member, etc (pp.478-480). People reaction of these life
events is different one each other. When people cannot overcome their problem
they will become stressed.
Based on Linder, Braun, and Asimov (1979) how people will react to all the
stresses and problems is one aspect of a process called adjustment. There are three
aspects of adjustment. The first is problem solving. We must understand the
problems and try to find out the best solution. The problem solving skill will
develop when people deals with many different situations. The second aspect is
acceptance of situation, no need to give over response to the problems. It is good to
accept the problems and its consequences. The third is the use of defense
mechanism to cope with stress and anxiety. Further, Morris (1990) states
adjustment is any effort to cope with stress (p.490). It means all actions to cover the
stress is called adjustment.

2.2 Theoretical Framework
The theories and the approaches stated in this chapter are used to help the
analysis of this study. In this part the researcher will explain what approaches and
theories that are used and how they are applied in the analysis of this study.

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The first aim of the analysis is to describe the character of Denny Swift as
the major character in the novel. The researcher uses the theory of character by
Henkle about the differentiation of major character and minor character. In this
study, it is used to reveal the characterization of Denny. The researcher also uses
the theory from Forster to find out whether the character of Denny is round or flat.
Furthermore, the characterization theory from Murphy is used to analyze
what sort of person Frank is described in the novel. This analysis uses Murphy’s
theory to discover and obtain the description of Denny’s character. From nine ways
of characterization proposed by Murphy, the researcher uses four ways to analyze
Denny’s character. They are character seen by other, reaction, speech, and thought.
The second analysis is to find out the cause of Denny’s struggle for life and
his struggle. In this study the researcher uses the theories of motivation, human
basic needs, and struggle. The theories of motivation from Burno, Morris, and
Huffman, Vernoy and Vernoy are used to find out Denny’s motivation in struggle
for life since many problems come to his life. The researcher also uses the human
basic needs from Maslow to support the analysis and to find out the Denny’s basic
need which makes him to struggle. The struggle theories from Linder, Braun,
Assimov and Morris are also applied to help the analysis of Denny’s success
struggle for life.

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CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY

This chapter consists of three parts. They are object of the study,
approaches, and procedures. The object of the study deals with the subject of the
study. Approaches concerns about the theory that the writer use to analyze the
novel. The procedure deals with the steps and the processes in completing this
study.

3.1 Object of the Study
The novel analyzed in this study is entitled The Art of Racing in the Rain
written by Garth Stein. The novel was published for the first time in 2008 by
Harper Collins Publishers in New York. The novel used in this study was
published in 2010. It is the first Harper international paperback printing. It consists
of 321 pages and is divided into 58 chapters.
Denny Swift is the main character in The Art of Racing in the Rain. He
works at an automotive shop. He also joins the car race competition. At first, his
family is a happy family with a cute baby girl and a dog until his wife is diagnosed
to have a brain cancer and no chance to live. He should watch his wife dying for
months. Since Denny does not have enough money to support his family, Eve’s
parents force him to leave his wife and daughter in their care. Denny feels so
desperate and lonely because his entire world is taken from him. For months Denny

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should live in this condition. He should live alone and at the weekend he visits his
wife and her daughter at his parents in law’s house. Then Denny’s wife is passing
away. His parents in law forbid Denny to come into his wife’s funeral and to see
his daughter. Denny’s heart is broken. Eve’s parent tries to separate him from his
daughter by bring him to the case that he never do. He fights against them in law in
the court to win his daughter.

3.2 Approach
The approach used to analyze this novel is the psychological approach. This
approach is used in order to get the description of the character in the novel.
According to Rohrberger and Woods Jr. (1971), “the unconscious area of human
mind is the wellspring of man’s imagination, his ability for creation and the
complexity of his thought and behavior, and that the contents of this region of the
mind lead to expression in symbolic words, thought, and actions” (pp.13-14). This
approach enables the researcher to observe the character of Denny through his
dialogues and actions. This approach helps the researcher to analyze the struggle of
Denny in facing his problems and his effort in survive.
3.3 Method of the Study
In analyzing the study, the researcher used library research in collecting the
data. There are two sources in this study, the primary source and the secondary

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source. The primary source is a novel by Garth Stein entitled The Art of racing in
the Rain. The secondary sources are the books of related literature.
There were several steps used in analyzing the novel. The first step was
choosing the novel of The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. Then the
researcher read the novel for several times to get better understanding about the
story. After several times read the novel, the researcher is interested in the topic of
the character of Denny’s struggles to analyze.
The second step was finding related theories and references from many
books and from the internet. These theories and references were related to the study
and literature study and were used to analyze the character of Denny. Some of the
theories were characterization theory from Murphy, psychological approaches from
Rohrberger and Woods Jr.
The third step was analyzing the Denny’s character based on the theories
and answers the problem formulation stated above. The writer quoted and applied
the theory of characterization from Murphy, psychological approach from
Rohrberger and Woods Jr, and other theories in analyzing the character and to
support the analysis.
The fourth step was drawing conclusion based on the analysis. The
researcher made several suggestions for further researcher who intended to conduct
study of the same author and for the implementation for teaching learning activity.

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CHAPTER 4
ANALYSIS

This chapter is divided into two parts. The first pa