A study on occultism in Paulo Coelho`s Brida.

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RIDHO CHRISTINA SARI ARITONANG. A Study on Occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida. Yogyakarta: Department of English Letters, Faculty of Letters, Sanata Dharma University, 2015.

Occultism (or it is well known as paranormal) is a controversy topic for centuries. There is a debate on occultism that occultism is considered as a source of fear and occultism possesses evil power. On the other hand, occultism is considered as a part of culture. The writer finds that the controversy cannot be separated from the nature of occultism itself. Besides, the writer also realizes that the various definition of occultism depends on who views it. Because of these facts, the writer chooses occultism as the topic of this study. The writer wants to know what occultism really is from the view point of the occultist. The writer argues that Paulo Coelho’s Brida is a

novel which describes the definition of occultism from the view point of the occultist. In order to reveal occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida, the writer formulates

two research problems. The first problem is related to the characteristics of the major characters. The second one is related to how occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is

represented by the major characters.

After formulating those two research problems, the writer then uses two kinds of sources which provide supporting theories in answering those problems. Those sources are the primary and secondary sources. Primary source is Paulo Coelho’s

Brida itself. The secondary sources are books and e-books which provide theories on

character and characterization, theories on occultism, and also theory on study. These sources can be found through library and internet research.

By using Paulo Coelho’s Brida and the other secondary sources, the writer

finds that occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is the occultism which consists of

theosophy and occult science. Occult science in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is the practice

of witchcraft which includes exploring Brida’s past life and magic. Another part of occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is theosophy. Theosophy is a theoretical occultism which can lead Brida, as a major character, into the self transformation through a new way of looking at Brida’s self and world. Besides leading one to self transformation, theosophy also helps Magus, another major character, in finding his own wisdom. Therefore, the writer concludes that occultism which is described in Paulo Coelho’s

Brida is the practice of witchcraft which can also lead the major characters into self

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RIDHO CHRISTINA SARI ARITONANG. A Study on Occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida. Yogyakarta: Jurusan Sastra Inggris, Fakultas Sastra, Universitas Sanata Dharma, 2015.

Okultisme (atau yang lebih dikenal sebagai paranormal) merupakan sebuah topic yang kontroversi selama berabad-abad. Ada sebuah perdebatan tentang okultisme bahwa okultisme dianggap sebagai sumber ketakutan dan okultisme memiliki kekuatan iblis. Di sisi lain, okultisme dianggap merupakan kepunyaan dari kebudayaan. Penulis menemukan fakta bahwa kontroversi ini tidak terlepas dari sifat okultisme itu sendiri. Selain itu, penulis juga menyadari bahwa pengertian okultisme dapat menjadi sangat beragam tergantung siapa yang melihatnya. Oleh karena itu, penulis memilih okultisme sebagai topic dalam penyelidikan ini. Penulis ingin mengetahui okultisme yang sebenarnya dari sudut pandang okultist. Penulis membuktikan bahwa novel Paulo Coelho yang berjudul Brida adalah novel yang menggambarkan pengertian okultisme dari sudut pandang okultist.

Untuk mengungkap pengertian okultisme, penulis merumuskan dua masalah penelitian. Masalah yang pertama berkaitan dengan karakteristik dari karakter-karakter utama dalam novel Brida. Masalah yang kedua berkaitan dengan bagaimana okultisme digambarkan melalui karakter-karakter utama tersebut.

Setelah merumuskan kedua masalah penelitian tersebut, penulis kemudian menggunakan dua jenis sumber yang menyediakan teori-teori pendukung untuk menjawab masalah-masalah tersebut. Sumber-sumber data tersebut berupa sumber data yang pertama dan kedua. Sumber data yang pertama adalah novel Brida. Sedangkan sumber data yang kedua adalah buku-buku dan buku-buku elektronik yang menyediakan teori tentang karakter dan karakterisasi, teori tentang okultisme, dan teori untuk penyelidikan ini. Sumber-sumber data tersebut dapat ditemui melalui penelitian perpustakaan dan juga internet.

Dengan menggunakan novel Brida dan sumber kedua, penulis menemukan bahwa okultisme dalam novel Brida merupakan okultisme yang terdiri dari teosofi dan ilmu okult. Ilmu okult dalam novel Brida adalah praktek ilmu sihir yang mencakup eksplorasi kehidupan masa lalu Brida dan juga sihir. Bagian okultisme yang lainnya adalah teosofi. Teosofi merupakan okultisme teoritis yang dapat menuntun Brida, sebagai seorang karakter utama, menuju sebuah transformasi diri melalui sebuah cara pandang baru dalam melihat dirinya dan dunianya. Selain itu, teosofi juga menuntun Magus, karakter utama lainnya, dalam menemukan kebijaksanaannya. Oleh karena itu, penulis menyimpulkan bahwa okultisme yang digambarkan dalam novel Brida adalah sebuah okultisme dengan praktek ilmu sihir yang dapat menuntun karakter-karakter utama menuju transformasi diri dan juga kebijaksanaan.

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AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS

Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra

in English Letters

RIDHO CHRISTINA SARI ARITONANG Student Number: 094214041

ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAMME DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS

FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY

YOGYAKARTA 2015

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AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS

Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra

in English Letters

RIDHO CHRISTINA SARI ARITONANG Student Number: 094214041

ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAMME DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS

FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY

YOGYAKARTA 2015

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First of all, the writer would like to express the humble gratitude to Lord Jesus Christ for his blessing and unconditional love so that the writer can finish this undergraduate thesis. However, the writer also realizes that this undergraduate thesis cannot be finished without the support given by the writer’s family. Therefore, the deepest gratitude goes to the writer’s beloved father, mother, brother. The writer thanks them for their endless love, patience, and prayers.

The writer’s sincere gratitude goes to the thesis advisor, Dr. F.X. Siswadi M.A. The writer is really grateful that he is the man who shows the writer that goal requires not only effort but also determination to move forward. Besides, the writer is really thankful to Drs. Hirmawan Wijanarka, M.Hum, and also Ni Luh Putu Rosiandani S,S., M.Hum. for all the suggestion to the writer.

The special gratitude goes to my friends such as Dias Dwi Iswarindi, Andreas Hargo Satrio Wibowo, Novie R.S and other friends who cannot be mentioned one by one here. The real friendship is the real support to the writer in finishing this undergraduate thesis.

The last but not least, the warm gratitude goes to William AdiPutra de Jesus Tavares. The writer is really grateful to God for the fact that he does exist.

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……….

APPROVAL PAGE ……….. ii

ACCEPTANCE PAGE ……… iii

LEMBAR PERNYATAAN PERSETUJUAN PUBLIKASI KARYA ILMIAH.. iv

STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY ……… v

MOTTO PAGE ………. vi

DEDICATION PAGE ……….. vii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ………. viii

TABLE OF CONTENTS ………. ix

ABSTRACT ……….. x

ABSTRAK ………. xi

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION ……… 1

A. Background of the Study ……….. 1

B. Problem Formulation ………. 5

C. Objectives of the Study ………. 5

D. Definition of Terms ……… 5

CHAPTER II: THEORETICAL REVIEW ……… 7

A. Review of Related Studies ………. 7

B. Review of Related Theories ……… 10

C. Theoretical Framework ……… 20

CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY ……….. 22

A. Object of the Study ………. 22

B. Approach of the Study ………. 23

C. Method of the Study ……… 24

CHAPTER IV: ANALYSIS ……… 26

A. The Characteristics of Major Characters ……….. 26

B. Occultism as Represented by Major Characters ……… 39

CHAPTER V: CONCLUSION ……… 55

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x 2015.

novel which describes the definition of occultism from the view point of the occultist.

In order to reveal occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida, the writer formulates two research

problems. The first problem is related to the characteristics of the major characters. The second one is related to how occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is represented by the major characters.

are books and e-books which provide theories on character and characterization, theories on occultism, and also theory on study. These sources can be found through library and internet research.

By using Paulo Coelho’s Brida and the other secondary sources, the writer finds that

occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is the occultism which consists of theosophy and occult

science. Occult science in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is the practice of witchcraft which includes

exploring Brida’s past life and magic. Another part of occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is

theosophy. Theosophy is a theoretical occultism which can lead Brida, as a major character, into the self transformation through a new way of looking at Brida’s self and world. Besides leading one to self transformation, theosophy also helps Magus, another major character, in finding his own wisdom. Therefore, the writer concludes that occultism which is described in Paulo Coelho’s Brida is the practice of witchcraft which can also lead the major characters into

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masa lalu Brida dan juga sihir. Bagian okultisme yang lainnya adalah teosofi. Teosofi merupakan okultisme teoritis yang dapat menuntun Brida, sebagai seorang karakter utama, menuju sebuah transformasi diri melalui sebuah cara pandang baru dalam melihat dirinya dan

dunianya. Selain itu, teosofi juga menuntun Magus, karakter utama lainnya, dalam menemukan kebijaksanaannya. Oleh karena itu, penulis menyimpulkan bahwa okultisme yang

digambarkan dalam novel Brida adalah sebuah okultisme dengan praktek ilmu sihir yang dapat menuntun karakter-karakter utama menuju transformasi diri dan juga kebijaksanaan.

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CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

Occultism (or it is well known as paranormal) has word occult as its root word. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance states that ‘the word “occult” is derived from the Latin word “Occultus” which means “hidden”.’ (religioustolerance.org, April 12, 2013). Besides, according to Tiryakian, occult deals with hidden forces in nature which cannot be measured by the science. It is stated by Mercia Eliade as below

“By ‘occult’, writes Tiryakian, I understand intentional practices, techniques, or procedures which: a) draw upon hidden or concealed forces in nature or the cosmos that cannot be measured or recognized by the instruments of modern science…” (1976:48)

Therefore, it can be concluded that the nature of occultism is hidden forces which cannot be recognized or measured by modern science.

The nature of occultism as stated above gains controversy toward occultism itself. There are so many debates on occultism through many years and even centuries. Melton (2000:viii) shows some controversies on occultism in the past. In the 17th century many people believed in occultism while others considered it as “a source of fear” and it caused death. The controversy on occultism continued in the 18th_{century. Nevertheless the topic of controversy changed. In the 18}th_{century, the} existence of occultism was questioned by the emergence of Deism. Deism was a

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belief that merely admits the existence of God as the Creator of the world. The belief in Deism which questioned occultism is explained by Melton as below.

Deism affirmed the existence of God the Creator, but suggested that God had merely established a system of natural law, leaving the world to govern itself by that law. By implication, God was divorced by the world, and supernatural events did not occur, rather the “supernatural” was merely the misobserved “natural”. Furthermore, neither angels nor spirits communicated with humans, and, in turn, prayer did not reach God. (2001:viii)

According to the quotation above, Deism considered occultism with supernatural power never existed. According to Deism, world was not governed by God since God only created world. Therefore, according to Deism, there was no angel and prayer was not required since it did not reach God. This view point of Deism is contrary to occultism. Occultism admits there are angels and prayers since God is no mere the world’s creator. Occultism believes that God governs the whole world.

Furthermore, in 20th_{century the controversy on occultism became wider. It} came from not only experiences in real life, as what happened in the 17th_{century, but} also from fiction works and TV programs. Spotlight Ministries says some people argued that fiction works and TV programs which have magic, witchcraft or any occult powers as the theme would not lead the readers and viewers to the real thing. On the other hand the others thought those fiction works and TV programs were considered as harmful especially to the readers and the viewers since those works and TV programs could introduce them to the occult world (spotlightministries.org.uk, May 23, 2013).

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The facts above show that occultism gains controversy in fiction as well in real life. These facts become the reason why the writer chooses occultism as the topic of this study. The writer also realizes that the definition of occultism can be various depend on who views it. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance state that conservative Christians view occultism possesses evil or demon (religioustolerance.org, May 25, 2013). On the other hand anthropologists have their own view on occultism. James Lett says that occultism (paranormal) is an “emic” which means that it belongs to cultures. He also says that paranormal is an “emic belief” concerning “the unreal real” (faculty.irsc.edu, May 25, 2013).

The differential concepts about occultism as stated above make the writer want to analyze what occultism is from the view point of occultist and how the occultist views occultism. Scott (1974:3) argues that the cause of ‘bad name’ attached to occultism is not the nature of occultism. It is because of ‘the nature of public mind’ that judges a whole of occultism just by a little part of it. Just because of hearing only the ‘evil side’ of occultism which is done by some believers, then public judge it as bad as evil. Besides Scott also stresses that only few people who know enough about occultism to judge it at all.

What Scott says as stated above is reflected in Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{. Paulo} Coelho’s Brida_{talks about a journey of a twenty one-year-old girl, Brida, in the} process of learning magic. In Paulo Coelho’s Brida _{the author tries to describe a} different view on occultism through the main characters. The characters in Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{can describe how the nature of occultism can bring positive or good}

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things in human life, in this case Brida. Through this journey Brida finds that occultism helps her not only in learning magic but also in solving certain problems such as how to face her fear and how to be confident in taking every step in her life. Finally at the end of her journey Brida becomes a witch. Her ability as a witch is determined not only by her knowledge on magic but also her view toward her life that is affected by occultism.

Paulo Coelho’s Brida _{is worth analyzing because it does not merely concern} occultism and human life. The way Paulo Coelho describes the occultism may help the readers to understand the occultism. He mentions common matters in human life such as fear and faith. Besides Coelho also describes that occultism is connected to religion in order to emphasize the importance of religion in occultism.

The way Paulo Coelho describes occultism is affected by his life story. Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian author. Before he becomes an author, Paulo Coelho had great experience in his life. Paulo Coelho ever attended Jesuit school and he was sent to mental asylum since he rebelled his parents, who did not support him in becoming a writer. These facts indicate he has knowledge of religion and also experiences hard life. These knowledge and experience affect him in the way he views things happen in his life. As Coelho says : “I have forgiven. It happens with love, all the time when you have this love towards someone else but you want this person to change, to be like you, and then love can be very destructive (ravenseniors.wikispaces.com, April 30, 2014). Besides, Alan Riding says Paulo Coelho also joined the Alternative Society that advocated drugs and practiced black magic before he returned to

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Catholicism. His return to Catholicism happened when he traveled to Spain (nytimes.com , April 7, 2013). Coelho’s hard life, his knowledge in religion and also his experience in occultism affect him in the way he writes Paulo Coelho’s Brida_in which it talks about occultism, religion and also human life.

B. Problem Formulation

In order to understand occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{, the writer} formulates questions as follows.

1. What are the characteristics of the major characters in Paulo Coelho’s Brida_? 2. How is occultism represented through the major characters in Paulo Coelho’s

Brida_?

C. Objectives of the Study

This study tries to understand occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{. In order to} gain the aim this study has two objectives of the study. The first objective is to analyze how the major characters are described. The second objective is to analyze how occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{is represented by the major characters.}

D. Definition of Term

To avoid misunderstanding and ambiguity as well as to obtain a clear understanding on the study, it is important to give a clarification of the term as follows.

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Occultism

Helena Petrovna Blavatsky states that occultism consists of two parts. They are occult science and theosophy. Occult science is the practical occultism while theosophy is theoretical occultism (gen.lib.rus.ec, July 6, 2014). Occult science can be various. Melton mentions some practices of occultism. They can be exploring one’s past lives, divinatory, witchcraft, psychokinesis, and magic (2001:1135). On the other hand, theosophy or theoretical occultism covers self-transformation and also personal wisdom. However, the writer does not discuss all of these parts of occultism. In this undergraduate thesis, the writer only discusses theosophy, magic, exploring one’s past lives, and witchcraft. These parts of occultism are the main issue described in Paulo Coelho’s Brida_.

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CHAPTER II

THEORETICAL REVIEW

A. Review of Related Studies

The first undergraduate thesis the writer refers to is done by a student of Petra Christian University; Gina. According to Gina (2011), as she says in “Brida’s Psychosocial Problems and Self Treatment in Paulo Coelho’s Brida, Paulo Coelho’s

Brida is a novel which is less popular than other Paulo Coelho’s novels. However, Gina realizes this novel as an interesting one. According to Gina, Paulo Coelho’s

Brida, as a fantasy novel with the elements of magic which is not real, is different from other fantasy novels. Paulo Coelho’s Brida tells about life that all human beings know and understand. It also makes Gina know the view point of the author about life which is different from her own view point. Besides Gina also says that she can find some values she never knows before. An interesting novel by a qualified author with a lot of values within becomes the reasons why Gina analyzes Paulo Coelho’s Brida. In this undergraduate thesis, Gina focuses on the major character of Paulo Coelho’s Brida. Gina argues that Brida faces psychosocial crises when she learns magic. Those crises cause some problems to her. Therefore the aim of Gina’s thesis is to discover what the problems are and also how she overcomes those problems. It is stated in theconclusion part of her undergraduate thesisas below

Furthermore, to analyze those problems, I emphasize two main points to discuss. Firstly, I analyze what problems that Brida faces in the novel. And secondly, I analyze how Brida overcomes her problems. Thus to analyze these

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two main points, I use the theory of Erik H. Erickson, the psychosocial crises or development, a theory about the eight stages that human has to face, such as trust versus mistrust, autonomy versus shame and doubt, initiative versus guilt, industry versus inferiority, identity versus role confusion, intimacy versus isolation, generativity versus stagnation and integrity versus despair. But, from these stages, I only use the first five stages to analyze the first of my analysis and the first four stages to analyze the second point of my analysis (2011:38).

The second undergraduate thesis the writer refers to is done by a Maranatha Christian University student, Ariston. Different from Gina’s undergraduate thesis which captures Brida as the girl with crises, Ariston (2011) in his undergraduate thesis entitled “Analysis of Theme through The Portrayal of The Protagonist in Paulo Coelho’s Brida” tries to get the theme of Paulo Coelho’s Brida trough the portrayal of Brida as the protagonist character. Therefore Ariston needs to examine the characteristics of Brida. According to Ariston, Brida is a teenager who is ambitious, brave, and optimistic. Ariston explains one of Brida’s characteristics as he stated in the conclusion part as below

Brida’s optimistic characteristic is shown by her open mindedness. She is willing to accept others’ suggestion which might help her to find her path. She is willing to learn about her calling. Brida is willing to listen to others and to change her perception if necessary. In the beginning, she has a doubt about who she really is, but after she meets Wicca and listens to Wicca’s suggestion she changes her perceptions about herself because finally she realizes that she has a gift and that she is an extraordinary person. She is willing to learn about Tradition of the Moon and do the tests given by Wicca and Magus (2011:16-17).

According to Ariston, those characteristics help Brida in facing all circumstances in pursuing her dream; learning magic. Finally, Ariston concludes that hard work and good characteristics are required in achieving goals with satisfactory results.

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Compared to the two undergraduate theses above, the study made by the writer is completely different. In Gina’s thesis, Gina analyzes the problems Brida faces in learning magic and how she solves those problems. In order to do her analysis, Gina uses theory about psychosocial crises by Erik H. Erickson. This Gina’s view point makes the difference between her study and the writer’s study. In this study the writer details the occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida while Gina in her thesis analyzes the problems Brida faces when she learns occultism. Gina also does not analyze the occultism at all because according to Gina, magic is something which is not real. The writer argues that the author (Paulo Coelho) tries to describe what occultism is through the major characters. Therefore, the main focus in this study is to analyze what occultism is.

The study made by the writer is also completely different from Ariston’s undergraduate thesis. In his undergraduate thesis, Ariston reveals the theme of Paulo Coelho’s Brida by analyzing the Brida characteristics. Although Ariston admits that Brida is an extra ordinary girl who has a gift, he does not analyze the occultism at all. On the other hand the writer analyzes the occultism described in Paulo Coelho’s

Brida. The writer also analyzes the characteristics of main characters while Ariston focuses only on Brida’s characteristics.

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B. Review of Related Theories

1. Theory of Character and Characterization

Character is one of the crucial elements in a fiction. Abrams (1999:46) defines character as a person who has certain “intellectual”, “emotional qualities”, and “moral”. According to Forster in Aspects of the Novel there are two kinds of characters based on the complexity of the characteristics. They are flat characters and round characters. Flat characters are simply understood and remembered since they are built only by one characteristic and the characteristic is not changed by circumstances. On the other hand round characters are more complex and they often surprise the reader in a “convincing way”.

Besides flat and round characters, character is also divided into major and minor ones. Elizabeth Sky says that major characters are the ones who appear throughout the plot or in the major section. They also involve in the important action and conflict. Besides minor characters are the ones who enter the plot for certain reason but then they may not be heard of again or they may enter throughout the plot but they still in the “shadow of the major character”. Their existence in the plot strengthens the position of the major characters (leasttern.com, September 12, 2013). Furthermore Henkle (1977:92-93) describes the criteria of major character. According to Henkle, major characters are the ones who ‘deserve’ reader’s attention. Besides major characters are also whom the readers build expectations and desires to since they are the ones who capable in presenting and also convincing the issues in the novel.

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Character in a fiction cannot stand alone. There is no character without characterization and vice versa. As Gill says that character is a person in literary work while characterization is the process in which a character is created (1995:127). Abcarian stresses the importance of characterization towards the character. Abcarian says characterization is required since it makes the character seems alive to the reader (1998:6).

According to Abrams (1999:33-34) the characterization can be done by using two different methods. The first method is showing method. Showing method is that the author just presents the characters talking and acting, and then the author gives a chance to the readers in viewing how the character is. However, in this method the author can also put the thought and feelings of the character. Otherwise the author can use the second method; telling method. Telling method is that the author describes the characters as she or he views them. The author tells the readers straight forward about how the character is and the author often tells the reasons of what the character says and does.

However, the characterization can be done in various ways. Roger B. Henkle (1977:161-173) states there are nine ways of characterization using different angle. The first angle which can be used in characterization is the appearance of a character. The author can describe a character through the appearance or the clothes so that the readers can easily imagine the character. The second angle is speech. By using this angle, the author lets the reader view a character based on what he or she says. Besides the speech, the author also can use a conversation of other characters as the

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third angle in characterization. By showing the conversation of others characters, the author allows the readers to judge a character from the view point of other characters. The fourth angle which the author can use in characterization is a character’s past life. A character’s past life can be explored in order to shape the characteristic. It can be explored through the direct comment of the author, the character’s thought, the character’s speeches, and also thought of the other characters. Another angle which can be used in characterization is reactions. Reactions can show the image of a character through how the character responds toward certain situations and events. Besides reactions, the sixth angle used in characterization is thought. A character can be viewed from the way of thinking on something. In order to show the thought or the way of thinking, the author can directly give certain information about what the character thinks about or the way of thinking of a character. The next angle is mannerism. In order to shape a characteristic of a character, the author can show the mannerism, habits or some peculiarities. By showing this angle, the readers can know the characteristic of a character. The next angle in characterization is another character. The author uses another character in defining a characteristic of a character. The author uses point of view and opinion toward another character in defining the characteristic. The last angle which can be used in characterization is direct comments. The author puts the direct comment on a character so that the readers directly know what the author wants to say about the character.

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2. Theory of Occultism

Occultism is derived from a Latin word “occultus”. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance states that “the word occult is derived from the Latin word “Occultus” which means “hidden”.” (religioustolerance.org, April 12, 2013).

However, the definition above is not enough to describe what occultism really is. Another specific concept is given by Scott. According to Scott, occultism consists of two parts. They are theoretical and practical occultism (1950:8). Similar to Scott, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky also states that occultism consists of two parts. However, Blavatsky uses different terms for those parts. She uses theosophy instead of theoretical occultism and occult science instead of practical occultism (gen.lib.rus.ec, July 6, 2014).

In order to understand the concept of occultism as stated above, the writer begins with the theosophy first. Theosophy is derived from Greek words. John Algeo (1969:8) states that those Greek words are “theos” which means divine and “sophia” which means wisdom. Therefore John Algeo calls theosophy as “Divine Wisdom”. The term of theosophy was first used in English in 1650. At this time, theosophy was used for some teachings of ancient sages, and it was then applied to the thought of Ammonius Saccas and Plotinus. Ammonius Saccas and Plotinus were the founders of Alexandrian School of Neoplatonism in Egypt in the early third century AD. For them Theosophy was divine knowledge which explains about Greek mysticism. Since then, the term was also used by a Protestant mystic, Jakob Bohme, and also 17th_and

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18th_{writers on spiritual subjects. Besides, theosophy also has been applied to such} school of thought such as Gnosticism and Alchemy.

However since 1875, as the emergence of Theosophy Society, the use of the term of theosophy has been expanded. It is not only limited to Greek mysticism and spiritual subject in the 17th_{and 18}th_{century. This expansion is brought by Helena} Petrovna Blavatsky. Blavatsky was a Russian woman who then became a naturalized American citizen. When she was young, Blavatsky decided to leave Russia and travel around the world in seeking of explanation of mystery of life and wisdom. Since then, according to David Pratt, Blavatsky had contact with religious and mystical traditions in many parts of the world. Blavatsky also had an instruction from her teacher in Tibet to spread the theosophy in America. However, the teacher declared a new goal of theosophy which was only limited to mysticism before. Hence, theosophy has become modern theosophy which is brought by Blavatsky as one of the founder of Theosophy Society (davidpratt.info, July 6, 2014).

Modern theosophy has three main objectives. David Pratt gives explanation on the three objectives. The first objective is called universal brotherhood of humanity. It is a principle that there is no distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, and race among human beings. It teaches that human beings must try to be loving and forgiving, calm and patient, kind and altruistic, treating others as how human beings wants to be treated, concentrating on correcting our own faults rather than criticizing others, and above all, we should live to benefit others (davidpratt.info , July 6,2014). Related to this objective, the law of karma can take a place within. John Algeo

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(1969:56) says that karma is a law of cause and effect. Karma originally comes from a Sanskrit word which literally means “action” and it implies the totality of action (action and reaction). The term karma itself now becomes an ordinary English word. The concept of karma can be found in all great religions, and philosophies. According to law of karma, universe is a place where nothing happens by chance. Thus, every action of human beings affects their relationships with their family, friends, business associates and even the strangers they meet. Therefore in order to have good karma, one must thread others as how one to be threaded.

The second objective of theosophy, as stated in David Pratt’s article, is study of the world’s religions (davidpratt.info, July 6,2014). John Algeo says that religion comes from a Latin term which means “to link back” 1969:10). Therefore, each religion links its believers back to the Divine based on its own way. Although each religion has its own way, according to David Prat, theosophy finds that the world’s religions have more similarities than differences. World’s religions advocate the golden rule of universal love. Theosophy also speaks of enlightened teachers such as Krishna, Buddha and Christ. Therefore John Algeo also provides a statement of the second international president of Theosophy Society, Annie Besant, about Theosophy and religion. She states that theosophy does not ask a man to leave his religion. Whatever his religion, a man should live it (1969:10).

The third objective of occultism, as stated by John Algeo (1969:47), is the study of the mystery of nature such as the explanation on the growth of an organism from a seed or an egg, and the psychic powers latent in a man such as an out-of-body

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experience. Besides, related to this objective, theosophy has certain belief and fundamental doctrines. For example: theosophy believes that a soul is for a body, not a body for a soul. According to this view point, theosophy argues that thinking a physical body for a soul is mistaking a house for the man who lives inside it. It should be a man for his own house. This view point is related to a doctrine of reincarnation. Reincarnation is derived from the words “re” which means again, “in” which means into, and “carn” which means flesh. Therefore reincarnation means a soul repeatedly entering into a fleshly body.

Through the three objectives above, theosophy offers a way of looking at one’s self and the world. By offering a different way of looking at one’s self and the world, theosophy stimulates a self-transformation. As John Algeo states that theosophy is dedicated to preserve and realize the ageless wisdom which embodies a world view and a vision of human self-transformation (1969:14). Furthermore Fay Van Ierlant quotes statements of Shirley Nicholson. Shirley Nicholson states how theosophy can lead into self-transformation as below

We may also see more and more ways in which these ideas relate to our daily lives. They may begin to reflect in our emotions too, as new levels of love and compassion and the desire to serve. Thus we ground these principles in experience and in our inner life so that they affect us at every level.

As this process deepens, we may find that our attitude toward life is changing. We may become more able to remove ourselves from the limitations of our immediate situation and see its meaning from a broader perspective, from a more long-range view, as we look to larger goals. Thus this process of turning ideas into experience engages our whole being. What starts as intellectual comprehension grows into intuitive insight and become grounded in practicality. Our faculties at all levels become focused on the quest, and we become involved in an unending process of growth, continually creative and fresh, that will go on year after year. We discover for ourselves that a true

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encounter of the self with the esoteric vision has the power to transform us (teosofia.com, July 6, 2014)

According to the statements by Shirley Nicholson, the writer concludes that theosophy does lead a man into self-transformation. Self-transformation, according to Shirley Nicholson, is a process in which the principles within the theosophy turn into experience which engages the human’s whole being. One can have this process through three steps. The first step is realizing the principles of theosophy are related to daily life. Then the second step is that the attitude toward life starts to change because of the realization. The third step is discovering a true encounter of one’s self (self-discovery) through occultism has the power to transform one.

Fay Van Ierlant, a member of Theosophy of Dutch Section, also states that self-transformation is a process in which a man can discover wisdom which lies in his own life and it cannot come from without (teosofia.com, July 6, 2014). Similar to that statement, Theosophical Society in England states that wisdom cannot be enclosed within words. Wisdom must be discovered and experienced by a man for himself (theosophicalsociety.org.uk, July 6 2014). Therefore in this sense, the concept of wisdom is really personal.

The second part of occultism is practical occultism. Melton states several practices of occultism. They are exploring one’s past lives, divinatory, witchcraft, psychokinesis, and magic (2001:1135). Psychokinesis is an ability to move objects at a distance by mental power (2001:1217). Divinatory can be varied depends on the medium used to divine. It can be astrology or divining one’s fate or future according

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to the juxtaposition of sun, moon, and planets when one births (2001:108). Others method can be done by using 22 symbolical picture cards or tarot cards (2001:1532), by analyzing line and mark on one’s hand or it is called palmistry (2001:1174), and also by calculate the numerical values to the letters of one’s name and/or birth place (2001:1127). Witchcraft is the practice of magic which is done by the practitioners who are usually women who have psychic powers (2001:1678).

The last practical occultism is magic. J.P. Chaplin defines magic as ‘a paranormal power or influence’ (1976:95). In order to understand what magic is, it is important to know the explanation about magic. Mouni Sadhu (1973:199) divides magic into black and white magic. According to Sadhu, those two kinds of magic are determined by its aim. Black magic is driven by egoistic and selfish intentions. On the other hand if someone uses magic unselfishly or without any profit for himself that could harm others then it is define as white magic.

Sir James George Frazer divides magic into negative and positive magic. It is called positive magic (or it is called sorcery) since it suggests the believers to do certain things in order to get certain desirable effect. Otherwise, negative magic (or it is called taboo) warns the believers not to do certain things in order to prevent undesirable effect (ebooks.adelaide.edu.au, June 15,2013).

The idea of black/white magic and positive/negative magic may be understood well if it is described through the principles of magic. Frazer explains there are two principles in magic. The first principle is law of similarity. This law

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works when a magician can produce any effect he desires merely by imitating it. The act of magic based on this law is called homoeopathic or imitative magic. This law can be applied for either good or bad purposes. The bad purposes (black magic) based on this law can be done in order to injure or destroy other. For example, according to Frazer, when an Ojebway Indian wants to harm his enemy then he can make a little wooden puppet of his enemy and prick a needle in some parts of that wooden image such as head and heart. By doing so, it is believed that the enemy will get the same effect as the puppet get. Besides if an Ojebway Indian wants to kill the enemy outright, he can burn or bury the puppet while he utters some magic words (ebooks.adelaide.edu.au, June 15,2013).

On the other hand this principle of magic can also be done for good purposes. Frazer mentions several Imitative magic which are done by some tribes for good purposes. For example, in the island of Nias, if a wild pig enters the pit prepared for it, then the wild pig will be taken out and its back will be rubbed with nine fallen leaves. It is believed that by doing so then nine more wild pigs will fall into the pit just as the nine leaves fall from the tree. This kind of imitative magic is also considered as positive magic (sorcery). On the other hand there is a negative magic (taboo) in imitative magic. For example: in Madagascar the soldiers are forbidden to eat the knee of ox since it will make the soldiers’ knee become weak (ebooks.adelaide.edu.au, June 15,2013).

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The second principle in magic, as stated by Frazer, is Law of Contact or Contagion. The act based on this law is called Contagious Magic. Different from law of similarity, this law is not produced by imitating some objects in order to get certain effect. According to this law, a magician can produce certain magical effect resulted only from the parts of human’s body. Those parts can be various. They can be someone’s teeth, navel-string or afterbirth, blood and even footprint. For example : In Germany many people believe that if a child’s milk-tooth falls out then it is better to insert it in mouse’s hole. By doing so it is believed that it will prevent the child from having toothache and the child’s teeth will be as strong as mouse’s. Not only the part of physical body but also the sign left by the body can also be used in order to produce magical effect. For example: the natives of south-eastern Australia believe that by injuring the footprints of their enemy they can injure their enemy’s foot. They can put sharp pieces of glass or bones in their footprints (ebooks.adelaide.edu.au, June 15,2013). Lady Sabrina also mentions others things which can be used in produce contagious magic such as a person’s picture, clothing and handwriting. Those things are called magical link (2001:155).

C. Theoretical Framework

The topic which the writer wants to analyze in this undergraduate thesis is occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida. In order to analyze occultism in Paulo Coelho’s

Brida, the writer uses some theories on character and characterization and also theories on occultism.

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Theories on character and characterization are required since the writer analyzes the idea of occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida through the major characters. The writer argues that major characters are the most appropriate entrance to come into the occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida. The writer sees that major characters in Paulo Coelho’s Brida have their own value to represent occultism in Paulo Coelho’s

Brida. Therefore, the writer describes the major characters before coming into the occultism. After describing the major characters, the writer analyzes the idea of occultism. Hence, the writer provides several theories on occultism which can help the writer in analyzing the idea of occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida.

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CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY

A. Object of the Study

In this undergraduate thesis the writer analyzes a novel entitled Brida. Brida is written by a Brazilian author; Paulo Coelho. This novel was first published in 1990 in Portuguese version. It was then translated into English version in 1993 by Harper Collins. However, the writer uses the book published in 2008.

This novel consists of 247 pages. In the beginning there is quotation taken from Luke. They sounds “…what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” (Luke 15:8-9). This quotation is also followed by a warning given by Paulo Coelho. Paulo Coelho warns that the rituals described in this novel are the same as those practiced over the centuries and they require experience and practice. Therefore practicing those rituals without guidance is dangerous, inadvisable, and unnecessary. It also can hinder the spiritual search.

In the end of this novel there are some facts about the book, about other Paulo Coelho’s novels, and also about Paulo Coelho. Paulo Coelho was born in Rio de Janeiro in August 1947. He is the son of Pedro Queima Coelho de Souza (an engineer) and Lygia (a housewife). The most important thing described in this part is

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how Paulo Coelho returns in Catholicism and studies the kindness of magic. This novel is ended with description of others novels written by Paulo Coelho.

Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{is a fiction novel which talks about a journey of an Irish} girl, Brida, in learning magic. Brida wants to learn magic because she wants to learn about the occult power and she thinks magic can help her in finding answer to some questions she has regarding life. Unexpectedly she finds that occultism is quite different from what she thinks. Occultism is not easy as what she thinks. This fact often makes her want to give up. However, learning occultism does not merely brings difficulties to her. Through the difficulties Brida understands what occultism is and finally she becomes a witch. She also realizes that magic as a part of occultism does not answer her questions regarding life. However, it helps her in accepting her own life.

B. Approach of the Study

In analyzing Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{, the writer uses objective theory in} analyzing a work of art.

According to Abrams (1953:26-28), objective theory regards a work of art in isolation from the external points of reference such as universe, author and readers. A work of art is not an imitation of a universe since universe itself is an object in a work of art. In order to place universe as an object in a work of art, objective theory uses such a centripetal method which assimilates the external elements into the attributes of the work of art. It is by letting the universe reenter the discussion as the plot,

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character, and thought which together with diction, melody, and spectacle. These things compose the universe into an object in a work of art. In this sense, Abrams calls a work of art as a “self-sufficient entity constituted by its parts in their internal relations”.

Objective theory also regards a work of art as a heterocosm. It is a world of its own whose end is not to instruct or to please but simply to exist. According to Kant, a work of art as a heterocosm, exhibits Zweckmāssigkeit ohne zweck or purposiveness without purpose. In this sense, Kant argues that the beauty of a work of art is disinterested and without regard to utility. However, Kant does not neglect the mental faculties of its creator and receptor. Another critic, T.S.Eliot, says that a work of art must be considered as a work of art, not another thing. It should not mean but it should be.

The writer argues that this objective theory is the most appropriate theory to analyze Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{. In order to analyze occultism in Paulo Coelho’s}Brida_, the writer does not refer to the external points of reference. The writer analyzes the internal elements and their relation which make up the idea of occultism in Paulo Coelho’s Brida_.

C. Method of the Study

In order to do this undergraduate thesis, the writer took several steps which were required in finishing this thesis. The first step was that the writer read Paulo Coelho’s Brida _{several times in order to understand what the author really wanted to}

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say. After reading several times, the writer argued that the main point in Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{was about the definition of occultism. The author wanted to define} what occultism really was. The writer could have such argument by having attention to the details within Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{which build the definition of the occultism} itself.

The second step was that the writer formulates the problem formulation. In answering the problem formulation, the writer used two kinds of sources. They are the primary and secondary sources. The primary source was the novel itself, Paulo Coelho’s Brida._{It was used to analyze the story and to get the supporting answers of} the problem formulation. The secondary sources were the books that provided theories on character and characterization, theories on occultism, and also theories of the study. Besides, the writer also had library and internet research. The writer used library research in finding all of the secondary sources. However, the internet research was also required in finding some of the secondary sources such as several theories on occultism. The internet research also helped the writer in finding other undergraduate theses which discussed Paulo Coelho’s Brida _{through official online} library of certain universities.

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CHAPTER IV ANALYSIS

In order to answer the questions which are stated in problem formulation, the writer divides this chapter into two parts. The first part discusses how the major characters are described and the second part discusses the occultism which is represented through the major characters.

A. The Characteristics of Major Characters

Elizabeth Sky says that major character is the one who appears throughout the plot or in the major section (leasttern.com, September 12, 2013). According to this definition, the writer finds there are three major characters in Paulo Coelho’s Brida_.

They are Brida, Magus and Wicca. These characters are the ones who bring occultism

as the main issue in Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{. Besides, Abrams also says that there are}

two kinds of characters based on their complexity. They are flat character and round character. Flat characters are the ones who are simply understood and remembered since they are built only by one characteristic. Besides, their characteristics are not changed by circumstances. On the other hand round characters are more complex and they often surprise the reader in a “convincing way” (1949:46). According to this classification, the writer finds that Wicca is a flat character. On the other hand, Magus and Brida are the round characters.

Besides, in order to describe these major characters, the writer also uses theory of Henkle which explains nine ways of characterization. The writer finds there

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are five ways of characterization based on Henkle’s theory used in Paulo Coelho’s

Brida_{. They are mannerism, speech, thought, reaction, and also direct comment. The}

writer describes the characters as below.

1. Wicca

Mysterious Teacher

Wicca is a teacher of the Tradition of the Moon. In Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{, the}

Tradition of the Moon is a way in learning magic through time and things which are imprisoned in time’s memory for (2008:10). As a teacher of the Tradition of the Moon, Wicca is described as a mysterious character. Wicca is mysterious for she shows some oddities. The writer finds that the author shows this quality of Wicca by describing Wicca’s mannerism. The author describes certain peculiarities about Wicca. For example, Wicca can possess a red British classic car. It is a well-preserved British classic car which can only possessed by certain people since it does represent luxury. The author describes this first oddity as below.

At the appointed hour, Wicca was waiting outside in a red MG convertible, with the top down. The car, a British classic, was exceptionally well preserved, with gleaming bodywork and a polished dashboard. Brida didn’t even dare hazard a guess at how much it must have cost. The idea that witch should own such an expensive car frightened her a little. Before she’d known anything about the Tradition of the Moon, she’d heard all kinds of tales in her childhood about witches making terrible pacts with the Devil in exchange for money and power. (2008:133-134)

Through this description, it is shown that the fact that Wicca can posses of such luxury car frightens Brida. It is not her possession of that luxurious car which

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frightens Brida, but it is about how Wicca can possess a luxurious car. Wicca is described as a woman whose job is teaching magic. Besides, Wicca even teaches Brida without any payment. Therefore, Brida feels it is really odd how Wicca, who teaches magic, can possess that car which only few people can have it. That car is not only expensive but also luxurious. This oddity makes Brida remembers that before knowing the Tradition of the Moon, Brida thought that witches can have a deal with devil in order to exchange power and money.

Besides Wicca’s possession of a luxurious car, there is another thing which is seems so odd. It is about Wicca’s choice of apartment. Wicca lives in an apartment which is located in the center of the town. She designs its interior with a with best taste design. She designs the interior with arts such as paintings and sculptures. It also looks beautiful with the light from outside which is filtered by white curtains. The apartment is also comfortable with the arrangement of sofas, dining table, Italian-armchairs and also well-stocked library.

The way Wicca decorates her apartment shows that she loves art and she has good taste. However, the interior of Wicca’s apartment is contrary to the exterior of the building. The author gives description through Brida’s view point when she sees the building for the first time as below.

The old building was in the centre of town, in a place that is now only visited by tourists in search of a little nineteenth century romanticism….and now she was standing outside a mysterious gray building, struggling to contain her excitement…

There was no elevator. She went up the stairs slowly so as not out of breath when she reached the floor she wanted, and when she arrived, she rang the bell of the only door there. (2008:23).

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Based on this description, it is stated that the building looks mysterious from the outside. It shows plainness and there is no luxury at all so that Brida needs to collect her excitement before she decides to come in. It even has no elevator. Wicca’s choice of apartment is really strange. The strangeness is that why Wicca, as a person who has good taste and she even can posses luxurious car chooses such an old plain building to live in.

Another Wicca’s oddity described by the author is her attitude. Wicca is a character with close personality. This quality is proven through the description given by the author as below.

…and she was hurt because, up until then, her teacher had never shown the slightest interest in her private life. Their conversations never went beyond what Brida needed to know in order to work within the Tradition of the Moon. (2008:133)

Whenever the conversation turned to personal topics, Wicca would respond vaguely or evasively, but she spoke with great verve about trivial matters-price, clothes, rude shop assistants…(2008:137)

These descriptions show that Wicca is a character with close personality. She is a character who does not show any interest about personal life topics. What she discusses is all about tradition of the Moon. Each time the conversation turns into personal topic, Wicca avoids it by mentioning unrelated topic such as clothes, matters-price, etc. This strange attitude strengthens Wicca as a mysterious character.

Wicca’s peculiarities as described above define Wicca as a mysterious character. The peculiarities are described without any explanation at all so that the other character, Brida, feels that things about Wicca are a mystery. All things about

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Wicca gain such wonder and they have no explanation. There is no explanation on how Wicca can have luxurious car, why she must live in a mysterious old building, and why she never wants to talk about her personal life.

2. Magus

Wise Teacher

The second major character in Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{is Magus. Magus is}

about 40 years old. The author directly describes him physically as a man with grizzled hair. His skin is burned by the sun and he had the physique of someone used to walking in the mountains (2008:9).

Magus is a teacher of the tradition of the Moon. In Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{, the}

Tradition of the Sun is a way in learning magic through space and the world around human beings (2008:10). As a teacher of the Tradition of the Sun, Magus is described as a wise characteristic. The author reveals this quality through Magus’ reaction in facing his internal conflicts. For example, when Magus gives Brida the first lesson in learning magic is actually the moment in which Magus gets his first internal conflict. That first lesson is called Dark Night. It is a lesson where Brida has to stay alone in a forest for a whole night. Giving such lesson to Brida is a conflict for Magus since that young girl, Brida, is his Soul Mate. The author gives direct comment on how the conflict Magus feels and how he reacts towards that conflict as below.

Leaning against the trunk of an old tree, the Magus watched the girl vanish into the woods. He had listened to her fears and heard her cries during the

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night. At one point, he had even been tempted to go over and embrace her, to shield her from her terror, saying that she didn’t need this kind of challenge. Now he was pleased that he hadn’t, and he felt proud that the girl, in all her youthful confusion, was his Soul Mate (2008:18)

From the description above, the author states both the conflict and how Magus’ reaction toward the conflict. The conflict which Magus faces is that the fact that Magus is a Teacher and also a Soul Mate at the same time. Magus is a Soul Mate for Brida. Magus knows this from the very first time he meets Brida. Magus knows this when he looks into Brida’s eyes. Tradition of the Sun in Paulo Coelho’s Brida_notices

Soul Mate from the eye. Those eyes shine a particular light which can be seen only by the Soul Mate (2008:87). As a man, Magus has a temptation to save his Soul Mate, Brida, from her fear. Besides, as a Teacher, Magus knows that he must be consistent to let his pupil stay alone in the forest for a night. Facing this situation, Magus chooses to be a teacher instead of a soul mate. He decides not to help Brida. He chooses to let Brida stay alone in that forest. Magus’ reaction toward his conflict results in pride. Magus proud of that young girl, is actually his Soul Mate for she can pass the Dark Night.

The quality as a wise teacher is again proven when Magus has a conflict within his self. The second internal conflict is a moment when Magus and Brida are in the forest. At this moment, Brida asks Magus to let her know how to gain power through sex. Gaining magic power through sex becomes important since it is a phase that Brida must pass before she can get officially initiated as a witch. At this moment, Magus has a slight thought that he can tell Brida outright that he is her Soul Mate.

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Doing so can make her path in learning magic become much easier. Besides, it also can complete both Magus and Brida’s encounter in magic. The author shows this situation by giving a direct comment and also showing Magus’ thought as below.

The Magus was staring at the bare, snowy branches. He could, at the moment, forget he was a Teacher and be merely a Magus, a man like any other man. He knew that his Soul Mate was there before him. He could be talk about the point of light he could see, and she would believe him, and their reencounter would be complete. Even if she left in tears, she would come back eventually, because he was telling the truth-and she needed him as much as he needed her. That was the wisdom of Soul Mates; they always recognized each other. …..For a moment, he thought: “I could give up magic for her,” but immediately realized how foolish that thought was. Love didn’t require that kind of renunciation. True love allowed each person to follow their own path, knowing that they would never lose touch with their Soul Mate (2008:123-124).

The descriptions above show how wise Magus is. Again, Magus faces a moment which challenges him as a teacher. At this moment, Magus can stop considering himself as a teacher for a while and let Brida knows that he is Brida’s soul mate. However, this moment even strengthens the characteristic of Magus as a wise teacher. Soon, Magus realizes that thought is absolutely unnecessary. He realizes that soul mate will recognize each other. Sooner or later they will find their way. Therefore the only thing Magus needs is only a kind of patience.

Magus is not only a wise teacher but he also a wise man. A proof of this

quality lies in the last part in Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{. It is a moment after Brida is}

successfully initiated as a witch. After being initiated, Brida wants to stay with Magus in the forest for she knows that Magus is actually her soul mate. Brida also wants to leave her recent boyfriend; Lorens. However, Magus does not agree with

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Brida. He even asks Brida to go with her boyfriend. The author shows how wise Magus through Magus’s statements as below.

“People give flowers as presents because flowers contain the true meaning of Love. Anyone who tries to possess a flower will have to watch its beauty fading. But if you simply look at a flower in a field, you will keep it forever, because the flower is part of the evening and the sunset and the smell damp earth and the clouds on the horizon.”

“That is why the forest taught me. That you will never be mine, and that’s why I will never lose you. You were my hope during my days of loneliness, my anxiety during moments of doubt, my certainty during moments of faith. “Knowing that my Soul Mate would come one day, I devoted myself to learning the Tradition of the Sun. Knowing that you existed was my one reason for continuing to live.”

Brida could no longer conceal her tears.

“Go in peace,” said the Magus. “And dry those tears, or tell him that the smoke from the fire got in your eyes. Never forget me.” (2008:209-211) This situation as described above proves that Magus is really wise. Although Magus knows that he has a chance to be together with his soul mate, but Magus does not take it at all. He even asks Brida to go with her recent boyfriend. Magus does so because he realizes that finding his soul mate is more than enough. Besides, Magus also understands that love is liberty. He cannot simply take the chance and let Brida leaves his recent boyfriend, Lorens. This reaction proves that Magus is a wise man for he does not let his love becomes an excuse to hurt the other one; Lorens.

3. Brida

Brida is a 21-year-old girl who wants to learn magic. In order to describe Brida, the writer divides this part into two parts. The first part is how Brida is described before she learns magic and during the process she learns magic. The

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second part is how Brida is described after she learns magic till she is initiated as a witch. In the first part, the writer describes Brida as a faint-hearted person. The writer describes it as below.

a. Faint-hearted

Brida as a faint-hearted person can be proven through Brida’s reaction toward certain situations. Brida’s reaction shows that she is not brave enough. The first situation is that when Brida has to face the first lesson given by Magus, Dark Night. Dark Night is the first and important lesson in both of the Tradition of the Sun and the Tradition of the Moon. It is inspired from a poem entitled Dark Night by St. John of the Cross (2008:12). Facing this lesson, Brida has to stay alone during a night in a forest. Initially, Brida is afraid of being left alone. Therefore she tries to convince herself in order to overcome her fear. Initially she can overcome her fear. However, it does not last longer. Brida starts to get panic. Her panic begins with the contradictory views about Magus. Some people say that Magus is a powerful magician. Others say that he is a black magician. She even gets more panic when Brida suddenly hears noise nearby. Those things almost make Brida want to give up. It is proven by Brida’s statements as below.

“Where are you?” she cried…She simply wanted to get out of there. “I want to get out of here. Help me!”

There was only the forest and its strange noises. Brida felt so dizzy with fear she thought she might faint…(2008:14)

From the description of the situation above, it can be seen that Brida is not brave enough. She is afraid because she imagines such wild animals, childhood

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ghosts, and a bad magician before her while in fact there are only forest and its strange noise. Her being of not brave enough is proven by Brida’s reaction toward her own fear which is not real. Brida even shouts that she wants to get out of the forest. It almost makes Brida fail to pass the first lesson.

Brida is also a person who lacks courage especially in taking risk. Once again, the author tries to reveal this quality by letting the readers know how Brida reacts in certain situations. The first situation is a moment when Magus gives Brida a crucial question. The question is which one Brida will choose between love and magic. Brida has to answer Magus’ question with total honesty. Brida’s honesty in answering the question determines whether or not Magus accepts her as pupil. Although Brida has the answer which comes from her own consideration, she tries to avoid giving the answer. It is proven from the dialogue between Magus and Brida as below.

“I see no contradiction between my search and my personal happiness,” she said.

“Answer my question.” His eyes were still fixed on hers. “Would you give up everything for that man?”

Brida felt a tremendous urge to cry. It wasn’t so much a question, it was a choice, the most difficult choice anyone would have to make in life…(2008:8) From the dialogue above, it is obvious that Brida indirectly avoids giving answer to Magus’s question. Brida’s statement, which says that there is no contradiction between her search and personal happiness, means that her ambition of learning magic does not oppose her personal life. Therefore, she thinks that she does not have to choose between love and magic. However, after being forced to give an answer, Brida tries to ensure herself with her own consideration as described below.

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She continued to avoid Magus’s gaze. Her eyes were fixed on the village and its twinkling lights. People had been trying to understand the universe through love ever since the beginning of time.

“I’d give it all up,” she said at last. …”Look at me,” said the Magus.

Brida felt ashamed, but did as he asked. (2008:9)

After having sureness of her own consideration, Brida chooses love instead of magic. However, after giving her answer Brida even feels ashamed and disappointed. She feels that way even before she knows whether Magus accepts her as pupil or not. In this situation, there are two facts proving that Brida lacks courage for taking risk. First is the fact that Brida avoids giving answer. Second is the fact that Brida feels ashamed and disappointed even though she does not know yet whether or not she is accepted.

Another way the author tries to show that Brida is afraid in taking risk is by

letting the readers know how Brida thinks about herself. For example, there is a

moment when Brida remembers of her childhood experience. It is an experience when her father asked Brida to check how the temperature of the water on the beach was like. Brida then did as what her father asked. She just went to the edge and dipped in a toe. Seeing how Brida checked the water, her father then said a little advice to Brida. He said that in order to know something Brida must be brave to plunge straight in it. After remembering that advice, Brida then realizes that she is afraid in taking risk since her childhood. The author describes how Brida feels about herself through Brida’s thought and also direct comment given by the author as below.

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“I’m afraid of committing myself”, she thought to herself. She wanted to follow all possible paths and so ended up following none.

Even in that most important area of her life, love, she had failed to commit herself…She feared pain, loss, and separation…(2008:75)

The description of Brida thought and the direct comment proves that Brida lacks courage in taking risk. Things which frighten Brida are not difficulties. What frightens her most is a fact that she has to take risk. It is because she is afraid of pain

if she takes the wrong decision. Her lack of courage for taking risk also affects her

being of unconfident in making decision when Brida has to answer Magus’ question with total honesty.

b. Brave

This second part of Brida characteristic describes Brida’s characteristic after she learns magic. After going through all phases in learning magic, Brida is going to be officially initiated as a witch. The days before the initiation, Brida shows a change of her character. The author lets the readers know it through Brida’s thought and reaction toward a situation when she feels a conflict within herself at a moment she wants to make decision. The situation is that when Brida stands outside a church which she used to go when she was a child. She is not sure whether she must enter that church or not. Honestly Brida wants to enter the church but on the other hand she thinks she cannot enter that church for she learns magic and she is going to be initiated as a witch. She thinks that magic is a different path from God’s. Besides, she thinks that she will betray her forebears who died in a witch hunts centuries before.

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However, soon Brida realizes that her thought is not correct. The author shows Brida’s thought as below.

“But then I was burned at the stake, too,” she said to herself.

She remembered the prayer Wicca had said on the day commemorating the martyrdom of the witches. And in that prayer, she had mentioned Jesus and the Virgin Mary…(1008:171)

Based on Brida’s thought, it is shown that she realizes that Wicca, also prays to the God and Virgin Mary. Besides, Brida also realizes that she will not betray her forebears since she is a part of them. In her past life, Brida is an incarnation of a witch named Loni. Therefore, Brida just continue her steps into that church. Brida’s thought and also her action of entering the church though she has doubt prove that Brida is no longer afraid in making decision.

After entering the church, Brida just stares at an image of a man who is nailed to the cross and says a little prayer as below.

“Lord, we’re all in the world to run the risks of that Dark Night. I’m afraid of death, but even more afraid of wasting my life. I’m afraid of love, because it involves things that are beyond our understanding; it sheds such a brilliant light, but the shadow it casts frightens me.” (2008:173)

Through Brida’s speech in her prayer, it is shown that she realizes that as a human being, she absolutely has fear. She admits that she is afraid of death. However, she tends to be more afraid of wasting her life time because of that fear. Brida used to think that life is so complicated. She has to take risk, follow some paths and abandon others (2008:75). She also realizes that she has fear of love because love is such a mystery. She used to think that love offers both romanticism and separation (2008:75). However, she then realizes that she is more afraid of being the shadows of

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love. As a human being, she absolutely has a fear of pain caused by love. However, that fear should not stop her in loving other human beings. This moment shows that Brida is no longer afraid in taking risk for now she understands that life cannot is about taking risk.

B. Occultism as Represented by Major Characters

In this second part of analysis, the writer analyses how occultism in Paulo

Coelho’s Brida_{is represented through the major characters. Analyzing this part, the}

writer uses the theory given by Blavatsky which states that occultism consists of two parts. They are occult science as practical occultism and theosophy as theoretical occultism. Therefore, the writer divides this chapter into two parts. The first part discusses occult science and the second part discusses theosophy.

1. Occult Science

In chapter II, it is stated that Helena Petrovna Blavatsky uses term occult science in referring to practical occultism. Occult science can be various. Melton states several practices of occultism. They are exploring one’s past lives, divinatory, witchcraft, psychokinesis, and magic (2001:1135).

The writer finds the occult science described in Paulo Coelho’s Brida_is

witchcraft which includes exploring one’s past live and magic. Witchcraft in Paulo

Coelho’s Brida_{is represented by Wicca.The characteristic of Wicca does strengthen}

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described in previous part of this chapter, Wicca is a mysterious character. Wicca shows some oddities which are inexplicable. Similar to Wicca, Witchcraft in Paulo

Coelho’s Brida_{is also a mystery. It cannot be explained by logic. Besides, Wicca}

who is mysterious, acts as the one who teaches the whole practices of witchcraft though there are two teachers described in Paulo Coelho’s Brida. There are Magus as a teacher of the Tradition of the Sun and Wicca as a teacher of the Tradition of the Moon. Therefore, the writer argues that Wicca is the one who stands for witchcraft in Paulo Coelho’s Brida_.

As stated previously, the occult science which is described in Paulo Coelho’s

Brida _{is witchcraft which includes exploring past lives and magic. According to}

Wicca, the first thing she has to do before she teaches Brida is that knowing her gift. In order to know the gift, Wicca explores Brida’s past lives. There are two methods which Wicca uses. The first method is using a vision through tarot cards. Another is using a vision through such a time travel. From the vision of tarot cards, Wicca notices that at some point in one of Brida’s past lives, she set along the road of magic (2008:46). Besides, from the vision through such a time travel, Wicca knows that in Brida’s past lives, she was a reincarnation of a female witch who lives in the Cathars era named Loni. Loni was a woman who can discern spirit during her life time (2008:66). Therefore, it is known that Brida’s gift is discerning spirit.

The second type of occult science in Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{is magic. As stated}

in chapter 2, that witchcraft is the practice of magic which is performed by the practitioners who are usually women who have psychic powers (2001:1678).

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Therefore, in this sense witchcraft cannot be separated from magic. There are two types of magic and two laws of magic stated by Frazer. The first one is positive magic which suggests the believers to do certain thing in order to get certain desirable effect. The other one is negative magic (or it is called taboo) warns the believers not to do certain things in order to prevent undesirable effect Besides, there are also two principles of magic. They are law of similarity and law of contact or contagion. Law of similarity is producingany effect a magician desires merely by imitating it. On the other hand, law of contact is producing certain magical effect resulted only from the parts of human’s body (http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/f/frazer/james/golden/ index.html, June 15,2013).

In Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{, magic which is presented by Wicca is positive}

magic which has both law of similarity and law of contact within. These kinds of magic are presented through several rituals taught by Wicca. For example, there is a positive magic with law of similarity which Wicca asks Brida to do. It is a ritual of drinking water which is cut using a dagger. In order to do this ritual, however, there are some order must be followed. The author describes the order directly as below.

…There was a ritual she had to perform whenever the moon changed its phase; she would place a cup of water on the windowsill so that the moon was reflected in the surface. Then she would be stand so that her own face was reflected in the water and the moon’s reflection was right in the middle of her forehead. When she was completely focused, she would cut the water with the dagger, causing the reflections to break up and form smaller ones.

This water had to be drunk immediately, and then the power of the moon would grow inside her. (2008:96)

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The statements above show how wise Magus is. His quality as a wise man and a wise teacher comes from the process of learning his mistake. He learns to accept his lonely days for he knows that one day his soul will set him free from the punishment. Till one day Magus finds Brida. However at the end, Magus just simply sets Brida free though he knows that she is the one whom Magus waits for so long. Magus lets her go though she is his soul mate. Magus does so because he does not want to interfere in Brida’s free will to love his recent boyfriend; Lorens. He does so for he has his own wisdom that love is liberty.

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CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION

This part discusses the conclusion of A Study on Occultism in Paulo Coelho’s

Brida_{. The writer concludes that Paulo Coelho’s}Brida_{is a novel which gives a}

definition on occultism from the view point of the occultist. This conclusion comes

from two problems which are analyzed. The first problem is the characteristics of the

major characters. The second problem is about how occultism is represented by the

major characters. According to first problem, the writer finds there are three major

characters in Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{. They are Wicca, Magus and Brida. Wicca is}

described as a mysterious teacher. Magus is described as a wise man and a wise

teacher. The last major character, Brida, is described as a faint hearted girl who then

turns into a brave witch.

After analyzing the first problem, the writer then analyzes how occultism is

represented by those major characters. Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{defines occultism by}

describing the parts and elements of occultism through the characteristics of major

character. Occult science or practical occultism is represented by Wicca since Wicca

is the one who teaches Brida the practical occultism. Besides, her characteristic as a

mysterious teacher strengthens the quality of the practical occultism which cannot be

explained by logic.

On the other hand, theosophy as another part of occultism has elements of self

transformation and wisdom. Magus, as a teacher of the Tradition of the Sun, stands

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for wisdom. Magus is portrayed as the one who gains his own wisdom through his

personal experience. On the other hand, Brida, as the one who learns magic, stands

for the self transformation. Brida is portrayed as the one who experiences self

transformation since she shows how her characteristic changes because of learning

magic.

The writer argues that by representing those parts and elements of occultism

through the major characters, Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{wants to define what occultism}

really is. In Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{, occultism is not merely about possessing gift and}

practicing occult science. It is about practicing the occult science and understanding

the theosophy at the same time. It is important to understand the theosophy since

theosophy can lead Brida into self transformation and also leads Magus into wisdom.

Through those major characters, Paulo Coelho’s Brida states that theosophy, which

covers self transformation and wisdom, is equally crucial as occult science.

Therefore, by doing so, Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{does give a view point on occultism}

from the occultist. It is the occultist’s view point that occultism consists of occult

science as the practical occultism and also theosophy, which covers self

transformation and wisdom, as theoretical occultism.

Finally, by presenting occultism as a whole through the occultist’s view point,

Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{also tries to break through the debates on occultism. By doing}

so, Paulo Coelho’s Brida_{tries to reject the bad name attached to occultism. It tries to}

reject the idea that occultism is bad as evil. It is not occultism which is bad as evil. It

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them to do something evil. Therefore, it can be concluded that the reason behind the

bad name attached to occultism is not the nature of occultism. It is because of some

people who practice occultism in a bad way. Besides, the writer also concludes that

by describing occultism as a whole, Paulo Coelho’s Brida _{lets the readers to judge}

occultism as a whole too. It is important for the readers to know what occultism really

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Abrams, M.H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. Seventh Edition. Boston: Heinle & Heinle, 1999.

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Algeo, John. Theosophy:An Introductory Study Course Fourth Edition.New York: Theosophical Society, 1969.

Ariston. “Analysis of Theme through The Portrayal of The Protagonist in Paulo Coelho’s Brida”. Undergraduate Thesis. Bandung: Universitas Kristen Maranatha, 2011.

Blavatsky, Helena Petrovna. Studies in Occultism. <http://gen.lib.rus.ec/book/index .php?md5=3666f6b895d31b3743496b72097a2922> (July 6, 2014).

Chaplin, J.P. Dictionary of the Occult and Paranormal. New York: Dell Publishing, 1976.

Eliade, Mercia. Occultism, Witchcraft and Cultural Fashions. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1976.

Fester, Heyley. Paulo Coelho. Ravenseniors, 2014. <http://ravenseniors. wikispaces.com/Corvus+Q4+The+Alchemist> (April 30, 2014).

Forster, E.M. Aspects of the Novel. New York :Harcourt,Inc., 1985.

Frazer, Sir James George. The Golden Bough: a study of magic and religion. Abridged Edition. Adelaide: ebooks@adelaide. <http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au /f/frazer/james/golden/> (July 6, 2013).

Gill, Richard. Mastering English Literature. Second Edition. Hampshire: Macmillan Press Ltd, 1995.

Henkle, Roger.B. Reading the Novel. An Introduction to the Techniques of Interpreting Fiction. New York: Harper&Row, 1977.

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Ierlant, Fay Van. Knowledge and Wisdom. <http://www.teosofia.com/wisdom.html> (July 6, 2014).

Lett, James. Science, Religion and Anthropology <http://faculty.irsc.edu/faculty /jlett/Article%20on%20Religion.htm> (May 25, 2013).

Melton, J.Gordon. Encyclopedia of Occultism&Parapsychology. Fifth Edition. Farmington Hills: Gale Group, 2001.

Patricia, Gina. “Brida’s Psychosocial Problems and Self Treatment in Paulo Coelho’s Brida”. Undergraduate Thesis. Surabaya: Universitas Kristen Petra, 2011. Pratt, David. There is No Religion Higher than Truth. <http://davidpratt.info

/hpb.htm> (July 6, 2014).

Riding, Alan. Paulo Coleho: Writing in Global Language. New York: The New York Times Company, 2005. <http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/30/books/30coel .html?pagewanted=all&_r=0> (April 7, 2013).

Robinson, B.A. The Occult: Conservatives Christian Belief. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance,2006. <http://www.religioustolerance.org/occult2.htm> (May 25, 2013).

. The Occult: Definition of the term. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance, 2006. <http://www.religioustolerance.org/occult1.htm>(April 12, 2013).

Sabrina, Lady. Exploring Wicca. The Beliefs, Rites, and Rituals of the Wiccan Religion.Franklin Lakes: The Careerpress, 2001.

Sadhu, Mouni. Ways to Self-Realization.California: Wilshire Book Company, 1973. Scott, Cyril. An Outline of Modern Occultism.London: Routledge&Kegan Paul, 1974. Sky, Elizabeth. Literary Terms for English. 2004. <http://www.leasttern.com

/LitTerms/literary_terms.htm> (September 12, 2013).

Why The Increase of Occultism. Spotlight Ministries, 2004. <http://www. spotlightministries.org.uk/occultinthemedia.htm> (May 23, 2013).

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