Fergie Wka Wahyu N. Advisors :
1614025109 Nasrullah, M.A
J. Irene Sartika D.M, S.S., M.Hum.


Gender Struggle of Main Character in Edith Wharton’s The House of Mirth Novel

ABSTRACT

Feminism is a study of gender which has a history that is quite uncomfortable for women who are oppressed by men. As a theory, feminism examines every gaps in gender, from identity, discrimination and exploitation. One of the focuses in the study of gender identity is gender struggle and being present in novel. Specifically, representation of gender struggles leads to how women as a gender can try to get their wishes in the social sphere. This thesis discusses the struggle of gender towards female characters, namely Lily Bart in Edith Wharton's novel The House of Mirth. The purpose of this study was to identify the existence of the struggles of the gender that Lily Bart's character experienced and to describe the character development in her struggle. In this thesis, the researcher uses a qualitative research methodology and a gender struggle study. Furthermore, the theories used in gender struggle include several experts (Paddy MacQueen, Bell Hooks and several other experts) and Jonathan Webber's theory of character development. The results showed that the character of Lily Bart as the main character in the novel shows a gender struggle. The forms of gender struggle that are experienced include facts of life, dream, love and affection. In this case, the forms of struggle are characterized in character development analysis which seeks to find changes in the character of Lily Bart and its correlation to her struggle. The development of the character of Lily Bart is described in three phases. In the initial phase introduces the main objectives, the second phase changes due to conflict and challenges, and the third phase becomes the result of character change. Indirectly, Edith Wharton presented the character Lily Bart as a woman who tries to achieve her desires with her own efforts and attempts. This is evidenced by the development of the characters that are quite prominent in the novel.

Key Words : Feminism Criticism, Novel, Gender Struggle, The House of Mirth