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CHAPTER2
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
2.1 Introduction
In this chapter, the writer will try to explain all the theories used to support this
paper such as Deconstruction, theory of characterization, Judaism and Kabbalah, and to
find its relationship with the character of Superman.
2.2 Character
According to DiYanni (2000) character is a set of behavior traits that define what
sort of person an individual is. It determines whether a person will effectively achieve
goals, be forthright in dealing with others and will obey the laws and rules of the group.
Although character is related to personality, it is not the same thing. Personality is
primarily inborn traits, while character consists oflearned behavior. Both may vary with
the situation or circumstances.
2.2.1
Types of Character
There are many types of character that hold an important role of the story. They
are major character, minor character, dynamic character, static character, flat character
and round character (DiYanni, 2000).
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2.2.1.1
Major and Minor Character
An important figure which is becomes the center of the theme or the story.
Mostly, neither Major character nor minor character dominates in a story.
Major Charater sometimes reffered to the protagonist who has a conflict with the
character who later become the antagonist character and created conflicts of the
story. (DiYanni, 2000, p.55)
In the story of Superman, the main character of this heroic journey is Clark Kent
or know as Kal El. He is the protagonist in this story and he is the center of the story,
Superman is the character who created the conflict which is happened in the comic or in
the movies. Diyanni also said that to support the Major Character, there are also a
character
known
as the Minor
Character. Minor
character
sometimes
does not
experience a developing from the beginning until the story ends.
2.2.1.2
Dynamic and Static Character
Dynamic Character is one who is modified by actions and experiences, and one
objective of the work in which the character appears is to reveal the consequences of
these actions." (DiYanni, 2000, p.55)
DiYanni stated that static Character/Flat Character is one who changes little if at
all. Things happen to such a character without things happening within. He added that
flat character tend to stay the same throughout a story, static or fixed. (DiYanni, 2001,
p.92)
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2.3 Deconstruction Theory
Deconstruction is a concept developed by Jacques Derrida. He is arguably the
most well known philosopher of contemporary times. In the mid 1960s he developed a
strategy called deconstruction. According to Lodge (1999) this theory is not purely
negative, but it is primarily concerned with something equal to a 'critique' of the
Western philosophical tradition, although this is generally staged through an analysis of
specific texts. To simplify matters, deconstruction seeks to expose, and then to subvert,
the various binary oppositions that under bind our dominant ways of thinking. (Lodge,
1999, p.88) Lodge also said that deconstruction has had an enormous influence in many
dissimilar fields, including psychology, literary theory, cultural studies, linguistics,
feminism, sociology and anthropology.
Generally, deconstruction is a philosophy of meaning, which deals with the ways
that meaning is constructed by writers, texts, and readers. In literary, critics usually
deconstruct literary text in order to give them a new meaning, which considered more
relevant to the context (Selden, 1997, p.171).
Deutscher (1977) states that to deconstruct means to undo. It might best
described as a theory of literature which aims to undermine the sense of opposition
within literary work. In practice, the text will be examined for ways in which it suggests
difference interpretation from itself. The interpretation undermines the apparently
primary interpretation given before (p.38).
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Deconstruction is insisting on explaining the unseen. It does not intend to take
apart a hierarchical Despite Derrida's insistence that deconstruction is not a method, but
an activity of reading, deconstruction has tended to employ discernable techniques.
Many deconstructive arguments revolve around the analysis of conceptual oppositions.
A famous example is the opposition between writing and speech (Derrida, 1976). For
example, one can explore how the reasons for privileging A over B also apply to B, or
how the reasons forB's subordinate status apply to A in unexpected ways. One may also
consider how A depends upon B, or is actually a special case of B. The goal of these
exercises is to achieve a new understanding of the relationship between A and B, which,
to be sure, is always subject to further deconstruction.
2.3.1
Deconstruction of Superman
In this paper, the writer argues that Superman comes in the form of Judaism
values. Although the creation of Superman is related to the Jewish people, but he shares
something in common: each, in his own way, has made a difference in someone's life. In
coherence, the analysis will be continued using the principles of Judaism combining
with a few principles of heroism that Superman had.
However, in the implementation of these principles mention above, sometimes it
can be found that not all the principles are match upon the situation. Therefore, the
writer uses the deconstruction theory to expose and then to analyze in order to give them
a new meaning.
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2.4 Symbolism
Symbolism is one of the strong literary device, Arp (2005, p.217) noted that a
literary symbol is something that means more than what it was written on the surface. It
may be an object, a person, a situation, an action or some other element that has literal
meaning in the story but that represent other meaning as well. Authors may choose
names for their characters that not only label them but also suggest something about
them. Heroes and heroines are often symbolic and thus can be interpreted in terms of all
the things they stand for; symbols are keys that enable us to unlock the doors shielding
our unconscious feelings
and beliefs from scrutiny. Symbols
are messages
from our
unconsciOus.
According to Arp (2005, pp.221-223), to interpret symbols the reader has to
understand the literature fully. Readers should always be alert for symbolic meaning and
should observe the following cautions:
1. The story itself must furnish a clue that a detail is taken symbolically.
Symbols nearly always signal their existence by emphasis, repetition, or
position. In the absence of such signals, we should be reluctant to identify an
item as symbolic.
2. The meaning of a literary symbol must be established and supported by the
entire context of the story. The symbol has its meaning in the story, not
outside it.
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3.
To be called a symbol, an item must suggest a meaning different in kind from
its literal meaning; a symbol is something more than the representative of a
class or type.
4. A symbol may have more than one meaning. It may suggest a cluster of
meaning. At its most effective, a symbol is like a many faceted jewel: it
flashes different colors when turned in the light. This is not to say that it can
mean anything depending on want is the reader want it to: the area of
possible meanings is always controlled
by the context. Nevertheless, this
possibility of complex meaning plus concreteness and emotional power gives
the symbol its peculiar compressive value.
2.5 Judaism Principle
Judaism is based on strict Unitarian monotheism, the belief in one God. God is
conceived of as eternal, the creator of universe, and the source of morality. Judaism is
the oldest of the three greatest monotheistic religions, and is the parent religion for
Christianity and Islam.
The Jewish people believe that they are God's chosen people and the descendants
of Abraham. The Jewish community also believes that there is only on true God, who is
the creator and ruler of the world.
According to a biblical passage, God appeared before Abraham and said, "Go
from your country....to the land of that I will show you. And I will make of you a great
nation, and I will bless you.. and by you shall all the families of the earth be blessed."
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nations. You shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This meaning that the
Jewish people are called to a special relationship with God and a great role in the
relationship with mankind. According to Katz (2009) in judaism.about.com "God is one
-the Idea of God as a duality or trinity is heretical for Jews to hold. God is all powerful
(omnipotent), all knowing (omniscient), and all places at all times (omnipresent)", the
same Idea also being shared
by Rabbi Jeff Goldwasser from Hebrew Union College
about the basic principles of Judaism.
Rabbi Jeff Goldwasser also said that the basic principal of Judaism is written on
the book of"Torah", the holy bible of Jewish people. This book is the root principals of
Judaism theory, and its basic foundation of the theory. To believe in on God and that
God
Himself is pictured in His
own
creation-Human. (Personal communication,
December 20, 2008)
In the Judaism theory, there are another theory that is related to it and the theory
known as the Kabbalah theory, which is a theory of a system in finding meaning in
numbers or symbols. This theory commonly used by the Jewish people to foretold their
histories which is connected by the Jews culture using symbols that only certain people
who can interpret, and that people is known as the Kabbalist.
2.5.1
Kabbalah and Kabbalists
MacNulty (2004) stated that Kabbalah is a Hebrew word which means reception,
or to receive, or that which is received. Used as a noun it refers to the mystical tradition
of Judaism. It is said that the Kabbalah is certainly the oldest of, and the foundation for,
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connection with something traditional or tradition and not all Jews people understand
about this principle. Only certain people and the chosen one or have the same status as a
prophet who have the knowledge of the Kabbalah principles, and they are known as
Kabbalist. These Kabbalists saw them as the one and only interpreter from the ancient
secret which is inherited from generation to generation, which is revealed through
VISIOn.
The core of Jewish mysticism is a set of symbols which can be found in its most
developed form in the Kabbalah. These words do not denote sensual reality, but
symbolize, in a complex way, a mystical truth which is essentially beyond words. God
gave the mystics the scriptures as a kind of dictionary of symbols which only the mystic
can understand and in this way obtain a glimpse of the truth beyond these words.
(Wigoder, 2002)
2.6 Economy, politics, and minorities in America in the 30s
When Superman was written in the early 1930s, the minorities in America were
having a great depression as the most difficult time in their life. After the Stock Market
Crash in September 3, 1929, America has lost most of their economy power and many
people lost their jobs. These conditions worsen the ethnic minorities including the Jews,
were most of them became a cheap labor in big companies in the US. Due to economy
crisis, the companies were forced to let some of the employees go to keep their business
running. And, most of these minorities were the biggest group who lost their job. The
ford Hunger march in 1932 was the moment when more than 225.000 workers who were
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laid off by the Ford Automobile Company in Dearborn Michigan made a protest to the
company.
According to Jordan (1994), The Great Depression gave bad impact Americans.
Farms were
sold, business folded, banks
failed,
and unemployment skyrocketed.
Millions of Americans, especial!y woman and children, suffered unprecedented poverty
and mental anguish. Farmers had to stop producing food they could not sell. Then in
1930 a major drought hit some of the farm states. (Jordan, 1994, p.675)
2.6.1
The Life of American Jewish in the Thirties (1931-1935)
1n the early of 1930s, Jews people around the globe had to fight against Anti-
Semitism. It is a terminology, which is used to show hate on the Jewish religion, ethnic
background of Jews people (Flannery, 1965). The Anti-Semitism reached its peak when
the Jews were executed by the Nazis during the World War II, which forced all Jews to
move from their country to find a safer place to stay.
Jewish people in America have to deal with the impact of the great depression
which causes thousands of Jews American lost their jobs.
2.6.2
Superman and writers: Jerome "Jerry" Siegel and Joseph "Joe" Shuster
Jerome "Jerry" Siegel and Joseph "Joe" Shuster, the writer and the illustrator of
Superman were both American Jewish Immigrants. Shuster who was born in Toronto
met Jerry Siegel when he moved to Ohio with his family. Shuster is deeply influenced
with colored comic books in newspapers. Both have the same passion in comic books
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and superhero stories, while Jerry is great in creating a story line, Joe are great in
creating sketch. The similarities in background and religions have deeply influenced the
characterization and the story of Superman that they created.
The character of Superman we know today was created during the Great
Depression, in 1935, the first Idea of Superman was initially labeled as Super-man, who
is not superhero who defend justice but as a villain who was born because of the Great
Depression in America. But since no readers were interested in the story, they changed
the character into superhero instead of villain.
After several try-outs in the school newspaper, Siegel and Shuster hit upon the
idea of this red-and-blue custom superhero with flowing red cape and red "S"
emblazoned on his chest, which is now known as Superman.
2.7 Definition of Hero in America
A person
normally
becomes
a hero by performing an extraordinary and
praiseworthy deed. Traditional deeds are slaying of monsters and saving people from
certain death. A hero normally fulfills the definitions of what is considered good and
noble in the originating culture.
To support this statement, according to Webster's Ninth Collegiate Dictionary,
"hero" are defines as: a) "a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent
endowed with great strength or ability, b) an illustrious warrior, c) a man admired for his
achievements and noble qualities, d) one that shows great courage."
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The American Heritage Dictionary (2006) also defined a hero as a person noted
for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed
his or her life. A hero is a person who is willing to sacrifice his or her life for everyone,
whether he or she knew this person before or totally a stranger to him or her.
A hero normally fulfills the definitions of what is considered good and noble in
the originating culture. However, the truth is that the man who creates values is the
primary hero; the man who defends the creator from evil is a hero because the creator
has made human life possible. It is shown by Bernstein's opinion, a Professor of
Philosophy at Marist College, a philosopher, and also a novelist (1999). Bernstein
described this hero character as a man dedicated to the creation and/or defense of reality
in compliance, life-promoting values.
In the simple way in defining hero is courageous man performing superhuman
feats, jumping tall buildings in a single bound, riding out into the sunset, leaving nothing
behind to identify oneself except perhaps a silver bullet. Of course, he risked everything
to save a helpless woman or a widow and orphans. Fear did not sway him. He can define
which was right and which was wrong.
"A hero is never careless with life and death because of his or her deep respect
loved ones and for the rest of the world. A hero recognizes that the world
generally benefits more from his or her continued survival and success." (Chris
Benguhe, 2003, p.4)
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Jacob Needleman (2002, p.IO) explained about hero in his book The American
Soul that the concept of hero is "But we regard them as heroes because they also lived
and acted in relation to something that transcends and transforms the human condition.
Each had his weaknesses, his defeats, his doubts; but in each of them another and greater
force existed that expressed itself as the idea of America."
The statement above shows that heroes will be permitted to remain heroes of the
outer world history only to the extent that people can see them as representing qualities
needed in the inner world. People's attitude toward them will reflect·their attitude trough
themselves. People are inviting, yearning for their heroes and stories to support them in
this new world, this desert which they are obliged to cross. The point of this is that the
stories of American heroes meet people as something possible for them, not as they are,
but as they can strive to become.
The concept of heroes grows not only as someone who can save the world from
the villain, but more often referred to a person that becomes as their "role models", the
truth is that to all children they are still heroes, those who are admired and who help
shape one's collective experience. Today the word "hero" is often used too loosely in
reference to sports figures, musicians, movie stars, or television celebrities who should
not be called heroes at all.
In conclusion, a hero is not always performing some admirable nor an amazing
action. Furthermore, to become a hero, a great courage is needed to do the sacrifice of
him or herself that will lead him or her for a greater good and perfectly understanding
the essential of becoming a hero. The word "hero" is the determination of the "high
price" and value that is given to a person by people as an attempt to show their
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thankfulness and admiration for their great generosity. A hero is not born as a hero; he or
she is becoming one from the experiences throughout his or her life, if he or she chooses
to undertake life's situations as opportunities to act and not to surrender to the reality of
life.