1

AN ANALYSI S ON CONFLI CT AS SEEN I N

THE NOVEL OF CALEBS STORY
NOVEL BY PATRI CI A MACLACHLAN
Lecturer : Isni Rosiati, S. S., M. Pd.
Group sevens name :
1. Ima Nur Kholisoh
2. Masruah
3. Meiva Hayatika
4. M. Nur Muadzin
5. Susi Agustina
Class : III-B
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF LANGUAGE AND ART EDUCATION
IKIP PGRI BOJONEGORO
ACADEMIC YEAR 2013/ 2014
2
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Backgroud of The Study
Literature means writing valued as work of art. Taylor (1981:81) states:
Literature, like other arts, is essentially an imaginative act of the writers imagination
in selecting, ordering, and interpreting life experience. Literature is also based on the
life experience. It also gives us explanation that literature cannot be separated from life.
It can be concluded that literature is one of the bridges to make someone communicable
with the society about lifes condition by his works.
Diyanni states (2001:7) that there are three major types of literary work such
as: poetry, drama, and fiction. Meanwhile fiction can also be divided into the novel,
novelette, and short story.
Literary work is fundamentally developed by two elements, such as intrinsic
and extrinsic elements. The function of intrinsic element is to build up the literary
creation itself such as theme, plot, setting, character, conflict, point of view, etc.
Kenney (1966:19) states: the conflicts with which fiction concern itself are of
many kinds. A story may deal with a conflict within a single man, a conflict between
man and society, between man andnature, and so on.
With reference to what Kenney says about the conflict above, it was found that
conflict referred to a person which dealt with life situation. It is only situation that
offers a conflict. The focus of this study is the main characters conflict as seen in the
novel of Calebs Story.
The conflict is about how the main character faces his conflict; his conflict
with hiself, his conflict with another individual and also his conflict with society. It is
conflict that makes a story full with intense. How it is started, faced, and solve it for
better solution in order to get wisdom forgiveness living.
Based on the information above the writer interested on the conflict society.
Because after reading and understanding the whole story in a novel, the writer found
some problems that happened with the surrounding eviroment. Social conflict is is
conflict between the characters against another characters (Kenny,1996:32). The
characters have conflict in his social life, especially with another characters. It is the
struggle between opposing forces in the story and the writer wants to know the problem
or the conflict in the novel. So the writer analize the novel especially entitle An
Analisis On Social Conflict As seen In The Novel Of Calebs Story.
3
1.2 Statements of The Problems
Based on the background of the study, the problem can be formulated as below
:
1. Whois the main characters of the Calebs story?
2. Where is the story begin?
3. What is the plot?
4. What conflicta are faced and solved by the main character?
1.3 The Purposesof The Study
Based on the statements of the problems, the purposes of this study are as
follows :
1. To know the main character of the Calebs story.
2. To know the story begin and also the end of the story.
3. To know the meaning, the structure of plot, and also the plot of the story.
4. To analyze the main conflict and evetually the character solved the conflict.
1.4 The Limitation of The Study
To focus the problems, this study is limited to :
1. The main conflict which faced by the main character.
2. How the main character solves his conflict.
4
CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Definition of Plot
Stanton (1965: 14), suggested the plot is a story that contains the sequence of
events, but each incident is only connected in cause and effect, an event which caused
or led to the occurrence of other events. Kenny (1966: 14), promoted to the plot as the
events shown in the story is not simple, because the author set the events based on the
relation of cause and effect.
Plot is the serial arrangement of incidents, ideas or events. In literature, the
plot encompasses all the incidents and provides aesthetic pleasure. The story of the
novel progresses through various plots and conflicts.
According to Forster, plot is events in story that has pressure to causal
relationship (1970: 93). According to Stanton (1965: 14) is story that contents
sequence event but every event connected by causal relationship, one event cause or
caused to the other events.
Plot may be defined as a storys sequence of incidents, arranged in dramatic
order. One is tempted to insert the word chronological. But doing so would exclude
many stories that depart from this strict ordering of events.
2.2 The Types of Plot
The types of plot are divided by two plots, here are :
1. Open plot
Open plot is one of those thing where the author never gives a definite ending, and
is very vague about what happens. You can use your idea for what happens to the
characters. The main sequence of events in a play, novel, or film that is
unrestricted.
Or open plot is the ends of story has stimulated the readers for develops a slot of
the story.
2. Closed plot
Closed plot is a restricted sequence of events in a play, novel, of film. In the closed
plot, the ends of the story has not stimulated the readers for develops a slot of the
story. The ending of the closed plot can happy or sad ending.
2.3 The Structure of Plot
The structure of the plot can divided into five structures, here are :
1. Exposition
Exposition introduces the characters, the setting and provides historical
background.
2. Suspense
5
Suspense introduces the initial conflict in the story.
3. Conflict
Conflict, which is actually quite important events (so, it will be functional events,
major, or kernel), is an essential element in the development of the plot. Conflict is
something that dramatic, referring to the struggle between two forces are balanced
and imply action and retaliation (Wellek & Warren, 1989:285).
Conflict introduces a series of events, each of which causes the one that follows
and each of which intensifies the conflict.
4. Climax
Conflicts and the climax is of paramount importance in the structure of the plot,
both of which are the main elements of plot in fict ion. Climax by Stanton
(1965: 16), is when the conflict has reached the highest level itensitas, and when
(it) is something that is inevitable happened.
Climax is the most intense event in the story (the problems become complicated).
5. Denoument (falling action)
Denoument is the resolution of the conflict and leads toward a stable situation. It is
the end of a story and ends with either a happy or a tragic ending.
2.4 The kinds of Conflict
Conflict is the essence of fiction. It creates plot. The conflicts we encounter
canusually be identified as one of four kinds.
1. Man Versus Man
Conflict that pits one person against another.
2. Man Versus Nature
A run-in with the forces of nature. On the one hand, it expresses the insignificance
of a single human life in the cosmic scheme of things. On the other hand, it tests
the limits of a persons strength and will to live.
3. Man Versus Society
The values and customs by which everyone else lives are being challenged. The
haracter may come to an untimely end as a result of his or her own convictions.
The character may, on the other hand, bring others around to a sympathetic point of
view, or it may be decided that society was right after all.
4. Man Versus Self
Internal conflict. Not all conflict involves other people. Sometimes people are their
own worst enemies. An internal conflict is a good test of a characters values. Does
he give in to temptation or rise above it? Does he demand the most from himself or
settle for something less? Does he even bother to struggle? The internal conflicts of
a character and how they are resolved are good clues to the characters inner
strength.
Often, more than one kind of conflict is taking place at the same time. In every
case, however, the existence of conflict enhances the readers understanding of a
character and creates the suspense and interest that make you want to continue
reading.
6
2.5 Background of The Author
Born in 1945 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Patricia MacLachlan grew up as an only
child whose parents encouraged her interest in reading and writing. Because
MacLachlan was an only child, shelack of siblings was offset by a strong relationship
with her parents and an active imagination. MacLachlan's parents were teachers and
they encouraged her to read; her mother urged her to "read a book and find out who you
are," the author related in Horn Book. She did read voraciously, sometimes discussing
and acting out scenes in books with her parents. MacLachlan graduated from the
University of Connecticut and in 1962 married Robert MacLachlan, with whom she has
two sons and a daughter. The family lives in Leeds, Massachusetts.
It wasn't until she was 35 years old that she began writing - something she
realized she'd always wanted to do. Yet even then, writing still felt scary for her. She
began with a picture book: The Sick Day (1979). During the 1980s, MacLachlan has
enjoyed much success as a writer. She has written more than 20 books for children and
five screenplays for adults as well as children.Her first novel, Arthur, for the Very First
Time, won the Golden Kite Award from the Society of Children's Book Writers in
1980. Unclaimed Treasures was a 1984 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award honor book,
and in 1986, she has won the Newbery Medal for Sarah, Plain and Tall, the Christopher
Award, The Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, and many American Library
Association Notable Books. In 2003 she was awarded the National Humanities Medal
for her body of work at the White House in Washington, D.C. She was also an Emmy
nominee for the screenplay of Sarah, Plain and Tall, produced by Glenn Close and
Hallmark Hall of Fame. She has three children, J ohn in Kigoma, Tanzania, J amison in
Boston, Mass , and Emily in Stow, Mass., as well as two grandchildren. Her newest
books are Fiona Loves the Night, written with her daughter, Emily, and a novel,
Edward's Eyes. She lives in Williamsburg with her husband, Robert, a psychologist,
and two dogs.
2.6 Summary of The Story
There was a family that consisted of four members of that family. There were
J acob, Sarah, Anna, Caleb, and Cassie. J acob and Sarah were parents in that family,
meanwhile Anna was an older sister, J acob was older brother, and Cassie was a
younger sister. The beginning of the story when Caleb and Cassie played hide and seek
in the barn. Cassie saw a man in the barn, but no one could believe her. At that
moment, there was Anna who was tied up her letters for her boyfriend in Europe. Anna
wanted caleb to write her journal about the farm because she got something terrible.
Anna was working for Sam who was a doctor in the town. And Sam was Annas
boyfriend father. There, Caleb would to write about the winter because snow fell
heavier. He had done to write about winter moreover he should go to the barn. After he
went home, he did not forget to close the barn door. But, his Sarah said that the door of
7
barn did not open yet. Caleb felt amazed, and he put on his coat and went out the barn
to close the door, but he saw an older man with gray hair and he was wrapped in a
green blanket. Then, Caleb called sarah to come to the barn. Sarah asked him, but he
did not answer at all. Suddenly, Cassie came to us and said that what did she see was
rigth that there was a man in the barn. The name of the older man was J ohn. After J ohn
met J acob, all of the members of family knew that J ohn was their family also, that was
Calebs granfather. But, J acob did not want to met him again because J ohn did a fault.
J ohn leaved him for long time ago and he promised that he would send letters for J acob,
but there were not letters which were sent by him. J acob presume that he passed away.
J acob did not want to forgive him and one day, J acob and J ohn were talking
each other. They pushed each other and suddenly J acobs leg broke. All of them felt
worried. J ohn helped him.
J ohn was getting a disease, he drank some pills. J ohn told about his mistake
about the letters for his father. He told that he could not write a letter because he could
not read. After it, Caleb teach him to write and read.
Sarah got an accident, J ohn found her that covered with the snow. After that
accident, J acob wanted to talk with J ohn, and J ohn and Caleb told the reason why J ohn
did not send him letters. About it, J acob forgave J ohn as the father. And that family
lived happy ever after.
8
CHAPTER III
DISCUSSION
3.1 Setting of The Story
1. Time
The time of the story is anytime, because this Calebs story had many times in
each events.
a. That afternoon something happened.
b. The morning was bright and clear when I woke, no snow or wind.
2. Place
The story was took place in many places, so the place in the story is everywhere
that are :
a. I could hear Cassie laughing, but I couldnt see her. I walked into the barn.
b. there was a small sound by the kitchen door.
c. There were not many people in town, only a few wagons and some cars.
3.2 The Main Character of The Story
The main character of Calebs story is Caleb, he was kind, sympathetic, and
diligent.
1. Kind
Caleb taught his grandfather to read and write because his grandfather wanted to
send letter for his son, J acob.
2. Sympathetic
Caleb always checks his grandfather condition in the barn, he felt worried about
his grandfathers condition.
3. Diligent
After Anna gave her journal for Caleb and she wanted Caleb to write about the
farm, Caleb always tries to write well.
3.3 The Plot of The Story
The plot of the story can define in five structures, here are :
1. Exposition
Come find me, Caleb! Called my little sister, Cassie.
In the exposition, the characters of the story is introduce. Calebs family was
introduce in the first part in the novel.
2. Suspense
I heard a sound behind me and whirled around. There, slumped against the wall,
was an older man, with gray hair.
9
In the suspense, the initial conflict in the story was explained. Caleb met an older
man with gray hair in the barn.
3. Conflict
Suddenly, Papa stepped backward as if he had been hit. He put Cassie down. Papa
stared at J ohn.
In the conflict, J ohn and J acob met, J acob insaned that J ohn was his father whom
lost and passed away. He did not want to meet J ohn because J ohnleaved him for
long time when he was a child. J ohn promised that he would send J acob letter, but
in the fact, he did not send letter for J acob.
4. Climax
In the climax, the event starts from J ohn got a disease and then when sarah covered
with snow, J ohn helped her to dig the snow. From it, J acob and J ohn met to solve
their problem, in that time J acob got angry. But, there was Caleb who became the
solver that explained the reason why J ohn did not send J acob letter.
5. Denoument
In the denoument, the ending of the Calebs story is happy ending, because the
conflict of the story solved. And J acob could accept his father in his life.
3.4 Conflicts in Calebs Story
The conflicts in the Calebs Story are divided into seven forms, here are :
1. Caleb Against His Grandfather, J ohn
At the first time J acob came to Calebs house, he suspected to jacob that J acob was
a robber. He didnt like him very much. Then untill he know that J acob was his
grandfather he began to simpathetic to J acob because of J acobs laws. He couldnt
write and read. At the cllimax of the story jacob and john got confilcts. But it was
solved with Sarah as mediator included Caleb who teach granfather to write and
read.
2. Caleb Against His Father, J acob
J ohn was a responsible person to the family, even he is stubborn. Caleb was
nervous to his father, bacause since his wife had passed away for long time ago, he
was sad all the time. Untill sarah came and made his time more beautifull.
3. Caleb Against Himself
Caleb didnt like writing. He had never written before. But he got a job from his
older sister to write as long as Ana, his older sister went far away. He was confused
when he started his writing, because there was no anything to write about. But he
must write.
4. Caleb Against His Stepmother, Sarah
Calebs mother was died for a long time ago. So his father tried to look for a wife
again. Then he put on the newspaper an advertisementu about himself. That was
Sarah who interested to became his wife. Sarah was very kind woman. Calebs
10
father, Ana, and includes Caleb himself afraid if Sarah wouldnt stay with them,
because she loved Moonway very much.
5. Caleb Against His Elder Sister, Anna
Anna asked caleb to write about everything around him. But Caleb tried to refuse
it, because he couldnt write like her. But Anna forced him for writing. She told
that it was important.
6. Caleb Against His Little Sister, Casey
Casey is a child whith many questions. Sometimes he was annoying. As the older
brother was in home, Caleb should kept her little sister when their parents left them
in home alone. Here, he should face Caseylonely that always made him tired.
7. Caleb Against His Family
Caleb is kind, sympathetic, and diligent boy. His family felt happy because they
had a boy like him. He always helps every members of his family.
11
CHAPTER IV
CONCLUSION
The conclusion is explained about the main characters conflict as seen in the
novel of Calebs Story. The purpose of this study are to know the main character of the
Calebs story, to know the story begin and also the end of the story, to know the meaning, the
structure of plot, and also the plot of the story, to analyze the main conflict and evetually the
character solved the conflict.
Plot is the serial arrangement of incidents, ideas or events. There are two types
of plot, they are open plot and closed plot. Besides that, plot has some structures, they are
exposition, suspense, conflict, climax, and denoument (falling ending). In this study, writers
only discuss about the main characters conflict. So, there four kinds of conflict, they are man
versus man, man versus nature, man versus society, and man versus self.
The main character of Calebs story that is Caleb could solve the conflict
between his father J acob and his grandfather J ohn by his explaining the reason about the
misapprehension about them. It is evidenced by taught Calebs grandfather to read and write.
And when J ohn and J acob met, J ohn could write I love you for J acob, based on it, J acob
forgave his father about his mistake. So, the conflict of the Calebs story can solve by the
main character, he is Caleb.
12
REFERENCES
http://www.jacketflap.com/patricia-maclachlan/121421accessed on 3
rd
J uly 2014
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/calebs-story-patricia-
maclachlan/1100488575?ean=9780064405904accessed on 3
rd
J uly 2014
http://www.harpercollins.com/9780064405904/calebs-story accessed on 3
rd
J uly 2014
http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-sarah-plain-and-tall/abouttheauthor.html
accessed on 3
rd
J uly 2014
http://wiki.wyomingauthors.org/w/page/12627296/Patricia%20MacLachlan
accessed on 3
rd
J uly 2014
http://bugsandbunnies.blogspot.com/2011/08/author-spotlight-patricia-
maclachlan.html accessed on 3
rd
J uly 2014
http://biography.jrank.org/pages/2148/MacLachlan-Patricia-1938.html
accessed on 3
rd
J uly 2014