An Analysis of Female Main Character in Maleficent (2014) Film Viewed by Ecological Feminism
AN ANALYSIS OF FEMALE MAIN CHARACTER IN MALEFICENT (2014) FILM VIEWED BY ECOLOGICAL FEMINISM
A Thesis Submitted to Faculty of Adab and Humanities In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Strata 1 Degree (S1)
By: Dewi Hegarsari Reg. 1111026000081
ENGLISH LETTERS DEPARTMENT FACULTY OF ADAB AND HUMANITIES STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY OF SYARIF HIDAYATULLAH JAKARTA 2017
ABSTRACT
Dewi Hegarsari, An Analysis of Female Main Character in Maleficent (2014) Movie Viewed by Ecological Feminism. A Thesis: English Language and Literature Department, Faculty of Adab and Humanities, State Islamic University of Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, 2017.
Maleficent 2014 film directed by Robert Stromberg is the unit analysis of this research. The research aims to reveal ecological feminism relations between female characters named Maleficent and Nature portrayed in this film. This study employs descriptive analytical method on Ecological Feminism Karen J Warren as the theory to find and reveal issues which contained in this film. The results were evaluated by examining female characters and nature in environment based on their lives. After analyzing this film, the writer found that women and nature relations in Maleficent film consisted into two categories. First, for the oppression of women, the study found that Maleficent as the main female character when she experienced oppression by Stefan, she became grudge, anger, hatred, and alone. Second, the oppression of nature that occurred in Moors environment in a way damage and destroy the plants, animals, and a surrounding environment. Women and nature relations in the film is seen as the same object that is suffered the oppression as both are considered weak. Therefore, the men have an opportunity to oppress nature and do the same thing to women.
Keywords: Ecological feminism, Women and Nature, Character Analysis.
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and I do the best of my knowledge and belief. It contains no material previously published and written by another person nor material which to a substantial extent has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma of the university or other institution of higher learning, except where due acknowledgement has made in the text.
Jakarta, 30 January 2017
Dewi Hegarsari
iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the name of Allah, The Most Merciful
All praises be to Allah Subhanahu WaTa’ala, the lord of Universe. The writer would like to be grateful to Allah Subhanahu WaTa’ala, helping and guiding in every step of her life. Many obstacles, pain and falling have to be faced by the writer but Allah always give light, serenity and way out as the reward of passing the hard way. May Allah bless the writer and all people the writer loves.
Peace and blessing for beloved prophet Muhammad Shallallahu’alaihi Wa Sallam, families, friends and followers.
The writer would like to say her gratitude to her precious person in her live, her father and her mother, who always give their constant prayer, affection, patience, spiritual and financial supports to their daughter during her study and the process of making this final paper. Their advices and rebukes give her strength in living this life. Thanks for always being there for her whenever she need it.
Purely, she dedicated this thesis to her parents.
The writer would like to take this opportunity for expressing her deep and sincere gratitude and thankfulness to her thesis advisor, Akhmad Zakky Thank you for your guidance, advice, idea, suggestion and contribution in finishing this thesis; and all of the lecturers of English Department who have taught and educated her during her study. Thus, the writer also would like to say thanks to her examiner, Elve Oktafiyani, M. Hum. and Inayatul Chusna, M. Hum. for their time and guidance in thesis examination.
v The writer wants to say huge thanks and love for every sacrifice especially to her beloved brothers and sister for their varieties of support they have given to her, whether emotional or informational. They have helped her remain stable in times of instability, and helped guide her in my moments of confusion.
To all her awesome friends, KKN MENTARI, ELD C, Class of Literature
2011 and thank you for listening, sharing thought, offering help, giving advice and supporting her through this entire process. For all people who helped the writer to finish this thesis that cannot be mentioned one by one, thank you for the kindness and inspiration. May Allah’s bless for the success, happiness and hopes this thesis can be useful, especially for the writer and the reader.
Jakarta, 30 January 2017
Dewi Hegarsari
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT ……………………………………………………………. i
APPROVEMENT ……………………………………………………… ii
LEGALIZATION ……………………………………………………… iii
DECLARATION ………………………………………………………. iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT …………………………………………….. v
TABLE OF CONTENTS ……………………………………………… vii
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION ……………………………………… 1
A. The Background of the Study ………………………………... 1
B. The Focus of the Research …………………………………… 5
C. The Research Question ………………………………………. 5
D. The Significance of the Research ……………………………. 5
E. The Research Methodology ………………………………….. 5
1. The Objective of the Research ……………………….. 6
2. The Method of the Research …………………………. 6
3. The Technique of Data Analysis …………………….. 6
4. The Instrument of the Research ……………………… 7
5. The Unit of Analysis …………………………………. 7
F. The Time and Place of the Research ………………………… 7
CHAPTER II THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK ……………………. 8
A. Previous Research ……………………………………………. 8
B. Ecological Feminism ………………………………………… 10
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C. Character and Characterization ……………………………… 11
1. Stock Characters and Stereotypes ……………………. 12
2. Static and Dynamic Characters ………………………. 12
3. Round and Flat Characters …………………………… 13
4. Characterization through Appearance ………………... 14
5. Characterization through Dialogue …………………… 14
6. Characterization through External Action …………… 15
7. Characterization through Internal Action ……………. 15
D. Karen J Warren Theory ………………………………………. 16
1. Conceptual Connections …………………………….. 17
2. Symbolic Connections ………………………………. 20
3. Theoretical Connections …………………………….. 20
4. Political (Praxis) Connections ………………………. 21
CHAPTER III RESEARCH FINDING ………………………………. 22
A. The Character of Maleficent ………………………………… 22
1. Forgiving …………………………………………….. 22
2. Leadership ……………………………………………. 25
3. Courageous …………………………………………… 26
4. Powerful ……………………………………………… 27
5. Grudge ……………………………………………….. 28
6. Lovable ……………………………………………….. 31
B. The Ecological Feminism of Maleficent Film ……………….. 34
a. The oppressions of Nature …………………………… 34
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b. The oppressions of Women ………………………….. 40
CHAPTER IV CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS …………….. 45
A. Conclusions …………………………………………………… 45
B. Suggestions …………………………………………………… 46
BIBLIOGRAPHY ……………………………………………………… 47
APPENDICES ………………………………………………………….. 49
ix CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the study
Women's rights neglect often lead to a discrimination, exploitation, violence,
injustice, and others in which feminists consider it as an oppression of women.
The oppression of women takes place in almost all countries and religious groups.
Where the oppression that took place in almost all countries has been successfully
dismantled by the feminists in their respective countries, and continue to expose
the experience of oppression experienced by women. The main purpose of tearing
down the oppression of women is to fight for the humanity of women to be equal
with men (Simon 4).
Feminism began to show its existence in the era of liberalism in Europe and
the time of the French Revolution in the eighteenth century (18) which evolved
into the United States and around the world. At that time, Mary Wollstonecraft in
the late 18th century wrote a book entitled, "Vindication of the rights of women",
the contents of which can be said to lay down the basic principles of feminism
later (Tong 21). The essence of feminism is for women to have equality as do
men. However, in the direction of gender equality between women and men,
feminists are divided into several streams according to the main focus of their
teachings. Such as, liberal feminism, radical feminism, Marxist and socialist
feminism, existentialism feminism, psychoanalytic feminism, postmodern
feminism, and Ecofeminism.
1 2
Ecofeminism born of an anxiety would feminist perspective on nature and
human behavior (women) who proved destructive to the ecological and creating
gender inequality, which in turn threatens the process of development and human
existence itself. The bad reality felt by nature today is the same as that of women.
The development process takes a long time with the exploitation of natural
resources has become an important marker bad that the idea will humans relate to
nature, need to be deconstructed again (Irwan 5). And it becomes important, as
this ecological slump is created at a time when development is dominated by
patriarchs. The fundamental aspect of the patriarchal view of nature is the
obsession to dominate the world, not humans. Like men dominate women.
According to Warren (360), hierarchical thinking, dualistic, and oppressive it
has damaged nature and women. Warren wants to assert that the patriarchal view
of nature has influenced what women are. Nature is the same as women. Women
are the same as nature. Rejection of the ecofeminism against patriarchal
worldview that wants to dominate nature, according to ecofeminism, the same as
there is no justification of male superiority against the destruction of nature and
women with a mature plan (19).
But in fact, the various excuses of the patriarchal system are preferred as
centers and bury the essence and existence of women and nature. In the
patriarchal society’s1 view if someone has physical attribute as men or women, it
1 A Patriarchal society describes a general structure in which men have power over women and it consists of male dominated power structure throughout organized society and in individual relationships. http://womenhistory.about.com/od/feminism/a/patriarchal.htm accessed on 5 Mei 2017.
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will impact on their different position in the cultural social life. The men take main role in the society, because the patriarchal society considers that men are stronger and productive than women, because women have production organ, they (the patriarchal society) consider that women are weak and unproductive
(McGill 1). In other words, the differences in reproduction organ used mainly by men to keep women in their place. So, according to biological differences between men and women, it causes the differences position between them in society. (McGill 73) Therefore, many problems happened to women, such as marginalization, gender discrimination, stereotype and violation. In 1848, many of women have been struggled against the violence to get freedom, and they did it through many ways, one of the ways is through literary work, such as novel, poetry and film.
Maleficent film presented about young women fairy lived with living creatures in mysterious environment called Moors Which is adjacent to the
Human kingdom. Led by king Henry, he is arrogant king who has great ambition to seize and master the Moors environment. In various ways by King Henry to - conquer Maleficent. Maleficent is the strongest fairy and has a leadership role amongst the other fairies because the living creatures in environment trust
Maleficent can protect Moors environment from the people wants to destroy it. At the time, Maleficent was young and have friendship with a boy named Stefan until both adults and they both seem to fall in love. However, when they grow up,
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Stefan changed his mind to cut the wings of Maleficent on the orders of King
Henry, if it conduct by Stefan, he will be rewarded, became followers of the king, married the daughter of King Henry. King Henry was the patriarchal ruler of the human kingdom with his dark castle and armored armies who wanted to attack the Moors environment. Maleficent defeats Henry's king, but Stefan loves her until he removes the maleficent wings to become the next king. As Maleficent revenge, she cursed the daughter of king Stefan named Aurora at the time of baptism in the Human kingdom. Finally, the curse took place and would be lost with the true love kiss. Indirectly, they treated Maleficent and moors environment only to snatch, dominate, and also to colonize the environment.
This film explores of environmentally conscious women fairy that protects an enchanted ecosystem on the edge of a destructive kingdom. Women and men in this film are portrayed as equally powerful, but he further emphasizes the ecological side of feminism with the portrayal of the figure of Maleficent who is - deeply in love with the environment and faithfully protects nature from humans who want to master and exploit the Moors environment. Therefore, the Maleficent character is very concentrated with the role of "mother nature" and the message of ecological feminism. The message shows the figure of a woman who is responsible for the nature of the patriarchal culture, in which the male figure is more dominant or wants to rule.
This research employs ecological feminism as the theory because it is the most suitable framework to conduct the analysis. By this approach this study will examine and scrutinize the data by giving opinions that associated with ecological
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feminism issues such as a description of the female character and nature. When a
woman and Living-creatures get bad treatment by the human who has ambition to
become a ruler. Therefore, it is suitable title for the thesis is “An Analysis of
Female Main Character in Maleficent (2014) Film Viewed by Ecological
Feminism”.
B. The Focus of the Research
Based on the background of the study above, the research focus on the
character of Maleficent, as the main female character that reflect Ecological
feminism in Maleficent film.
C. The Research Questions
Based on the background of study and the focus of study above, the writer has
two questions as follows:
1. How is Maleficent character described in the Maleficent film?
2. How is Maleficent as the main character reflect Ecological feminism in the
Maleficent film?
D. The Significance of the Research
The writer hopes that this research can increase reader’s knowledge about
ecological feminism, especially in Maleficent film and it also can be used as the
reference for further research
E. The Research Methodology
This research methodology includes the important aspects, such as the
objective, method, data analysis, research instrument and unit of the analysis.
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1. The Objective of the Research
This research intends to find out how the characteristics of the main
character in Maleficent film, and to determine how this character reflects the
Ecological feminism.
2. The Method of the Research
The method used in this research is descriptive analytical method that
describes the data then, analyzed it. The data description is seen from a
phenomenon in the movie.
“Descriptive analytical method is a method of gathering facts through the proper interpretation. This research method is shown to study the issues that arise in society in certain situations, including public relations, Activities, attitudes, opinions, as well as ongoing processes and their effects on particular phenomena in society” (Whitney 160).
This method can also be described as the method of gathering data, in
which the researcher does not make any observations to collect the data, but
only gathers the data from some reference books, website, and other data
sources. Then, this research collects the data by using library research by
reading several books which contain the data needed in the researcher,
therefore the writer also collects some literature book and other supporting
literary documents in order to get sufficient and necessary data to analyze the
movie.
3. The Technique of Data Analysis
The process of collecting data in this research is: first, watching a
Maleficent film by Walt Disney Pictures, produced by Joe Ruth, published
2014. Second, identifying the characteristics of the main character Maleficent
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film. Third, the research should be written every scene in the movie. Then, the
researcher will analyze the Ecofeminism based on these characteristics.
4. The Instruments of the Research
The research instrument is the writer herself by watching the film,
marking the important events completely that happens in the film. The writer
will analyze the main character of Maleficent and also some picture associated
of ecological feminism. The writer collected lots of data to describe and
analyze from some screen capture, dialogue, action of the main characters in
the film.
5. The unit of Analysis
The unit analysis of this research is Maleficent film (Action Fantasy
film). Published in Hollywood, United State in 2014 by Walt Disney Picture
publisher. Produced by Joe Roth, directed by Robert Stromberg, screenplay
written by Linda Woolverton.
F. The Time and place of the Research
This research was conducted in 2015 at English Letters Department, Adab and
Humanities faculty, and at the main Library and American Corner of State Islamic
University of Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.
CHAPTER II
THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK
In this chapter, the writer explains about the theoretical framework that would harness to analyze in chapter three. Furthermore, the writer divides into three parts; first, explain about the description of character and characterization; second, the definition of Ecological Feminism; and the last, the writer explains about Ecological
Feminism theory by Karen J Warren.
A. Previous Research
There are some previous researches which are relevant to this study to serving
as a reference for this research and to see the distinctions of this researches
problem with the previous researches have. Two researches using the same corpus
which is the film Maleficent but with different theory to this research.
The first is a thesis by Nur Asmawati entitled “Maleficent character
development as seen in Maleficent movie”. Nur is a student of English
Department, Islamic State University of Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, 2015. The
second research from Irawati Rian entitled “Deconstructive Analysis of
Maleficent movie”. Irawati Rian is a student of English Department, Letters and
Culture faculty, Gorontalo State University, 2015.
The similarity of the writer analyzed is she employs the same film namely
Maleficent. Nur Asmawati applies structuralism theory especially the of character
the development by William Kenny. Nur focused on main character experiences,
in her research has experiences from two-character development, there are good
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character becomes a bad character and vice versa. Character development has influence factor in a good character becomes bad character from leadership and friendship become grudge and from love become anger and hate.
In “Irawati Rian, Deconstructive Analysis of Maleficent movie” using deconstructive approach of Jacques Derrida in reading the script of the movie.
The study uses descriptive qualitative analysis method to analyze this film. this study focused on the concept of motherhood, heroism and concept of witch. This study is show the three figures of magic pixies appears as the strong character of motherhood concept because of their sacrifice and their efforts to survive in looking after Princess Aurora, the second is character of Diaval be the true hero in this movie based on his devotion, loyalty and integrity towards others character, and the last is the concept of witch in Maleficent character show a new view and perception about witch, that the witch is not always evil. These three concepts are found in Maleficent movie through the deconstructive approach. It is a new perception that different from the previous perception about the characters inside the story line. It new evidence that through the deconstructive approach it can show there are many view points and sides in every single moment. The similarity is this study adopts same film like in this study. The distinction are this article applies different concept and theory with this research in analyzing the film.
Although, the research focuses on the same main character as the object in this film. However, the issues raised and the objective of this research also different to this research.
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B. Ecological Feminism
Women and nature need to protect, care and loved. Women gives birth child,
Nature produce plants and animal. Women or mother betrayed by her son or
daughter, then her son or daughter get karma. Nature by humans, then the humans
exploited get disaster. Such as, flood, fire, erosion, and many others (Nature
Law).
Ecological feminism divided into of two important ideas: ecology and
feminism, therefore these are view is known as "the ecology feminism and the
feminism of ecology" the problem between women and nature. While, ecology
comes from the Greek was popularized by Ernst Haeckel a biological German in
the year 1860. "Oikos" that means house where all living things and "logos"
meaning the science of ecology studies the relationship between humans and the
environment. Feminism begins with a view of awareness of all form oppression,
inequalities, discrimination, marginalization of women. (King 150-159)
Ecological feminism is idea of feminism who want to provide an
understanding the relationship between all forms of oppression human and nature
with showing the involvement of women in whole ecosystem. (Tong 359).
According to Tong (350) because women are culturally has been associated with
nature. Then, ecofeminism argue there are symbolic and linguistic relationships
between the ecological and feminist issues. This - term according to Tong (366)
first appeared in 1974 in his book Françoise d’Eaubonne in Le Feminisme ou La
Mort.
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According to d’Eaubonne in Le Feminisme ou La Mort, in his book is
describe there is a direct link between the oppression of nature and women. In
addition she explained that these two things cannot be separated (Tong 366).
There was some conclusion of d'Eaubonne which received support by Karen J.
Warren, such as : 1. There is an important relation between the oppression of
women and nature; 2. In this case, the understanding of the nature is very
important because to get - a sufficient understanding on the oppression of women
and nature; 3. The theory and practice of feminist must include the ecological
perspective; 4. The solution ecological problems should be include a feminist
perspective (Tong 366).
Although, many figures of ecological feminism such as Francoise
d'Eaubonne, Vandana Shiva, Ariel Salleh etcetera. However, I chose is the theory
of Karen J Warren for this thesis. because I think Karen J Warren is the only
theory that could interpret Ecological Feminism in the movie Maleficent I used.
Karen J Warren is the development of Ecological Feminism theory initiated by
Francoise d'Eaubonne. However, in the theory coined by Francoise is more
focused on nature and society.
C. Character and Characterization
Someone who plays in a movie or drama is called the character. The character
is a role presented in the story, that has some sort of identities. The term character
itself rather understand, where the different as story figure, it is presented through
attitude, interest, desire, emotion and moral principle owned by the figure.
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Character also can be revealed in subtitle ways through the stress, pitch and pause patterns of their speech (Boggs and Petrie 3). Character can also be interpreted as a person in a novel, play, or film (Waite and Hawker 143). A character that becomes a central of a film should have its own characteristics to differentiate it from other character.
Another method for analyzing film characterization utilizes three different types of pairings: stock characters and stereotypes, static versus dynamic characters, and flat versus round characters.
1. Stock Characters and Stereotypes
It is not essential or even desirable for every character in a film to have
a unique or memorable personality. Stock characters are minor characters
whose actions are completely predictable or typical of their job or profession
(such as a bartender in a western). They are in the film simply because the
situation demands their presence (Boggs 67).
2. Static and Dynamic Characters
It is often useful to determine whether the most important characters in
a film are static or dynamic characters. Dynamic characters become sadder or
wiser, or happier and more self-confident. They might gain some new
awareness of life, become more mature or more responsible, or become more
moral or less so. They may become simply more aware and knowing and less
innocent or naive. Static characters remain essentially the same throughout
the film (The action does not have an important effect on their lives as might
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generally be the case with the hero of an action/adventure film (Boggs 68-
69).
3. Round and Flat Characters
Another important distinction on is made between at characters and round-
characters. Flat-characters are two dimensional, predictable characters who
lack the complexity and unique qualities associated with psychological depth.
They often tend to be representative character types rather than real flesh-and-
blood human beings. Unique, individualistic characters who have some
degree of complexity and ambiguity and who cannot easily be categorized are
called Round-characters or three-dimensional characters. Round-characters
are not inherently superior to at characters. The terms merely imply how
different Characters function within the framework of a story. In fact, at
characters may function better than Round-characters when attention needs to
be directed away from personalities and toward the meaning of the action for
example in Allegory. (Boggs 70).
Characterization is character development and the process of creating. It is
the representation of attitudes and behavior of imaginary persons in order to
make them credible to the author’s audience (Boggs and Petrie 291). And
characterization can involve developing a variety of aspects of character, such
as appearance, age, gender, educational level, occupation, financial status,
marital status, social status, hobbies, etcetera.
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According to Boggs and Petrie (50-57) in The Art of Watching Films, the
characterization as the element in a literary work is not only able to be seen or
classified based on direct or indirect ways, but also it can be seen through
many aspects such as presented below. Here are some categories to recognize
the characterization through appearance, dialogue, external, and internal
action, and through choice of name.
Moreover, Boggs (60-66) explain that there are five approaches to identify
the characterizations study in the film, they are:
4. Characterization through Appearance
This method of characterization is to know how the actor’s look and
what type of clothes he or she wear in the film. In addition, this method
can be presented with one of miser-en-scene and it uses to organize
everything in the film so that it creates momentous frames or shot.
Besides, the features of mise-en-scene are costume, make-up, lighting,
color, background, the performance of figures, and facial mimic.
Moreover, the earliest visual impression may be established mistaken as
the story steps forward, but it is definitely a crucial means of creating
character.
5. Characterization through Dialogue
Character in fictional film naturally reveal a great deal about
themselves by what they say. But a great deal is also revealed by how they
say it. Their true thoughts, attitudes, and emotions can be revealed in
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subtle ways through word choice. Characters use sentences structure or
grammar, vocabulary, and particular (if any) reveal a great deal about heir
character’s social, and economic level, background of education, and
process of mental.
6. Characterization through External Action
Although appearance is an important measure of character’s
personality, appearance is often misleading. Perhaps the best reflections of
characters are person’s actions. It must be assumed, of course, the real
characters are more than mere instruments of the plot that they do are what
they do for a purpose, out of motives that are consistent with their overall
personality. Thus, there should be clear relationship between a character
and his or her action should grow naturally of the character’s personality.
7. Characterization through Internal Action
Internal action appears from the character’s emotion and mind, which
control memories, fantasies, secrets, daydream, desire, and unsaid though.
Moreover, all of them come out in the film visually, thus the director can
demonstrate the character’s thoughts or imagination by method of shot.
After that, the filmmaker operates the shot of close-up on an uncommonly
sensitive and meaningful expression to demonstrate the inner action of
character. In summary, this method is named by distance camera.
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D. Karen J Warren Theory
The writer used Ecological feminism theory by Karen J Warren. It is a theory
relates to relationship between Women – Nature, and related in Maleficent film.
In his book entitled Ecofeminism Women, Culture, Nature, published in 1997.
The term ecofeminism may seem to imply that ecofeminists are concerned
only about the oppression of women and nature. But, as Karen J. Warren argues,
“Because all feminists do or must oppose the logic of domination which keeps
oppressive conceptual frameworks in place, all feminists must also oppose any
isms of domination that are maintained and justified by that logic of domination.”
(Warren 21).
The past few decades have witnessed an enormous interest in the women and
environmental movement. Many feminists have argued that the goals of these two
movements are mutually reinforcing and ultimately involve the development of
world. One of the first feminists to do so was Rosemary Radford Reuther who, in
1975, wrote in New Woman or New Earth:
“Women must see that there can be no liberation for them and no solution to the ecological crisis within a society whose fundamental model of relationships continues to be one of domination. They must unite the demands of the women’s movement with those of the ecological movement to envision a radical reshaping the basic socio-economic relations and the underlying values of this modern industrial society” (Reuther 204).
Just as there is no one feminism, there is neither one ecofeminism nor one
feminist philosophy. “Ecological feminism” is the name of a variety of different
feminist perspectives on the nature of the connections between the domination of
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women (and other oppressed humans) and nature. “Ecological feminist philosophy” is the name of a diversity of philosophical approaches to the variety of different connections between feminism and the environment. These different perspectives reflect not only different feminist perspectives example liberal, traditional Marxist, radical, and socialist feminism. They also reflect different understandings of the nature, and solution to, pressing environmental problems
(Warren 10).
According to Warren (10-16), there are at least eight sorts of connections that ecofeminist have identified as important to understanding the connections between feminism and environment. These alleged connections provide sometimes competing, sometimes mutually complementary or supportive, analyses of the nature of the twin dominations of women and nature. However, of the eight connections there are only four connections related to the ecofeminist position (nature and women connections) in the film. Such as:
1. Conceptual Connections
Many authors have argued that, ultimately, historical and causal links
between the dominations of women and nature are located in conceptual
structures of domination that construct women and nature in male-biased
ways. Basically, three such conceptual links have been offered.
One account locates a conceptual basis of the twin dominations of
women and nature in value dualisms, example, in disjunctive pairs in which
the disjunctives are seen as oppositional (rather than as complementary) and
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as exclusive (rather than as inclusive), and value hierarchies, example, perceptions of diversity organized by a spatial Up-Down metaphor, which attributes higher value (status, prestige) to that which is higher ("Up").
Frequently cited examples of these hierarchically organized value dualisms include reason-emotion, mind-body, culture-nature, human - nature, and man- woman dichotomies. These theorists argue that whatever is historically associated with emotion, body, nature, and women is regarded as inferior to that which is (historically) associated with reason, mind, culture, human, and men.
A second account expands on the first by housing the problematic value dualisms and value hierarchies in larger, oppressive conceptual frameworks--ones that are common to all social "isms of domination"(such as, sexism, racism, classism, heterosexism as well as "naturism," example, the unjustified domination of nonhuman nature. A conceptual framework is a socially constructed set of basic beliefs, values, attitudes and assumptions that shapes and reflects how one view oneself and others. It is oppressive when it explains, justifies, and maintains relationships of domination and subordination. An oppressive conceptual framework is patriarchal when it explains, justifies, and maintains the subordination of women by men.
Oppressive and patriarchal conceptual frameworks are characterized not only by value dualisms and hierarchies but also by "power-over" conceptions of power and relationships of domination and a logic of
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domination, example, a structure of argumentation that provides the moral premise that superiority justifies subordination. On this view, it is oppressive and patriarchal conceptual frameworks, and the behaviors that they give rise to, that sanction, maintain and perpetuate the twin dominations of women and nature.
A third account locates a conceptual basis in sex-gender differences, particularly in differentiated personality formation or consciousness. The claim is that female bodily experiences (such as, of reproduction and childbearing), not female biology per se, situate women differently with respect to nature than men. This sex-gender difference is (allegedly) revealed in a different consciousness in women than men toward nature; it is rooted conceptually in "paradigms that are uncritically oriented to the dominant western masculine forms of experiencing the world: the analytic, non-related, delightfully called 'objective' or 'scientific' approaches" (Salleh 130) --just those value dualisms that are claimed to separate and interiorize what is historically female-gender identified. These socio psychological factors provide a conceptual link insofar as they are embedded in different conceptualization structures and strategies ("different ways of knowing"), coping strategies and ways of relating to nature for women and men. A goal of ecofeminism then is to develop gender-sensitive language, theory, and practices that do not further the exploitative experiences and habits of dissociated, male-gender identified culture toward women and nature.
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One project of ecofeminism is to expose and dismantle the conceptual
structures of domination which have kept various "isms of domination,"
particularly the dominations of women and nature, in place. If ecofeminists
who allege various conceptual woman-nature connections are correct, this will
involve conceiving those mainstay philosophical notions which rely on them
(such as, notions of reason and rationality, knowledge, objectivity, ethics, and
the knowing, moral self).
2. Symbolic Connections
Some ecofeminists have explored the symbolic association and
devaluation of women and nature that appears in religion, theology, art, and
literature. Documenting such connections and making them integral to the
project of ecofeminism is often heralded as ecofeminism's most promising
contribution to the creation of liberating, life-affirming, and post-patriarchal
world views and earth-based spiritualities or theologies. Ecofeminism is then
presented as offering alternative spiritual symbols (Gaia and goddess
symbols), spiritualities or theologies, and even utopian societies. Appreciating
such symbolic woman-nature connections involves understanding "the politics
of women's spirituality".
3. Theoretical Connections
The varieties of alleged woman and nature connections discussed
above have generated different, sometimes competing, theoretical positions in
all areas of feminist and environmental philosophy. Nowhere is this more
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evident than in the field of environmental ethics. Primarily because of space
limitations, the discussion of "theoretical connections" offered here is
restricted to environmental ethics. By extension, there is not one ecofeminist
philosophical ethic. Given the newness of ecofeminism as a theoretical
position, the nature of ecofeminist ethics is still emerging. Among the most
visible are feminist animal-rights positions and feminist environmental ethics
based on an ethic of care. They all recognize important connect between the
indefensible treatment of women and of nature, and they involve a
commitment to developing ethics which are not male-biased. It remains an
open question. Then, of how many, which, and on what grounds any of the
various positions in environmental ethics which acknowledge such feminist
concerns are ecofeminist philosophical positions.
4. Political (Praxis) Connections
Francoise d'Eaubonne introduced the term "ecofeminism" in 1974 to
bring attention to women's potential for ecological revolution (213-52).
Ecofeminism has always been a grassroots political movement motivated by
pressing pragmatic concerns. These range from issues of women's and
environmental health, to science, development and technology, the treatment
of animals, and peace, antinuclear, antimilitarist activism. The varieties of
ecofeminist perspectives on the environment are properly seen as an attempt
to take seriously such grassroots activism and political concerns by
developing analyses of domination that explain, clarify, and guide that praxis.
CHAPTER III
RESEARCH FINDING
In this chapter, the writer would like to analyze the characteristics of main female character in the film of Maleficent and the ecofeminism values that the character reflects based on research question. After watching this film carefully and continuously, the writer analyzed the dialogue, acts, and reaction from other characters to find out the characteristics of the main character and put them as evidences. From those things, the writer can find the Ecological feminism values that the main female character reflects in this film.
A. The Character of Maleficent
The characteristic of Maleficent will be clearly revealed on some point of his traits below:
1. Forgiving
In the Maleficent movies, Maleficent described as forgiving woman. The
meaning of forgiving is stopping angry with somebody who has done something
harm, annoy or upset. the forgiving character in Maleficent when Maleficent still
young.
Picture: 1 Picture: 2
22 23
Border guard : (Speaking native language) Maleficent : I’m not afraid. Besides, I have never seen a human up close. Come out! Stefan : No. They mean to kill me. And besides, they’re hideous to – look at. Border guard : (Grunts) Maleficent : That’s extremely rude. Maleficent : Don’t listen to him, Balthazar. You’re classically handsome. Border guard : (Speaks native language) Maleficent : It’s not right to steal, but we don’t kill people for it. Come out. Maleficent : Come out this instant! (Maleficent: 03:07 – 04:25)
In the scene above, Maleficent is a fairy that protects the environment and living creatures in Moors, she not only has the power only. However, since childhood, she became a fairy forgiving, when a man named Stefan who stole the gemstone of the river in the Moors kingdom. and Maleficent asked that Stefan should return the gemstones into the bottom of the river.
The incident makes the heart of the fairies to feel pity do not punish people. until, she forgave him who committed disgraceful act. the incident does not damage the relationship between the fairies and humans because forgiveness is better than hate or grudge.
Picture: 3 Picture: 4
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Picture: 5
Maleficent : It’s over. Stefan : (Sighs) Stefan : (Growling) (Maleficent: 1:24:49 – 1:25:44)
Maleficent is forgiving also seen, she refused to commit acts of violence and still have a feminine character when she fights with king Stefan. then, she said "it is over" to him. Maleficent forgiving king Stefan who has been betrayed, cut and stole her wings, to married with daughter of king Henry for the sake of power. but at the end of this scene the king Stefan continues to attack and kill Maleficent.
However, the strongest fairy rejected acts of violence especially murder.
After the incident occurrence of the fighting between Maleficent and Stefan. she has forgiven him who had betrayed and wanted to forget the incident that has been done by King Stefan. Thus, there is no hatred and grudge which controls the arrogant king. Maleficent forgiveness him because she wanted a peace between fairies and humans there is no enmity, war, and damage the environment between
Moors fairy kingdom and Humans kingdom.
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2. Leadership
The term Leadership means the ability to be a leader or the qualities a good
leader. The ability is not only understanding and utilizing innate talents, but also
effectively leverage the natural strengths of team to accomplish the mission.
Picture: 6 Picture: 7
Maleficent : Arise and stand with me! Soldier : Hold the line! (Human soldiers chattering nervously) King Henry : Charge! Maleficent : You! (Screams to King Henry) Maleficent : (Panting) You will not have the Moors! Not now, nor ever! Maleficent : You … (Groans) (Maleficent: 11:18 –14:00)
In the different scene showed she is the leader of battle, Maleficent fought
with (Human kingdom) lead by king Henry. King Henry has the character such as
grudge, arrogant, ambitious to dominate and destroy the whole environment in
Moors kingdom. Here Maleficent shows a figure of a strong leader, powerful, and
respected as a leader by the living creatures in Moors kingdom. Finally,
Maleficent and her troops successfully defeated the king (Human kingdom)
because she does not want her area undermined by anyone.
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Based on the dialogue and picture above showed that the leadership not only
owned by man, but also for woman. Because leadership can be learned and
developed by everyone. And in the scene, the figure of Maleficent wise also
assertive lead the troops of the nation Moors to war with the human kingdom. on
other hand, she never considered herself a leader. However, the living creatures
give confidence to Maleficent for protecting the environment.
3. Courageous
In Maleficent movie, Maleficent is described as courage women. Courage or
courageous means the ability to do something danger, or to face pain opposition,
without showing fear.
Picture: 8 Picture: 9
Maleficent : Go no further! King Henry : A king does not take orders from a winged elf. (Soldiers laughing) Maleficent : You are no king to me. King Henry : Bring me her head. Soldier : - Battalion! Advance! (Maleficent: 10:44 – 11:00)
It can be seen in the dialogue and picture above, she can be easy to do
whatever she wants. Maleficent very courageous when king Henry came with the
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troops in Moors kingdom to battle with Maleficent. Then, with a full courage
Maleficent and King Henry fighting alone. Event thought, from the beginning of
the battle she was already getting worse a resistance from the king Henry that
bullying her. However, she remained silent and shows that she courageous.
The incident above shows, Maleficent a fairy who has courage. Fairies are not
described as always weak and silent, but fairies can also fight. When a fairy and
environment get insulted from humans. Courage is not only owned by a male
figure but can also be owned by women and the environment.
4. Powerful
Powerful means having the ability to control or influence people or things,
having a strong effect on someone or something, having or producing a lot of
physical strength or force.
Picture: 10 Picture: 11
Narrator : As the year passed, Stefan’s ambition pulled him away from Maleficent, and towards the temptations of the human kingdom. While Maleficent, the strongest of the fairies, rose to become the protector of the Moors. (Maleficent: 08:12 – 09:04)
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Maleficent is the strongest fairy. Usually, the fairy is portrayed as gentle, but
the fairy here is described as having strength since she was a child until adult. the
power is used or utilized to safeguard and protect the living creatures and Moors
environment from the dangers or crimes of humans who wish to undermine and
destroy them.
In above the incident, it showed that each person actually has the power to
them, respectively. However, the powers can show if a human wanted to cultivate
the force, both a strength that is harmful or beneficial. Maleficent movies are very
thick with the element of strength of the nation's typical fairy, which is certainly
more highlight the magic power from the fairy of Maleficent especially the figure
of her, which is the strongest fairy in the moors.
5. Grudge
In the Maleficent movies, Maleficent is described as grudge woman. Grudge
means (against somebody) a feeling of anger or dislike towards somebody
because of something bad they have done to you in the past.
Picture: 12 Picture: 13
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Maleficent : He did this to me so he would be king. Maleficent : (Screaming) Diaval : Now what, Mistress? Maleficent : Well? Diaval : Well, I saw nothing. But there’s been a, um… Maleficent : What? Diaval : Child. Diaval : King Stefan and the Queen have had a child. Maleficent : Oh. Diaval : There will be a christening. They say it’s to be a grand- celebration. Maleficent : A grand celebration for a baby. Maleficent : How wonderful. (Maleficent: 24:67 – 27:04)
In a case of the dialogue and pictures above, it showed that she Grudge when
King Stefan it has been cut and take her precious wings. Therefore, she is very hurt and that incident makes her turned into wicked a fairy, ambition, and grudge.
The face of expression grudge maleficent shown in this scene. When a bird named Diaval instructed by Maleficent to investigate in a Human kingdom.
Diaval over and give information about the situation that there was a birth of a baby is a daughter of King Stefan named Aurora and they will do a great celebration of the birth king daughter.
A fairy could be blinded by revenge, fairy also has a heart and feelings, it is because of the betrayal carried out by humans and it transformed itself into a fairy who hold a grudge. although, previously described fairy as weak, and kind.
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Picture: 14 Picture: 15
Picture: 16
Maleficent : I, too, shall bestow a gift on the child. King Stefan : No! We don’t want your gift! Knotgrass : Stay away from the princess! Thistletwit : Yes, stay away! Maleficent : Hmm… Mm. Maleficent : Listen well, all of you. The princess shall indeed grow in grace and - beauty, beloved by all who meet her. Queen : That’s a lovely gift. King Stefan : Don’t do this. Maleficent : But… before the sun sets on her 16th birthday, she will prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into a sleep like a death, a sleep from which she will never awaken. King Stefan : Maleficent, please don’t do this, I’m begging you. Maleficent : I like you begging. Maleficent : Do it again. King Stefan : I beg you. Maleficent : All right. Maleficent : The princess can be woken from her death sleep, but only by
31
true love’s kiss. Maleficent : This curse will last till the end of time! Maleficent : No power on Earth can change it.
(Maleficent: 31:23 – 33:00)
When the celebration of birth a princess named Aurora. on that day into an
opportunity to avenge from Maleficent to Stefan. King Stefan shocked and scared
on the arrival of a fairy who has been betrayed. with full crowds, in the situation,
Maleficent who has the ambition to avenge him by way of cursing the king is
daughter until adult. Finally, she got her wish came true, Maleficent laughed and
left the kingdom.
Based on the dialogue and picture above, it can be seen Maleficent has a
grudge because everyone does have a sense of hatred to be betrayed until the
hatred creates a feeling of grudge that negatively. However, grudges owned by a
woman is not going to last long, unlike men, because basically the character of a
woman is a gentle, loving, forgiving and can still hold selfish. And it is clearly
visible in Maleficent movies where the main character is not a vindictive be
changed because she was betrayed by a man. However, after King Stefan
begging, Maleficent assuage his grudge with mentioned there is no power on
earth who can remove the curse except the true love's kiss.
6. Lovable
The last Maleficent characteristic which clearly can be seen in almost whole
scene in Maleficent movie is lovable. Lovable is a way that shows love and
affection for somebody/something. It means that someone who has a
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characteristic of love each other and do not in terms or any case and having qualities that people find attractive and easy to love, often despite any faults.
Picture: 17
(Maleficent: 41:44 - 54:18)
Maleficent also has a lovable figure. actually, fairy previously described is conveniently close to the children. However, Maleficent the opposite she does not like children and with pity appears a motherly figure to love children. It does not escape the figure of a mother who loves her child because basically a woman is more sensitive to the environment and living things.
Picture: 18 Picture: 19
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Maleficent : I will not ask your forgiveness, because what I have done to you is unforgivable. Maleficent : I was so lost in hatred and revenge. Maleficent : Sweet Aurora, you stole what was left of my heart. Maleficent : And now I have lost you forever. Maleficent : I swear, no harm will come to you as long as I live. Maleficent : And not a day shall pass that I don’t miss your smile. Aurora : Hello, Godmother. Maleficent : Hello, beasty. Diaval : No truer love.
(Maleficent: 01:15:36 – 01:17:37)
When the curse happened to princess Aurora, she asleep unconscious in a bed that is in the human kingdom seen in this section. Accompanied with Diaval,
Maleficent approached Aurora with sad and cry because she regretted to cursed
Aurora. then, Maleficent apologized to Aurora with a kissed her forehead with compassion, and sincerity unconsciously realizing that matter can liberate the cursed.
Not only a man who has a sense of lovable. However, a fairy also has a lovable feeling when the fairy figure who loves a princess in a state of sleep due to the cursed that she does consequently unconsciously removes the cursed. The cursed is not only abolished by a man but can also be lost from a fairy because of his affection and sincerity.
As the writer say in the previous paragraph that the figures of women in the film are described as an easy character sympathetic and empathetic for one another and the environment. The woman had never grudge by any situation, because she easily to forgive someone and sincere in a love.
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B. The Ecological Feminism of Maleficent Film
As explained above, in chapter II the analysis of this thesis will be focused on
Ecological Feminism theory related with a main character. In this chapter the writer discussed the character of Maleficent film viewed Ecological Feminism theory.
After finding out the character of Maleficent, now the writer would try to analyze
Ecological Feminism that she reflects in this film. Feminism movement, generally, thinks that women subordination derives from series of obstacles based on custom and law that restrict the entry of women in public sphere (Tong 2). The movement from the women generally also has a demand to get equal right, the same as men have.
However, this movement appeared in different period, different countries, and from time to time the demands become more various, more than just an equal right.
For example, Ecological Feminism claimed that women's oppression is derived from a male character and nature exploitation derived from human to the environment destroyed. ecological feminism claimed that is impossible for everyone, especially for every woman and the environment to get the freedom of gender equality and exploitation. a. The Oppressions of Nature
A fairy who has power, and is more sensitive to the environment and living
things. Maleficent the figure of with horns and wings are very thick with ideas
ecofeminism in the first minute scene when Maleficent was a child fairy tried to
unite a broken tree branch. Maleficent fairy is a symbol of women compassionate,
woman and protecting nature because she has lovable character to human’s
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fairies, environment and living creatures. Furthermore, the depiction of this fairy powers to restore the tree limb showing closeness to nature.
Picture: 20 Picture: 21
Picture: 22
(Maleficent: 01:22 – 02:05)
It can be seen, the majority of women are more closely related to nature as compared with men. in the one side of these film is also want to invite the audience to be more sensitive to maintain or protect the environment. In theory used by the author, it can be concluded that the connection between women and
36
nature do occur in daily life and relevant to this film, which indirectly encourage everyone for good to the environment.
The ecological feminism also seen in this scene, one day Maleficent help a bird named Diaval which almost be killed by hunters until finally the bird devote himself to Maleficent because owed his life in addition, this scene also shows how bad the situation oppression of living creatures, especially the exploitation of animals. lucky there are still some parties who care about protecting the surrounding nature and it happened on this movie.
Picture: 23 Picture: 24
Picture: 25
Hunters : I’ve got you! Hunters : You wicked bird! Maleficent : Into a man.
37
Hunters : (Gasping) It’s a… Hunters : (Grunting) Hunters : It’s a demon! (Dogs whimpering) Diaval : What have you done to my beautiful self? Maleficent : Would you rather I let them beat you to death? Diaval : I’m not certain. Maleficent : Stop complaining. Maleficent : I saved your life. Diaval : Forgive me. Maleficent : What do I call you? Diaval : Diaval. Diaval : And in return for saving my life, I am your servant. Whatever you need. Maleficent : Wings. Maleficent : I need you to be my wings.
(Maleficent: 22:07 – 22:57)
As the writer conveys in the explanation above, that this film has a lot of negative image related oppression of nature also the living creatures. One of them satires to animal exploitation increasingly conducted by humans at this time. And indirectly it deliberately exposed to restore a sense of sympathetic audience to maintain the environment. Thus, this film can more sensitive the public to love the nature and living creatures.
Picture: 26 Picture: 27
38
Captain : Burn it all down! Soldier : Yes, sir! (Soldiers screaming) Soldier : Run! … Stefan : You failed me. Captain : The wall cannot be burned. It is indestructible.
(Maleficent: 39:06 - 39:35)
The oppression of nature conducted by human kingdoms is on orders of king
Stefan by burning all trees used as a protective fence Moors Kingdom. However, in the next scene Maleficent looks very protective to maintain the environment.
The troops of the human kingdom fight with her magic (by raising the resistance of all the thorn trees on the Maleficent power) because wanted to destroy nature and environment.
In the incident above showed the environment destruction conducted by troops of people on orders King Stefan. he wants to satisfy the ambitions and wreak a grudge. In this scene, the writer described the conclusion that damage the nature, such as of forest fires, often caused by the human action itself. And indirectly oppression of nature has a major impact on the surrounding environment that can be hurt many parties.
On in the one side of this film also emphasizes that a moment of the nature and living creatures would be resistance the oppression that have been received.
39
Picture: 28 Picture: 29
Picture: 30
Soldier : Guard, Halt! Soldier : Guard, Halt! King Henry : There they are, the mysterious Moors where no one dares to venture for tear of the magical creatures that lurk within. King Henry : Well, I say crush them! Soldier : (All cheering) Maleficent : Arise and stand with me! Creatures of Moors : (Rumbling) Soldiers : Hold the line! (soldiers chattering nervously) Creatures of Moors : (Growling) Soldier 1 : It is the dark creatures Solider 2 : It is the dark creatures Creatures of Moors : (Snarling) Creatures of Moors : (Roaring) King Henry : Charge! Maleficent : (Yelling) (Soldiers Shouting)
40
(Soldiers Groaning) (Soldiers Shrieks)
(Maleficent: 09:52 – 13:41)
Based on the incident above, it showed a war between the Human kingdom
with Moors environment of all living creatures such as plants, animals, and the
fairies. It is described that the kingdom leaded by King Henry has big ambitions
to master and snatch Moors environment by way of oppressing the living
creatures. However, on the one hand, with the helping by Maleficent, the
creatures of Moors environment does a resistance, and eventually could win the
war.
At the time of war, King Henry and his troops described to want damage the
nature by way of verbally and non-verbally (by threating and physical
destruction). However, the nature fights against the Human Kingdom who want to
oppress the Moors environment. The conclusion that the natural conditions are
increasingly oppressed, someday do a resistance such as fire on the forest, flood,
erosion, and many others. b. The Oppression of Women
In addition, the oppression of nature in this film also happened oppression of
women. When Maleficent was a child already seen weakness against the iron and
so anything until she was an adult.
41
Picture: 31 Picture: 32
Maleficent : Ow! Stefan : What’s wrong? Maleficent : Your ring. Maleficent : Iron burns fairies. Stefan : I’m sorry.
(Maleficent: 06:25 – 06:31)
In this scene, fairies are not only powerful but also has its weaknesses, it is the same thing with humans. Iron is a weakness since he was a child. The weakness was utilized by men only to conquer it. but with the strength of the fairies, she tried to escape from the nets made of iron that were seen burning her skin. Even though, Maleficent is a fairy who has fabulous magical powers, she cannot escape from the iron cage. Iron is described as the weakness of the fairies iron itself has a powerful nature, the nature of iron is the same as the depiction of characteristic men where men described a figure that powerful that it can dominate women.
And how strong women, men will still be able to control and conquer the women from the equal right.
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Picture: 33
(Maleficent: 46:09 – 46:16, 1:18:33 – 1:22:24)
Iron and iron-smelting into early discovery engine components. The invention of the steam engine in 1865 became the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in
England that became the beginning of the exploitation of nature, mercantilism and colonialism for countries outside of Europe (Eastern non-Western). Therefore, iron is one of the weaknesses of the fairies in the Moors Kingdom and fear all forms of iron such as iron rings, iron nets, and objects made from other iron.
The oppression of women can be seen in this scene when a fairy gets physically and mentally treated by a man named Stefan. He cut precious wings
Maleficent. Then, she feels very pain and depressed because the wings are her power and she feels betrayed by Stefan it makes her traumatized until she feels deeply.
43
Picture: 34 Picture: 35
Stefan : Maleficent? Stefan : (Exhaling Shakily) Maleficent : Groaning Maleficent : (Gasps) Maleficent : (Sobbing)
(Maleficent: 17:08 - 18:50 & 25:03 - 25:14)
In a few scenes, we could see when a woman gets ill treatment of a man, especially the oppression the physically, then mentally woman had become oppressed. it was conducted by Stefan just to pursue his ambition to be followers of the king in a Human kingdom and married with the daughter of King Henry, who can weaken a fairy who has the power to be awarded. However, the film indirectly wanted to show that the woman is a powerful figure, easy to sympathetic and forgiving, become angry also grudge against someone who ever hurt her.
Maleficent is a spectacle that is fun and right for learning including Ecological
Feminism. Through the cinema audience are taught to respect, love, protect and care for nature. Let go of the image of women that are only available as good
44
women or wicked women. Women are human subjects who can also join to take the decisions and have a feminine characteristic as loving, compassionate, forgiving in using in order to protect the environment.
CHAPTER IV
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
A. Conclusion
In this chapter, the writer takes some conclusion from this study that
analyze the ecological feminism through the main character named
Maleficent, in the film Maleficent 2014 that was directed by Robert
Stromberg. The research that uses descriptive analytical method is analyzed
by using the theory of ecological feminism by Karen J Warren.
In this film about the exploitation that is always conducted by men. Nature
is having characteristic similarities with women. The interesting thing of
Maleficent film, is about the depiction of women different from another
classic Disney film. Women no longer described as weak, passive, and always
need the help a man. But in this film, women are described as strong, and
rescue herself.
Maleficent film had similarities with the concept of thought ecofeminism.
In Maleficent it can be seen from the women described as strong. However,
they also have weaknesses, so that the men still have a chance to dominate it.
Women described as motherhood, loving, and close to nature. This depiction
is not flattering women, fact just a form to return, the nature of women in
accordance with construction in society. Women are described has similarities
with nature, both are viewed as objects that are weak and can be exploited.
Therefore, men can dominate nature, also will be able to do the same thing to
women.
45 46
The writer uses the theory of ecological feminists because it is closely
connected with the events in this movie Maleficent. Ecological side feminism
looks at the main characters and environments in this film. Ecological
feminism is one of the theories related to nature also women, and better
explain the result of action oppression conducted by a person.
Some of the scenes that showed ecological feminism already apparent
since the early scenes of the film. Especially on the main character and nature
that the same suffered oppression by King Henry and Stefan to conquer
women and nature. The oppression of Maleficent is physically and mentally
by utilizing iron as a weakness. Maleficent also very depressed because Stefan
has been betrayed and cut her wings until she lost strong wings. the same as
nature suffered oppression. When king Stefan ordered his troops to burn all
the tree also living creatures in Moors environment.
B. Suggestion
Based on the conclusion, the suggestions for the next researcher, is to be
more deeply discussed the phenomenon of gender inequality is often shown in
the mass media. Hopefully, research on gender inequality that analyzed using
ecofeminism perspective, it can be followed by using additional literature that
the results of the analysis become more detailed and perfect. In addition, the
use of other analytical methods can be used to increase the diversity of
research on gender inequality using of ecofeminism perspective. Not only can
be seen in the movie only, a kind of research can also be done using other
mass media products, such as songs, cinema television, posters, and others.
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