Literature as a Cultural Mirror and Educational Tool: An Analysis of the Representation of Women in Laut Bercerita
Keywords:
culture, education, women, Laut BerceritaAbstract
Literary works function not only as a medium for aesthetic expression but also as cultural mirrors and educational tools that record the social conditions of society. Laut Bercerita (The Sea Speaks His Name), a novel by Leila S. Chudori, depicts the abduction and enforced disappearance of activists during Indonesia’s New Order era while portraying the representation of women within the framework of Indonesian culture. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method with a content analysis approach to examine the portrayal of women through key characters such as Asmara Jati, Kinan, and Anjani. The data are analyzed using feminist literary theory and cultural studies, with particular attention to their implications for character education and literary literacy. The findings reveal that the novel presents women as independent, intelligent, and courageous individuals who play active roles in social, political, and domestic spheres—challenging traditional stereotypes of passive femininity. The novel also portrays the harsh reality of repression against female activists, highlighting the dual position of women within patriarchal society and an authoritarian regime. Educationally, Laut Bercerita serves as an effective learning medium to enhance students' critical awareness of gender issues, history, and human values, while also enriching their cultural understanding. Thus, the novel functions not only as a cultural mirror but also as an educational tool capable of shaping critical, empathetic, and humanistic character development among students in both secondary and higher education.
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