CHAPTER II

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

This chapter consists of theories from expert about gender equality, and

feminism including the definition, types, and effect. All theories added with the

writer’s explanation to make the readers understand more about the theory of both

topics.

2.1. Definition of Literature

Literature is a body of written works. The name has traditionally been applied

to those imaginative works of poetry and prose distinguished by the intentions of their

authors and the perceived aesthetic excellence of their execution. Literature may be

classified according to a variety of systems, including language, national origin,

historical period, genre, and subject matter.

Literature represents the culture and tradition of a language or a people. The

concept is difficult to precisely define, though many have tried, it's clear that the

accepted definition of literature is constantly changing and evolving. For many, the

word literature suggests a higher art form, merely putting words on a page doesn't

necessarily equate to creating literature. A canon is the accepted body of works for a

given author. Some works of literature are considered canonical, that is, culturally

representative of a particular genre (poetry, prose, or drama).

According to (Royle, 2011) “This strange institution called Literature, is a

matter of critical or theoretical writing as an intensive experience of language.” The

writer can conclude that in every work could have new inventions of language and

literature works.

According to (Andrew & Royle, 2015) “Literature is a peculiarly elusive word.

It has, in a sense, no essence. With a bit of effort an imagination, we would suggest

any text can be read as poetic, the list of ingredients on a box of breakfast cereal, for

example, or even the most insane language of bureaucracy.” It means that, in literature

there is no limit to express feelings, emotions, and thoughts, people can express their

works the way they want it to be.

Different form Andrew and Royle, (Johnson, 2009) stated that “Literature is

most readable exemplified for the modern reader by fiction and poetry, genres which

either create worlds (like the visual arts), or make artistic use of language, or both.” It

means literature can be found in any kind of media such as in fiction, poetry, or even

visual arts.

Regarding to all the statements from the experts above, the writer made a

conclusion that literature is the written expression works such as poetry, fiction, short

story, lyric of the song that has meaningful sense. Literature is one of the subject study

of English and very important to know about literature, because with knowing about

literature we can make a good in written.

2.2. Definition of Character

Character is a person, animal, creature, or thing in a story. Writers use

characters to perform the actions and speak dialogue, moving the story along

a plot line. A story should have one character (protagonist) and it can be a complete

story. The character’s conflict may be an inner one (within him/herself), conflict with
something natural such as struggle with their own life, and also with another character

that exist in the movie. Most stories have multiple characters interacting, with one of

them as the antagonist, causing a conflict for the protagonist.

According to (Jaeckel, 2013) “Sometimes literary language is extended

through an entire scene or identified with every utterance of a specific character, as a

way of marking that scene or character off from the movie norm.” Regarding to the

statement above, the write made a conclusion that a scene that played by a character

can present the message and the movie itself.

In Jaeckel’s book, (Jaeckel, 2013) he also stated that “Every characters in

every movie was expected to talk not like a character in a book but like a character in

a play.” The writer can conclude that the character in a movie has to express the

emotion more dramatic than in the book to make the audience feel and get the emotion

of the story.

Different from Jaeckel, (Sikov, 2009) “A character in a movie steps out the

action, look into the camera, and makes a sequence of comments about the recent plot

developments or about the broader unfolding of the story itself.” Based on the

statement, the writer can conclude that every role played by the characters is very

important, they must deliver the story, and also the message in the movie successfully.

According to all the statements from the experts above, the writer made a

conclusion that, character is the most important role in a story. A story can’t be told if

there is no character in it. The audience must be confused if there’s no character to tell

in a story.
2.2.1. Types of Character

The more characters are create, the easier it becomes to make a story. Once the

audience aware of character type, the audience can easier notice it more in what you

read and watch. By that, the awareness of the characters that exist in the movie can be

useful to study that character and see what elements can be used in the writing.

Knowing what role the characters play in the story, it will help to understand

the plot, choose the narrative style, and tighten the prose. But there are some types of

characters that every story must have, which are:

1. Protagonist

A protagonist is the central character or leading figure in

poetry, narrative, novel or any other story. A protagonist is sometimes a “hero”

to the audience or readers. The word originally came from the Greek language,

and in Greek drama it refers to the person who led the chorus. Later on, the

word started being used as a term for the first actor in order of performance.

Protagonist usually as the main character, this is the person the story

revolves around. Most of the time they all also be the narrator, but not always.

The majority of movie only have one protagonist. It is possible to have more

than one, but it need to be incredibly organized the story.

2. Antagonist

An antagonist is the person or thing that causes protagonist’s drama. It

doesn’t have to be a person. Antagonists can be internal, too. Mental health

issues such as anxiety, depression, or stress can cause just as many problems

for your protagonist as another person or creature with an axe to grind.

 3. Foil

A foil is a character that has opposite character traits from another,

meant to help highlight or bring out another’s positive or negative side. Many

times, the antagonist is the foil for the protagonist.

4. Static

Characters who are static do not change throughout the story. Their use

may simply be to create or relieve tension, or they were not meant to change.

A major character can remain static through the whole story.

5. Dynamic

Dynamic characters change throughout the story. They may learn a

lesson, become bad, or change in complex ways.

6. Flat

A flat character has one or two main traits, usually only all positive or

negative. They are the opposite of a round character. The flaw or strength has

its use in the story.

7. Round

These are the opposite of the flat character. These characters have many

different traits, good and bad, making them more interesting.

8. Stock

These are the stereotypical characters, such as the boy genius,

ambitious career person, faithful sidekick, mad scientist, etc.

In conclusion, characters drive story. They drive the plot. If written correctly,

they can make the audience feel a myriad of emotions. Relatable characters make

audience see a little bit themselves in the character with their personalities and

struggles in the movie. A movie can have the best plot in the world, setting is great
and the conflict is well established and works well, but if the characters aren’t

important than people probably won’t watch or enjoy the movie. Characters are so

integral to stories, they make a world feel real, they can have great significance, the

whole story should have something to do with the characters instead of them just being

there while the story happens with them. It’s not that the story has to be about them,

but it’s not makes a scene interesting if the characters aren’t there. If a movie don’t get

characters right, the whole story could change from how the audience envisioned it

2.3. Definition of Movie

Movie is a show that showed the actress and actors play with a plot of the story

and being filmed. Movie also known as film. Many people enjoy watch movie, there

are many several reason such as of interesting plot, the character, the setting, and also

the music.

Movie, is a series of still images, when shown on a screen it will create the

illusion of moving images. This optical illusion causes the audience to perceive

continuous motion between separate objects viewed in rapid succession.

Movie mostly adapted from real story or tragedy in the world and the other

adapted from books or novel just for entertain. Most of people use movie to

entertainment, criticize, advertisement, and also propaganda. By using movie, people

can express the feeling or give a messages and also present a moral value.

Movie are similar to novels or short stories in that they tell a story. They include

the same genres: romantic, historical, detective, thriller, adventure, horror, and science
fiction. However, movies may also include sub-groups such as: action, comedy,

tragedy, westerns and war.

In the movie Colette by Wash Westmoreland, we can take the intrinsic factor

from this movie like characterization, setting, plot, theme, point of view. Colette is one

movie that shows a lot of moral value in social environment for audience. This movie

shows how a person fight to get her life back and get her rights.

By discussing the reason, the writer would like to make a research of gender

equality and feminism in the movie which has the unique place of character, setting,

and plot.

According to (Hamenst, 2018) “Movie is not about a 'curious case' or about

historical period. It is about the time we are living in today and the social changes in

our lives we have to experience.” From the statement above, the writer can conclude,

the important to underline is that the movie can be watched with the sociological

background on the notion of time.

Different from Hamenst’s statement, according to (Clarke, 2011) he stated that

“Film changes over time. It carries ideas and sends opinions racing around the

bloodstream of the culture.” Based on Clarke, the writer made a conclusion that, over

time movie keeps abreast of current era, but also can bring an old story or history from

the past.

Clarke also stated that (Clarke, 2011) “Film evolves, responding to its

environment and moment in time.” From the statement above, the writer can conclude
that in this modern era, movies are develop according to common things that happened

in the present, and also recent audience's interest.

It shows that most of people are more interested to watching movie than

reading a novel. Because, when people watch movie, they can easily see and feel the

emotion of the character and the story. Most people like movie because it’s direct

submissions, act movements, storylines, which make people understand rather than

imagining the scene while reading novels.

At last, based on all the statement from the experts, the writer made a

conclusion, movie has embraced a rich and diverse range of genres, styles and

sensibilities, movie is a screenplay which has a story that related to people with

powerful art even movie exist this century, movie can give a moral value for people

who watch it.

2.4. Gender Equality

Gender is the state of being male or female in relation to the social and cultural

roles that are considered appropriate for men and women. It is illegal to discriminate

on the grounds of race, gender or sexual orientation. Gender stereotyping can be as

damaging for men as it can for women. Some people experience a mismatch between

their gender identity and their biological sex.

Meanwhile, Equality is about ensuring that every individual has an equal

opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents. It is also the belief that no one

should have poorer life chances because of the way they were born, where they come

from, what they believe, or whether they have a disability. Equality recognize that
historically certain groups of people with protected characteristics such as race,

disability, sex and sexual orientation have experienced discrimination.

Gender equality is a political concept that emphasize equality between genders.

Gender equality, equality between men and women, entails the concept that all human

beings, both men and women, are free to develop their personal abilities and make

choices without the limitations set by stereotypes, rigid gender roles and prejudices.

However, similar to all the other concepts, gender equality can be used in

different ways and can convey different meanings. Gender equality might mean that

women and men should be treated equally, not differently. For example, it may imply

that women and men should be paid the same for doing the same work or that they

should be treated with different medicines and methods in order to make healthcare

equal.

According to (McClain & Grossman, 2009) “One common understanding of

gender equality is a gender neutrality or equal treatment (for example, treating like

cases alike).” From the statement above, the writer can conclude that gender equity

means fairness of treatment for women and men, according to their respective needs.

In (McClain & Grossman, 2009) they also stated that “Gender Equality are not

confined only to citizens, but apply more broadly to persons within a territory.”

Regarding to the statement, the writer made a conclusion that, every woman in every

region, every country are deserves to get their rights and chances to have an equal

treatment.

Based on (Heathcote & Otto, 2014) “The goal of gender equality necessitates

exposing and destabilising these underlying semiotic structures, which reinforce other
hierarchies of power associated with race, nation, ethnicity, religion, sexuality,

disability, and so on.” The writer made a conclusion that no matter what race, nation,

ethnicity, religion, sexuality, disability, people are deserves the same treatment,

opportunity, and rights in society.”

In a conclusion, gender equality is achieved when women and men enjoy the

same rights and opportunities across all sectors of society, including economic

participation and decision-making, and when the different behaviours, aspirations and

needs of women and men are equally valued and favoured. It does not mean that

women and men have to become the same, but that their rights, responsibilities and

opportunities will not depend on whether they are born male or female. This may

include equal treatment or treatment that is different but which is considered equivalent

in terms of rights, benefits, obligations and opportunities.

2.5. Feminism

Feminism is a social movement and ideology that fights for the political,

economic and social rights for women. Feminists believe that men and women are

equal, and women deserve the same rights as men in society. The feminist movement

has fought for many different causes, such as the right for women to vote, the right to

work and the right to live free from violence.

Feminism is, in short, the theory of political, economic, and social equality of

the sexes. However, it is not just a theory. It is a collection of various ideas and actions

taken which have had a similar objective, which is to ensure equality between men and

women. Even before feminism rose as a movement across the world decades ago, there

have been women and men fighting for women to have equal rights and status in

society.
 The first wave of feminism happened in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

First wave feminists were known as the suffragettes, they campaigned for women’s

right to vote. Imagine living in a democracy where only half the population could vote.

Unfortunately this is still the case in some countries.

The second wave of feminism came in the 1960s and 1970s. They had a much

broader scope of rights they were campaigning for. These include the right for equal

pay, the right to live free from both physical and sexual violence and the reproductive

rights- like access to contraception and safe and legal abortion. Feminists in Australia

are still fighting for these rights today.

The third wave of feminism started during the 1990s and continues on today.

The third wave is a more inclusive form of feminism that considers things like race,

ethnicity and sexual identity. It recognizes that every woman’s experiences are

different, but continues to fight for the same rights and principles as the second wave.

According to (Paludi, 2009) “Feminism is the belief in certain fundamental

principles of social, economic, political, and judicial equality.” The writer conclude

that Feminism stands on the belief in certain basic principles of social, economic,

political and judicial equality that are demanded to be obtained by every woman.

She also stated that (Paludi, 2009) “Feminism is portrayed in popular culture

and politics, it is not surprising that relatively few women call themselves feminist.”

It means that, feminism has spread to any region, and also any culture which has been

voiced by many feminists.

Based on (Gillis & Waters, 2011) stated that “Feminism is portrayed as a

territory over which various women have to fight to gain their ground.” Based on the
statement above, the writer concluded that, feminism is still happening to until these

days, a feminist did not have limits to voice their thoughts about feminism.

So it can be means that feminism is a range of social movements, political

movements, and ideologies that share a common goal: to define, establish, and achieve

the political, economic, personal, and social equality of the sexes. Feminism

incorporates the position that societies prioritize the male point of view, and that

women are treated unfairly within those societies. Efforts to change that include

fighting gender stereotypes and seeking to establish educational and professional

opportunities for women that are equal to those for men.

2.5.1. Types of Feminism

According to different aspects of the same objective, feminism is categorized

into several types, as we shall see in this section. The listings of the

categorization are in no particular order.

1. Liberal Feminism

Liberal feminism advocates for equality between the sexes through

social and political reforms, and legal means. Liberal feminists stress on

the importance of an individual, and believe that every woman can assert her

place in society and gain the rights she deserves. Some very important

objectives of liberal feminism are abortion rights, equal pay for male and

female employees, educational rights, voting rights, childcare, health care, etc.

Liberal feminism leans more towards 'sameness' perspective, and seeks to bring

about a change only in the present state of society, and not a revolution as such.
2. Radical Feminism

Though many see radical feminism as an undesirable type of the

concept, it is actually responsible for development of many thoughts, ideas,

and actions that would otherwise be shunned or avoided by the other types of

feminism. Radical feminism takes its name from the Latin word, which means

root. In context, radical feminism believes in 'going to the root' or source (of

the problem). Radical feminism believes that it is the male-dominated

hierarchy (or patriarchy) which is responsible for the oppressed status of

women today. According to this branch of feminism, if changes are not brought

about in this hierarchy, there can be no equality between men and women, and

that a total reconstruction of the society is necessary to bring about the desired

reforms. Over time, radical feminism has given birth to several sub-categories

that each focus on a particular issue with a similar approach.

3. Cultural Feminism

Some experts feel that cultural feminism is a branch of radical

feminism, while others feel that the two differ considerably. Cultural feminism

believes that the society needs a female 'essence' or a female 'nature'. This kind

of feminism believes that the qualities present in women are not only unique,

but also superior than those present in men. These qualities, say cultural

feminists, are more of a psychological and cultural nature than biological.

These feminists believe that the female essence should be celebrated, and

infused with the male-dominated world to provide the right balance to the

working of society.
4. Socialist and Marxist Feminism

This type of feminism believes that the oppressed status of women can

be attributed to the unequal treatment at both the workplace, and in the house.

Financial and personal exploitation, the institution of marriage, childbirth and

childcare, prostitution, and domestic work, according to socialist feminists, are

tools for degrading women, and the work that they do, in a male-dominated

society. They believe in work that causes reforms in the society as a whole, and

not on an individual or community level.

Marx was of the opinion that the capitalist system was to blame for the

inequalities faced by the working classes, and the removal of the capitalist

system would remove these inequalities, which would ultimately reduce

gender inequalities as well. This is the attitude adopted by Marxist feminism.

Many socialist and Marxist feminists put these philosophies together to achieve

gender equality in both the professional as well as personal spheres. Socialist

and Marxist feminism often considers itself to be a sub-category of radical

feminism, only referring to a different 'root of all problems', which is the

economic system.

5. Ecofeminism

Ecofeminism is actually the combination of ecology, and feminism,

that dwells on the symbolic relationship between the oppression of women, and

the destruction of the environment. It is actually a little philosophical, and

spiritual in nature, and hence has been a target of critics for a long time.

Ecofeminism believes that the destruction of environment and the oppression

of women in society are symbolically related to one another. According to this

 theory, just like men control and destroy the environment for their own benefit

and pleasure, they control and oppress women too, for the same reason.

Ecofeminism advocates that women should try to reduce the destruction of the

environment as much as possible, and create and maintain a healthy

environment to repair social as well environmental injustice.

6. Black Feminism

Black feminism believes that racism and gender discrimination are two

sides of the same coin. The liberation and freedom from oppression of black

women would ensure equality for everyone, according to Black Feminists, who

refer to themselves as 'Womanists'. Black feminism believes that if the

liberation of black women is successful, it would mean the liberation of all

women, racial discrimination, as well as discrimination based on economic

classes.

7. Separatist Feminism

Separatist feminism is against the concept of heterosexual

relationships, saying that it is not possible to solve the sexual differences that

exist between a man and a woman. Separatist feminists believe that no man can

contribute positively to the feminist movement, and hence it is just better to

shun relationships with men, as even the most radical of men display signs of

patriarchy somewhere or the other.

8. I-Feminism

I-feminism is a newer branch of feminism which focuses on the

individuality of women, as well as their individual choices. I-feminists account

 for freedom, peace, and harmony in society based on individual choices, and

support every personal choice, from heterosexual relationships to homosexual

relationships to pornography. I-feminism activists feel that each woman is

responsible for her life, her status, and her choices. They do not expect the

government to help them specifically to achieve these targets; they believe that

each woman can achieve her personal targets and be personally responsible for

them.

Equality does not exist in a society where males feel they are superior

to females in any way, be it in driving, intelligence, at the workplace, in

handling finances, in making decisions, or even in handling an entire country.

Similarly, feminism does not exist when women believe they are superior to

men in any way. Feminism advocates for complete equality between the two

sexes― there should be no hierarchy, and no social pyramid.

In conclusion, women have had many great breakthroughs with their protest,

but many still turn a blind eye to the fact that there is sexual discrimination. Men are

still more respected than women in our society. Not only do they receive higher pay

but the products that are marketed toward them are less than those marketed for

women. However, new generations are taking the movement by storm with even males

supporting women in their fight. The problem of women's rights at hand is not going

away anytime soon, but its growing popularity gives hope to all those fighting for

equality.

Distracted from the goal of empowering women, to not push them to stand

ahead of the men but stand with them and support themselves and their family.
Feminism is about being more than fragile showpieces to be decorated and be secured

at homes but humans with same limbs as men to go out and stand for themselves.