An Analysis of Formulaic Structure in Stephen King's Pet Sematary

Abstract

This study discusses the formula in Pet Sematary. The formula in this novel is carried out by analyzing the narrative structure in the novel which includes setting, characters and characterizations, as well as plot. Furthermore, this study is needed to dismantle the mythical concept construction that appears in the formula. Therefore, this study uses the formula theory by John G. Cawelti (1976) to complete this study. Standardization is needed to find narrative structure in formulas. It consists of three literary elements such as plot, characters and characterizations, and setting. To show the relationship between formula and culture, the discussion in this study explores the element of irrationality in modern American culture as an escapism of the novel. It aims to discover the American culture's belief in the supernatural represented in the novel. This study uses qualitative research because it uses the novel as the object of analysis. There are two types of data in this study, namely primary data and secondary data. The primary data is taken from the Pet Sematary narrative. Secondary data is taken from the internet such as books including e-books, theses, journals, articles, websites about the cultural background in Amerika in the 20th century related to the topic of discussion. As a result, it can be concluded that Pet Sematary uses popular patterns such as Alien Beings or States and Mystery. Standardization found that the novel shows the pattern of the formula structured in Pet Sematary. In this novel, it is told about a doctor named Louis who wants to revive his dead son by burying him in an ancient burial ground that has magical powers. After being successfully revived, his son turned into an evil and terrible figure. He killed his mother and neighbors. Something evil is here to wreak havoc. Pet Sematary reflects American culture's belief in the supernatural. Pet Sematary tells of the existence of an ancient burial ground which is the land of the MicMac or Native American tribes. The burial ground is inhabited by a supernatural being named Wendigo. The Wendigo is a popular myth in the 20th century. The change in Louis' character from rational to irrational is due to the influence of the Wendigo. It can be concluded that belief in the supernatural is still very strong in the modern era. In addition, in America in the modern era there are still activities that contain elements of irrationality. It can be seen that the modern spirit is not fully implemented in America.