The Effect Of Irresponsible Attitude Of Rubin On His Children's Characters In William Inge's The Dark At The Top Of The Stairs

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the effects of Rubin’s irresponsible attitude on his children’s characters in William Inge’s play The Dark at the Top of the Stairs. The study focuses on how Rubin’s behavior as a father influences his children’s personalities, emotional development, and relationships within the family. Parental responsibility plays an important role in shaping children’s attitudes and behavior. Therefore, an irresponsible attitude may create emotional difficulties, insecurity, and conflict among family members. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method, using the play as the primary source of data. The data are collected through close reading, note-taking, and identification of relevant dialogues, stage directions, and dramatic events related to Rubin’s behavior and his children’s responses. The analysis applies literary approaches, particularly characterization and psychological perspectives on family relationships, to examine the connection between parental behavior and children’s character development. The discussion considers how Rubin’s actions, decisions, and interactions with his family contribute to the emotional experiences and behavioral patterns of his children. It also explores how family conflict reveals the consequences of inadequate parental guidance and emotional support. Through the analysis, this research seeks to demonstrate that a parent’s irresponsible behavior can influence children’s self-confidence, emotional security, and relationships with others. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of parental involvement and responsibility in creating a supportive family environment. In conclusion, Rubin’s characterization provides an opportunity to examine the relationship between parental irresponsibility and children’s development in a dramatic work. This research is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of characterization, family conflict, and the representation of parent-child relationships in William Inge’s The Dark at the Top of the Stairs.