The Representation of Patriarchal Discourse in Marie Benedict’s the Other Einstein

Abstract

This research analyzes some issue of gender related to representation of patriarchal discourse in novel of Marie Benedict entitle The Other Einstein which was published in 2016. The purpose of this research is to find out how the patriarchal discourse is presented in the novel. This research focuses on how the construction of patriarchal discourse through the female main character. There are two problems to discuss in this research. First, how patriarchal discourse is conducted through female main character and Second is the critical position of the author about the discourse that occurs. This research uses the theory of representation that is written by Stuart Hall and using Constructionist approach particularly discursive model by Foucault. The representation theory is used to find the discourse of patriarchal in the text by seeing narrative signs in the novel. This research is categorized as qualitative research. There are two kinds of data in this research. The first one is primary data are taken by narrative description, dialogue, and narration in the novel. Then, second is secondary data are gained from several books, journal, article and thesis about patriarchy to support primary source. Those texts are related to the text and contextual background that construct the novel. The results of this research aim that there are three issues on how to construction of patriarchal discourse based on issues that occur in the novel. The first is discrimination, through discrimination against the main female character, Mileva. It is realized the difference in treatment given by the European government at that time in education between women and men. The second is Oppression, through oppression represented through the environment around Mileva who disagreed with her decision to get a high education and break the patriarchal system. They believe that twenty-year-old woman should be married and take care of the household, instead of being busy with education. Then, the last of the formation patriarchal discourse is exploitation. In the novel it is show, how Mileva's husband, Albert Einstein exploits Mileva's energy and thoughts to get benefit for himself. The author is on the site that negotiates. Actually, the author shows a protest against the gender equalities experienced by women. She still cannot break the rules because patriarchy is strong culture. Finally, she realized that it is not easy to equalize the position of women and men. In the end Mileva divorced Albert as a form of protest, that women must still be respected and should not be treated badly