REBELLION TO POLYGAMY SYSTEM IN MORMON CHURCH AS REFLECTED IN DAVID EBERSHOFF’S THE 19th WIFE

Abstract

The thesis talks about the rebellion of Mormon congregation to polygamy doctrine which was made by Mormon Church. The rebellion happens because the polygamy doctrine gives some negative impacts to its congregation, especially wives, children and people who do monogamy. The problem discussed in this thesis concerns the analysis of the negative impacts of polygamy doctrine and the congregation rebellion as reflected in the novel The 19th Wife. This thesis uses sociological approach which focuses on Michel Zeraffa’s theory: the novel as literary form and as social institution. The novel is the representation of social reality. The 19th Wife is the reflection of the factual story of Ann Eliza, the 19th wife of the second prophet of Mormon Church, Brigham Young. Ann Eliza’s rebellion inspires David Ebershoff to write the social condition of Mormon congregation to run polygamy doctrine. The result of the discussion in this thesis shows that polygamy doctrine give some negative impacts to the congregation so they lose their individual right to get liberty and pursuit of happiness. The desire to take back their individual right becomes the congregation’s background to rebel the polygamy doctrine.