A STUDY OF ORIENTALISM THROUGH THE MAIN CHARACTERS IN ANCHEE MIN’S PEARL OF CHINA

Abstract

The research analyzes some issues related to the representation of orientalism between the West and the East. It is portrayed in Anchee Min’s Pearl of China by its characterization. In literary work, character can be used as an equipment to deliver the idea of the author through the story to the reader. To support the observation, I use the theory of postcolonialism, hegemony and stereotype in conjuction with the orientalism by Edward Said’s point of view. The research is qualitative research. It has no numeric data as the discussion and conclusion. This research is divided into two kinds of data, primary data and secondary data. The primary data are taken from the narrative and descriptive dialogues in Anchee Min’s Pearl of China. I use literature journals, essays, articles, relevant books and e-sources as the secondary data. As the result of the discussion, it can be inferred that orientalism happens through Min’s work. By looking at the data have been proceeded, in connection with what Said (1977:71) explains, the analysis has proven the position of the East is nature and the West is culture. The construction of orientalism in the novel is very close to the author empirical experience. The influence of Pearl S. Buck as the real character in real life is very clear seen on the story line. By the novel, the critical idea of Min reminds her readers that the East needs to learn from the West, but still not to consider the West as the almighty and the superpower.