AN ANALYSIS PERSONALITY OF FORREST GUMP IN WINSTON GROOM’S NOVEL “FORREST GUMP” USING PSYCHOSOCIAL THEORY
Radik Darmawan,S.S.,M.Pd
STBA Technocrat Tangerang
Abstract
The purpose from this research and analysis is to understand the development of the personality of the main character of Forrest Gump is written by Winston Groom. The analysis of research is focused on the main character, “Forrest Gump”, based on structural elements and psychosocial theory. to get the result about the personality development of the main character in the novel, the writer tried to formulated these problems form the two questions, namely: (1). What are of personality of Forrest Gump in the Forrest Gump novel? (2). How is the personality development of Forrest Gump using psychosocial theory?In analyze this research, the writer uses psychosocial theory by Erick Homburger Erickson. It is s theory which analyzes personality development. This theory indicated by eight stages which every stage has own specific development that frame individual with crisis that must be faced. The writer will be use seven of eight stage of personality development. Based on the supporting, twriter find the personalities of Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump novel, there are confident, attractive, optimistic, smart, brave and care and friendly. The writer finds a lot of interesting things that put the character of Forrest Gump becomes really interesting to be analyzed.
Keywords: Novel, Character
1. INTRODUCTION
In literature, character is a person in a narrative work of art (such as a novel, drama, or film) and it is one of important elements in a novel. Characteristic and certain behaviour that events experience in story. Character can be divided in two groups, there are major or main characters and minor characters, but the important rule in story of novel is main characters.
A main character is an important figure at the centre of story’s action or theme. Usually main characters dominate a story and attracting reader’sattention. The main character formation cannot be separated from the personality that brings a unique and more interesting. Personality is often used by authors of literary work to build their story.
Basically, personality refers to attempts to capture or summarize an individual essence. That organized set of characteristics possessed by a person that uniquely influences his or her cognitions, motivations and behaviors in various situation. Personality is a part of psychology and someone’s personality can be influenced by the social environment. We can called it psychosocial. It concerned with how a person’s personality to the social environment because personality associated with the overall patterns of individual character with the environment.
Psychosocial is related with psychology science that describe and explains the human activities especially social life. The development of a person in the society is usually through a psychological proccess that through adaptation process. From these statements it can be concluded that social psychology has related with psychology and sociology.
Within this study the writer try to analyze the personality of the main character in the Forrest Gump novel using psychosocial theory because it greatly affect the personality of a character in the story. Based on explanation above, the author will describe deeply the form of study entitled “An analysis personality of the Forrest Gump In WINSTON GROOM’S NOVEL “FORREST GUMP” using psychosocial theory.
2. THEORETICAL REVIEW
Character is most important part of a literary work especially in the novel because character decide how the reader interest a novel. As we know that character is a fiction person in a story and the most important element or source to make a story.
Character can be divided in to group: there are major characters or main characters and minor characters. In the story of novel major characters has important role because the author creates a main characters to attract the reader’s attention.
According to Dr. Bustami Subhan, M.S. (2003:9) in his book “A guide To Literary Criticism” define that the major characters can be analyzed in to three group: there are the protagonist (the very central character, or the hero), the antagonist or the enemy (or challenger) of the protagonist, and the last is the companion(s) or the supporter of the protagonist.
a. The Protagonis
The protagonist is very central character or the leading actor or actress. In a didactic novel, the protagonist is usually the hero or the heroin (pahlawan) that plays an important role in the story.
b. The antagonist in anovel usually refers to the enemy or the challenger ( musuh atau penantang) of the protagonist. In the didactic novel or in novel in which there is an element of moral teaching, the antagonist character is usually immoral or evil because the protagonist is usually good and true. His behavior cannot be approved by the society.
c. The Companion or Partner
In a novel, the protagonist usually has a companion or a partner in pursuing his duty, career, struggle, or aspiration. When a protagonist is oppressed, he is usually helped by a close friend or by a reputable person as one (the reader).
Personality is made up of the characteristic patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors that make a person unique. In addition to this, personality arises from within the individual and remains fairly consistent throughout life.
According to Levin (2003:62) that personality has been defined as a consistent pattern of behavior based on an individual’s thoughts and perceptions, and it has been viewed in terms of adjustment and the general manner in which an individual meets the demands of his or her environment.
Psychosocial is a branch of psychology, which distinguishes psychosocial is more focused on how someone can influence and be able to adapt and interact in environment society (Watson,1966 : 1)
According to Erickson (1963), Erickson more emphases on aspects of social development so that it called Psychosocial Development Theory. Erickson explained that concept of psychosocial through 8 stages that formed from individual processes.
a. Psychosocial Stage 1 – Trust vs. Mistrust
The first stage occurs between birth and one year of stage and is the most fundamental stage in life. At this point in development, the child is utterly upon adult parent for everything – food, love, safety, nurturing. Everything.
b. Psychosocial Stage 2 – Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
The second stage takes place during early childhood ( 18 month until 3 or 4 years old) and is focused on children developing a greater sense of personal control. At this point development, children are just starting to gain a little bit of independence. They are starting to perform basic actions on their own and making simple decisions about what they prefer.
c. Psychosocial Stage 3 – Initiative vs. Guilt
The third stage takes during the preschool years (3 until 5 or 6 years old), children begin to assert their power and cover the world through directing play and other social interactions.
d. Psychosocial Stage 4 – Industry vs. Inferiority
This stage covers the early school years approximately age 5 to 11 years old. Through social interactions, children begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and abilities. Children who are encouraged and commended by parents and teachers develop a feeling of competence and belief in their skills.
e. Psychosocial Stage 5 – Identity vs. Confusion
During adolescence (12 to 20 years old), children explore their independence and develop a sense of self. Those who receive proper encouragement and reinforcement through personal exploration will emerge from this stage with a strong sense of self and feeling of independence and control. Those who remain unsure of their beliefs and desire will feel insecure and confused about themselves and the future.
f. Psychosocial Stage 6 – Intimacy vs. Isolation
This stage covers the period of early adulthood (20 to 30 years old) when people are exploring personal relationships. It was vital that people develop close, committed relationships with other people. Those who are successful at this step will form relationships that are committed and secure.
g. Psychosocial Stage 7 – Generativity vs. Stagnation
During adulthood (30 to 60 years old), we continue to build our lives, focusing on our career and family. Those who are successful during this stage will feel that they are contributing to the world by being active in their home and community.
h. Psychosocial Stage 8 – Integrity vs. Despair
This phase occurs during old age( 60 to 65 above) and is focused on reflecting back on life. Those who are unsuccessfull during this stage will feel that their life has been wasted and will experience many regrets. The individual will be left with feelings of bitterness and despair.
Based on the problem formulation, the writer tries to explain about the character of main character in the Forrest Gump novel by Winston Groom. Then the writer does character that influence Forrest Gump’s personality development.
4. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS
The personalities of Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump novel
Based on the theory in chapter two, the writer can describe Forrest Gump as the main character has the disadvantages, idiot. But he has the ability to interact and socialize as well as and a great personality. His personality is very important and makes the story plot alive and colorful.
Forrest Gump is the main character and he never changed the pattern of thought and able to bring himself into a new environment. To know more about Forrest Gump personalities, here are the analysis about it in this study:
a. Confident
Forrest Gump was born as an idiot with an IQ near 70 and slow in thinking. Forrest Gump can think things pretty good but was unable to describe it in written and saying. His mother always gave Forrest motivation that he is no different from other people. This makes the Forrest Gump have a good confidence in daily life especially in social life.
“Maybe I am idiot, but at least Iain’t stupid “ (Chapter 3 page:12)
Forrest Gump including a strong person although his social environment always underestimates and thinking that Forrest Gump idiot but he is always confident and thinking that not every idiot person is stupid.
b. Attractive
Forrest Gump is a fun person, since childhood his mother says to be always friendly to everybody. His plainness makes Forrest never realize what he said is able to make other people laugh.
This occurs when Forrest follows English classes by Mr. Boone, the subject that Forrest does not like. One time Mr. Boone giving Forrest a question and then he answered “I got to pee”. Suddenly Mr. Boone laugh and jump.
“Mr. Boone kind a jump back for second, an then he bust outlaughin an so does everybody else, an he says, Mr. Gump you are very amusing feller.” (Chapter 3 page: 12)
c. Optimistic
Forrest Gump has a good principle, so he always optimistic to defeat his life. His principle helped him to interact with the surrounding environment. He always uphold the principle, although sometimes that principle almost harming others.
Some chapters show how Forrest Gump behaves to the face every problems that happened, that is always trying to do the right thing. As in the quote below
“Gump, you idiot!” Colonel Gooch say.”How could you do this to me? I am ruint. My career is probly finished!”
From the quote above the writer conclude that Forrest Gump is someone that has consistent with what he did. Because it affects the course of his life. Everything was he did always make worried him but he remained positive thinking.
d. Smart
Although idiot, Forrest Gump is smart person. Along the way his life, Forrest Gump always tried something new and everything can be done well. It has been shown since the first time he was growing up how smart he is.
In some parts of the novel Forrest Gump, absolutely clearly show how smart he is. When he able to get the value of A in intermediate light subject such as mathematics.
“Forrest,” Doctor Earl say, “This is phenomenal. You is got a brain jus like computer. I do not know how well you can reason with it. Which probly why you is in here the first place – but it have never seen anything quite like this before.” (Chapter 12, page: 51)
So, it can conclude that Forrest Gump is a kind person that is really smart person who always tries something new with all his abilities.
e. Brave
Courage shown when Forrest Gump became the Army and joint a war in Vietnam. Briefly, Forrest managed to rescue all of his friends, including Bubba, but Bubba died because injured that hard.
“I brung that boy back an run out again an damn if I don come across somebody else…. There is Bubba, who is been hit twice in the chest, when I catch my breath, I look down an my shirt all covered with blood and bluish yeller goo from where Bubba is hurt.” ( Chapter 6, page: 27).
Although he is an idiot but his dedication as soldiers and courage to prove that he is able to think and act rationally. Because of his bravery, Forrest Gump get a reward from the president a Congressional Medal of Honor Winner, P.F.C. Forrest Gump.
f. Care and Friendly
Although idiot, Forrest Gump able to proved that he can interact with the social environment. This is evidenced when Forrest Gump adulthood he has best friends who always support and affection. Forrest Gump also care with his friens, family and people around him. This can be seen when Forrest so worried about another his friends, Dan, who has injured in Vietnam war.
“I didn’t play no ping pong that afternoon, cause I so worried about Dan. It come to me that maybe he went an died, an no body want to say so, cause of that bidness bout notifying nex of kin first, or something. Who knows? But I am down in the dumps, an go wanderin around by myself, kickin rocks an tin cans an shit.” (Chapter 7, Page: 31)
So the writer concludes that Forrest Gump is a kind person that really care and friendly those his loves and always try became a good friend.
Personality development of Forrest Gump through psychosocial theory.
Psychosocial more emphasis on aspects of social development, which every individual should be able to pass through each stage of development well. Eight stages of development that is taking place in regular intervals. But in here I just will describe seven stages from the eight stages of ego development that affects personality of Forrest Gump because in novel Forrest Gump just through seven stages.
a. Trust Vs Mistrust
In Forrest Gump novel described and tells how mother of Forrest effort to give feel comfortable and safe for her child. Idiot since he was born not make Forrest become weak person. His mother always give affection and assume that Forrest is same like any other normal child.
Because of his cares mother, Forrest can develop the feeling that the social environment as a safe place and people in there can be trusted and loving. And so it would be the basic of a person’s ability to be able adapt well.
“I been a idiot since I was born, my IQ near 70 with qualifies, so they say….but personally, I’d rather think of myself as like a halfwit, or something -an not no idiot.”(Chapter 1, page: 1)
b. Autonomy Vs Shame and Doubt
At this period of independence has been given by Forrest Gump mother to do not rely on others, especially after his father died. Although at this time Forrest Gump is so tight guarded by his mother, but Forrest still grow to become independent because he felt that when his mother gave a briefing made to feel safe and comfortable.
“when I was little, she kept me inside a lot, so as the other kids wouldn’t bother me. In the summer afternoons, when it was real hot, she used to put me down in the parlor an pull the shades so it was dark an cool an fix me a pitcher of limeade. …. but I got used to it an liked it cause her voice made me feel real safe an nice.”(Chapter1, page: 2)
So it can be concluded that Forrest Gump can through this period of autonomyand brave is one of his personalities existed because of the role of parents, especially his mother, it so important for the future development of himself.
c. Initiative Vs Guilt
Little Forrest Gump is growing in the nice environment because of idiot some his friends who insulted and go away from him. If he want to play, it must be always come home crying. Once upon a time there was a boy who bite Forrest, because of this occur his mother forbidden to play with boys. These events makes Forrest was initiated to play with girls because he felt it would be better.
“at first, when I’s grow in up, she’d let me go out an play with everybody, but then she foun out they’s teasing me an all, an one day a boy hit me in the back with a stick wile they was chasinme an it raised some fearsome welt. After that, she told not to play with them boys anymore. I started tryin to play with the girls but that weren’t much better, cause they all run away from me.”(Chapter 1, page 2)
From the quote above shows that the impact of an event because of false mindset, that will have an impact on the personality because at this time of his brave began to decrease. It can be prove that in this stage Forrest through stage of guilt.
d. Industry Vs inferiority
When Forrest had entered the public school, the role of his mother is so great. She entered Forrest to public school because she hope it would be better for Forrest that will help him to communicate each other. But it turns out the school, Forrest shunned by his friends because of idiots. None want to be friends with him except a girl named Jenny Curran.
“mama thought it would be good for me to go to public school maybe it would be like every body else… an the other kids, they’d never play with me or nothing, cept’n to chase me or get me to start hollerinso’s they could laught at me – all cept Jenny Curran. ( chapter 1,page: 2)
At this time Forrest Gump through stage of inferiority because he is not able to demonstrate its ability to interact with the environment so that his confidence began to decrease in this stage.
e. Identity Vs identity confusion
In search of his identity, Forrest get experience more widely variety of experience that changed his life and his mindset. The adventure to find his identity begin when Forrest invited by Coach Fellers In highschool to joint football player because it is a new experience for him. Although idiot Forrest including smart, he immediately did everything orders of his coach although sometimes he confused about with what Coach Fillers said.
“That high school certainly begun to change things in my life. it even got to where I liked to run with the football, cept it was mostly that they made me run around the sides cause I still couldn’t get to liked to just run over people like you do in the middle.”(Chapter 1, page: 5)
By joining in football team, Forrest able to show identity and capabilities. This is evidenced by the success winning football competition between highschool. This proves that at this stage Forrest able to form a form a personal identity becomes good and do not give rise to distortions identity confusion.
f. Intimacy vs isolation
In the novel Forrest Gump it show a close relationship between Forrest with his friends (Bubba and Dan) and someone loved, Jenny.
From them Forrest get a lot of learning and experience. Jenny is always give attention and affection from childhood and it makes Forrest in love, Bubba teaches Forrest playing the harmonica until make Forrest proficient in playing the harmonica with tones that are difficult. Dan teaches Forrest to doing business so as make the Forrest become a success businessman.
“That night me an Bubba meet up an share a foxhole an eat our C-ration for supper. Afterward, I get out my harmonica Bubba had gave me an we play a few tunes. It so real eerie, there I the jungle, playin “oh Suzana” an “Home on the Range.” (Chapter 6, page: 16)
All experiences are given their form Forrest as a highly personal that smart person and friendly.His maturity makes it able to think logically and to form stronger character.
g. Generativity vs Stagnasi
At this time Forrest Gump has managed to become a millionaire. Because of his effort and hard work and experience a wide variety of life, finally Forrest able to make other proud, especially his mother.
“An then, all of sudden, I’m forty, fifty, sixty years ole, you know. Well so what? I may be idiot, but most of time, anyway, I tried to do the right thing – an dreams is jus dream, ain’t they? So whatever else has happened, I am figgerin this: I can always look back, at least I ain’t led no hum-drum life.”( Chapter 26, Page: 115)
From the quote above proved that Forrest Gump able to through this stage because successful being active in his family and community. Being proud of his accomplishment and caring to others that he loved.
5. CONCLUSIONS
Based on the analysis in previous chapter, the writer can get some conclusions that related to the problem analyzed in the novel of Forrest Gump. Personalities of Forrest Gump influences his character in life. In the novel Forrest Gump tell the life a man who has idiot but in here the idiot means he can think pretty well but when he got to try saying or writing them, it so difficult to do.
Those personalities of Forrest Gump are he has confidence, he is attractive, he has good principle, he is smart, he is brave. Overall personalities makes Forrest Gump capable of forming the pattern of thought that made him a successful person and has experiences a wide variety of life’s journey.
Psychosocial theories included in the Forrest Gump personalities because it is the most important part of the novel Forrest Gump. In the theory explained how Forrest psychosocial able to pass seven of eight stages of personality development in theory psychosocial.
6. REFERENCES
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Cherry, K. A. (2005), Erickson Stages of psychosocial development, Retrieved February28,2015,fromhttp://psychology.about.com/od/psychosocialtheories/a/psychosocial