Representation of Hero Archetype in Alfred

Lord Tennyson’s Poems

(A Thesis Proposal)

ANISA DINDA NOVIYANTI

21111039

ENGLISH LITERATURE STUDY PROGRAM

FACULTY OF ART AND EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY
BANDARLAMPUNG
2023
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Literature is a canon which consists of those works in language by which a

community defines itself through the course of its history. It includes works

primarily artistic and also those whose aesthetic qualities are only secondary. The

self-defining activity of the community is conducted in the light of the works, as

its members have come to read them (or concretize them) (McFadden 1978:56).

Literature, as an art form, provides a platform for writers to convey their thoughts,

feelings, and experiences to readers. One of the most common forms of literature

is Poem. Poem utilizes a distinctive structure, metaphorical use of language, and

rhythm to convey a message in an artistic and emotional way. Through Poem,

writers can explore a wide range of themes, from love to philosophical questions,

by creatively using words to build deep meaning.

A poem is a verbal creation that uses a variety of embodiment-based

rhetorical and prosodic methods to produce an ontological condition that is

fundamentally distinct from other discourse forms. (Fairchild’s, 2003).

When we look at the richness of poem, we often encounter amazing epic heroes.

As a form of expression that emphasizes the beauty and intelligence of language,

Poem offers a special place to tell the hero's journey. Poem depicts heroes

undergoing change through hardship and conflict, resulting in stories that stir the

soul. Poem's heroes become vivid characters, colored by powerful imagery and

symbols, in keeping with the definition of Poem that relies on the creative power
of language. Poem gives a deep emotional dimension to this heroic journey by

weaving beautiful words, allowing us to feel the character's courage, sacrifice and

progress in a powerful and evocative way. By connecting the definition of Poem

with the hero's narrative, we find that Poem is not just a literary expression, but

also a compelling means to celebrate the magic of the hero's story in all its

complexity.

Hero is a person who knowingly, and voluntarily, acts for the good of one

or more people at significant risk to the self, without being motivated by reward

(Zimbardo, 2007). The term "hero" is used to describe a person or character who

possesses extraordinary courage, strength, and commitment in the face of

challenges or overcoming difficult circumstances for the greater good. A person's

personal sacrifice for the benefit of others or to prevent a threat is usually the

reason why a hero is recognized. The concept of heroism can be found in various

aspects of life, such as in mythology, literature, movies, and everyday life. A hero

can appear in various forms, such as superheroes in fictional stories or people who

do brave things in the real world. A hero is usually respected and considered a

good example to others, although the definition of heroism varies based on culture

and societal principles.

Meanwhile, the term archetype actually comes from an expression conveyed by

Plato (arche = original, typos = form/manifestation), used as a reference to an idea

or form/manifestation.

The process of creating an archetype involves, in a sense, backing away from

structural analysis, much like when we want to examine composition rather than

brushstrokes in a painting. For example, there is a complex word texture in the

foreground of the Yorick soliloquy and puns in the opening scene of Hamlet, as

well as the macabre elements of the Yorick soliloquy that we examine in the

written text. (Macksey & Donaro, 1972).

According to the general concept of the popular hero, as given by Aristotle, the

hero is the main character in a literary work, whose main job is engagement in

war and adventures. He is accompanied by noble friends; he is magnanimous to

all his followers and very strict for his foes. Instead of immortal gods, they are

mortal beings who bleed and suffer pain and death, but defiantly live a full life

and with their struggles create for themselves a momentary glory that remains

forever in the minds of their descendants.

Jim Mills Teacher (2015) asserts that the most salient characteristic of the ideal

hero is self-sacrifice rather than bravery or nobility. To reach his goal, he has to

pay a high price. He travels from ego and self to a new identity attained at the

conclusion of the story's experiences. He may be a recluse or a family man,

adventurous or hesitant, and willing or unwilling. He develops and becomes a

resource for others to develop and do valiant deeds. An innocent person, a

wonderer, a warrior, a ruler, a martyr, or a fool might all be considered heroes.

However, his fundamental characteristic is the sacrifice he makes in order to

succeed.

Hero Archetype is the main subject of this study, and Alfred, Lord Tennyson's

Poems are the data to be analyzed. In the works of Alfred, Lord Tennyson, such as

"Ulysses" and "The Charge of the Light Brigade," there are rich findings

regarding the hero archetype, a concept that plays an important role in the

formation of the main character and the resolution of conflicts in Poem. This Hero
Archetype research uses content analysis to analyze the heroic aspects in Alfred,

Lord Tennyson's poems.

The poem "Ulysses" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, tells the journey and

thoughts of Ulysses (Odysseus), a legendary figure in Greek mythology, who is

the hero of Homer's "Odysseia". In this poem, Ulysses, who has returned from his

long journey, is dissatisfied with his present life and longs for the adventure and

excitement he experienced during his voyage. Although he is now king in Ithaca

and has the responsibilities of a leader, Ulysses feels called to continue exploring

the world, pursuing knowledge, and experiencing life to the fullest. This poem

creates an image of an enduring hero, who is never satisfied with the status quo

and always seeks new challenges, permeating the spirit of freedom, courage, and

the desire to forge ahead in the face of life.

The poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson,

tells the story of a famous historical event, the military charge known as the

Charge of the Light Brigade during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War.

On October 25, 1854, a British cavalry force, known as the Light Brigade, was

ordered to charge a strong enemy position, despite the order being ambiguous and

potentially dangerous. The troops bravely charged in the wrong direction, directly

facing deadly enemy cannon fire. The poem celebrates the soldiers' courage and

devotion in the face of an impossible situation, while also denouncing the

command error that led to the disaster. Through the depiction of heroic action and

selfless sacrifice, Tennyson elevates the spirit of heroism, albeit in the context of a

tragic tactical failure. The poem creates an atmosphere that praises the bravery
and dedication of the troops, while exploring the complexities of the ethics of war

and the responsibilities of leadership.

Alfred, Lord Tennyson's works, "Ulysses" and "The Charge of the Light Brigade,"

each provide an insightful perspective on the hero archetype, albeit in different

contexts. In "Ulysses," Tennyson describes the heroic journey of a mythological

hero, Ulysses, who is tireless in his search for knowledge and adventure. The

poem highlights the eternal desire for intellectual growth and experience, creating

a narrative of a hero who faces challenges and uncertainties with an unyielding

spirit. On the other hand, "The Charge of the Light Brigade" presents a story of

collective heroism, immortalizing a tragic moment in military history. The poem

highlights the devotion and courage of soldiers who carry out orders with selfless

determination and loyalty, creating an archetypal image of a hero struggling

against difficult circumstances. In both, Tennyson depicts heroes as individuals or

groups facing conflict, exploring the values of courage, loyalty, and resilience in

the face of a difficult destiny, enriching our understanding of the hero archetype in

various historical and mythological contexts.

1.2 Research Questions

Based on the background that has been mentioned, the researcher has several

research questions regarding research on Representation of Hero Archetype in

Alfred Lord Tennyson Poems, the questions are:

1. Bagaimana archetype pahlawan tercermin dalam puisi "Ulysses" karya

Alfred, Lord Tennyson, dan "The Charge of the Light Brigade"?

2. How do the poems "Ulysses" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, and "The Charge

of the Light Brigade" depict courage, sacrifice, and struggle??

1.3 Use of Study

This research explains the hero archetype in Alfred Lord Tennyson's poems,

using a psychological approach to reveal how psychological aspects of heroism,

such as courage and other things commonly associated with heroes, are portrayed.

1.3.1 Practical Use

This research can help us understand how the psychological understanding

of the characters in Alfred Lord Tennyson's poems portrays the hero archetype.

Thus, this research can contribute to our understanding of heroic values and

psychological traits reflected in literary works.

1.3.2 Theoretical Use

Future researchers interested in delving deeper into the representation of hero

archetypes and characters' psychological responses in Alfred Lord Tennyson's

poems will find valuable theoretical implications in the psychological approach

used in this study. This study opens up opportunities for further research that can

integrate psychological theories by determining how Tennyson's poems reflect

psychological perspectives on heroism and the psychological characteristics

reflected in the characters. The results of this study can serve as a foundation for

future researchers who wish to further explore the relationship between literature

and psychology, particularly in the context of hero archetypes.

1.4 Scope of the Study

The main focus of this research is to conduct a psychological analysis of

Alfred Lord Tennyson's Poem, specifically exploring how the psychology of the

characters reflects the hero archetype. The research aims to dive into the

representation of the hero archetype in Tennyson's works, examining

psychological dimensions such as courage and other heroic attributes attached to

the characters. The study will use a psychological framework to unravel the

complex layers of the characters' thoughts and behaviors, providing insight into

how the psychological aspects of heroism are portrayed in Tennyson's Poem.

 CHAPTER TWO

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Each type of theory or research that has been done previously to support the

research data discussed in this chapter Researchers will divide the theoretical

framework, relevant theory review, and previous research in three main sections.

They will explain how previous research supports the findings of this study, how

the author's theory is used in this study, and how the author created the theoretical

framework for this study.

2.1 Previous Study

Other researchers had access to the same literature and theories for study..

The firs is Journal Hero Archetype in Ridley Scott’s Exodus: Gods And Kings

The Movie (2014) by Sandra and Puguh Budi Susetiyo. The study focuses on how

the American hero is portrayed in Ridley Scott's "Exodus: Gods and Kings" film

and emphasizes how this portrayal departs from the biblical story of Moses and is

largely motivated by greed. Though the movie makes some attempts to include his

prophetic side, Moses, the primary figure, is shown primarily as a warrior. To

evaluate Moses as an American hero, the analysis makes use of Halldorson's

American hero traits and Mackey-Kallis's recurrent hero path. Moses goes

through several stages of the hero's journey, encountering obstacles, coming to

terms with who he is, and finally realizing that he is the Hebrew people's rescuer.

The study highlights the impact of the American Dream, intelligence, tenacity,

and the protagonist's role in forming the movie's subject, and it links the American

hero portrayal in the film with Hollywood's defining characteristics. The portrayal

also fits the warrior archetype that appears in a lot of Hollywood movies. The
study highlights the necessity for additional investigation into "Exodus: Gods and

Kings"-related topics, calls for comparisons with previous film adaptations of

Moses, and highlights the significance of looking at a variety of topics outside of

the American hero narrative. The analysis of the traits of the American hero in the

main character is strengthened by the use of both narrative and non-narrative

elements, such as shot, angle, frame, action, and lighting, in the qualitative

approach. Overall, the study reveals a substantial alignment between the main

character's archetype and the American hero archetype in the context of the film.

Second is Journal Stylistics analysis of “The charge of the light brigade”

by Alfred lord Tennyson by Karen Celebrado Quackenbush and Don Alan

Quackenbush The Journal addresses the importance of stylistics in literary

interpretation, highlighting how it exposes the language decisions made by the

writer when creating a work of literature. It makes the claim that language is

essential to literature and examines the stylistic analysis of "The Charge of the

Light Brigade," a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson, demonstrating how the study

improved comprehension of the work's meaning and linguistic devices. The poem

depicts the horrors and heroics of battle while immortalizing the bravery and

sacrifice made by the British Light Cavalry during the Crimean battle. The story

emphasizes how war stories are meant to be remembered, to evoke feelings and

lessons that go beyond historical records. By looking at lexical, semantic,

graphological, lexicological, and other aspects of Tennyson's poem, the analysis

shows how extensive stylistics can be. It also helps readers understand the poem's

content.
 Third is The Evolution of Ulysses' Power Shift from Dominance

to Disintegration in Tennyson's Poems "Ulysses" and "The Lotos Eaters" by Md.

Shariful Islam and Humaera Sultana. The research explores how leadership

changes over time in Alfred Lord Tennyson's Poem "Ulysses" and "The Lotos

Eaters." The study examines the complexities of Ulysses' authority, which

fluctuates between dominance and dissolution, with a particular focus on his

character. Examining his authoritative image in "Ulysses," where he professes a

desire for new challenges, and contrasting it with "The Lotos Eaters," where he

struggles with the temptation of a passive existence, the analysis explores Ulysses'

journey toward leadership. The study examines the philosophical and

psychological facets of Ulysses' shifting leadership style using literary analysis

and academic frameworks. It also provides insights into Tennyson's examination

of leadership, escapism, and the human condition by placing his writing within its

cultural and historical context. Using a combination of textual analysis and

contextual interpretation, this research advances our understanding of Ulysses'

authority transfer. Tennyson's importance as a Victorian poet is also highlighted in

the research, with "Ulysses" and "The Lotos Eaters" illustrating the hero's

metamorphosis and Tennyson's examination of authority, control, and life's

meaning. The poems depict Victorian issues including escapism, industrialization,

and the conflict between societal expectations and individual goals, as well as

Ulysses' transition from hierarchical authority to individualistic self-realization,

emulating Renaissance ideals. The end highlights the different ways that the

seafarers behave in the two works, demonstrating submission in "Ulysses" and

disobedience of Ulysses' authority in "The Lotos Eaters."

2.2 Psychoanalysis Approach

Psychoanalysis is regarded one of the interesting and satisfying approach

in the application of interpretive analysis. Psychoanalysis became one of the

mechanism for interpreting hidden meaning of the text. It helps one in

understanding complex symbols, actions, metaphors, and settings in a literary

work . However, many psychoanalysts believe that this approach applies to any

literary work. Yet, most critics opposed this notion that one approach cannot

adequately explain everything about a complex work (Hossain, 2017).

Psychoanalysis is a theory about the nature and development of human personality

forms. The main components of this theory are motivation, emotions, and other

aspects of personality.

2.2.1 Hero Archetype Theory

Hero in Carl Jung's theory is a representation of mythology or a legend.

The representation of this hero is associated with a person who has strength and

can fight crime. These types of archetypes are archetypes that represent the ideal

personality of a person. So that it can overcome the darkness within a person.

However, a hero can also be defeated by something (Jung, 1951).

 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHOD

3.1. Research Design

In this section, the researcher describes the research methods utilized in

this analysis, including the research strategy, data and data source, and data

collecting techniques.

Qualitative research is an inquiry process of understanding based on distinct

methodological traditions of inquiry that explore social human problems. The

researcher builds a complex, holistic picture, analyses words, reports detailed

views of informants and conducts the study in a natural setting (Creswell, 2012).

3.2 Data and Data Source

In this case, the author uses data sources from literary works in the form of

two poems by Alfre, Lord Tennyson entitled "Ulysses" and "The Charge of the

Light Brigade". The second data source is obtained from the stanzas in each poem

by analyzing the character's psychological context, emotional state, and issues

related to the hero archetype.

3.3. Data Collecting Techniques

This research recognizes the importance of data collection as an essential

step in analyzing two poems by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, using the hero archetype

theory. Before proceeding to the next stage of the research, this step plays a

crucial role in the qualitative approach. The data collection process was carried

out through the following steps:

  Poem selection

Selected two poems by Alfred, Lord Tennyson that became the focus of analysis,

namely "Ulysses" and "The Charge of the Light Brigade".

 Understanding the Poems

Thoroughly understand the meaning and context of each line in both poems.

Focus on identifying the characteristics of hero archetypes such as courage,

sacrifice, and the heroic journey.

 Identification of Sentences Related to the Hero Archetype

List sentences that contain elements of the hero archetype in both of Tennyson's

poems. This includes the introduction of the hero's character, the conflict faced,

and the depiction of heroic traits.

 Data Analysis of Selected Sentences

Analyze the collected sentences, focusing on a deeper understanding of how

Tennyson uses language and literary style to convey aspects of the hero archetype.

 Integration with Hero Archetype Theory

Integrate the results of the analysis with the concepts of hero archetype theory,

such as characteristics and the heroic journey, to understand the message

Tennyson wants to convey through his poems.

 Validating the Relevance of Data to Theory

Ensure that all data collected has a strong connection to the hero archetype theory.

Validate the interpretation of the data in the context of the theory used.

 Conclusions and Interpretations

Present conclusions and interpretations from the analysis, including how the

poems portray the hero archetype and the message Tennyson is trying to convey

through the characters.

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