VALUE OF TOLERANCE IN GINA PRINCE’S THE

SECRET LIFE OF BEES MOVIE (2008):

A MARXIST APPROACH

RESEARCH PAPER

Submitted as a Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

for Getting the Bachelor Degree of Educations

in English Department

By:

YENI CAHYANINGSIH

A 320 060 265

SCHOOL OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION

MUHAMMADIYAH UNIVERSITY OF SURAKARTA

2011

ii

iii

iv

TESTIMONY

Herewith, I testify that in this research paper, there is no plagiarism of the

previous literary work which has been conducted in obtaining bachelor degree of

university, and also there are no masterpieces which have been written or published by

others, except those in writing are referred in the manuscript and mentioned in the

literature review and bibliography.

Hence, later, if it is proven that there are some untrue statements in this testimony,

I will fully be responsible.

Surakarta, October 2012

Yeni Cahyaningsih

A 320 060 265

v

MOTTO

Always remember that the future comes one day at time

(Deon Acheson)

The man who says he never has time is the laziest man

(Lichtenberg)

I want to be a hero even though it’s just only for my parents

(The Writer)

vi

DEDICATION

This research paper is

Whole-heartedly dedicated to:

Allah SWT, the lord of the universe

My beloved parents

My family

My life

My best friends

My idol

And my future

vii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim

Assalamu’alaikum Wr. Wb.

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to Allah SWT, the merciful and

compassionate for all blessing and divine guidance during the preparation until the

accomplishment of this paper. I realize that in arranging this research paper, I got help,

support and encouragement from others. I would like to convey my deepest thank to all

persons who have helped me totally both direct and indirect in accomplishing this

research paper.

Therefore, I would like to express my thanks to:

1. Drs. H. Sofyan Anif, M.si, Dean of School of Teacher Training and Education.

2. Titis Setyabudi,S.S, M.Hum as Head of English Department in Muhammadiyah

University of Surakarta, And as the second consultant who had given correction,

suggestion and advice patiently and wisely.

3. Dr. Phil. Dewi Candraningrum, M.Ed as the writer’s Academic Consultant of

Teacher Training and Education and as the first consultant who has guided and

advices patiently during arranged this research paper.

4. Giri Lumakto, S.Pd as the third consultant who had given correction, suggestion

and advice patiently and wisely.

5. My beloved parents, who always supports, gives attention, prays and always

have given to me everything.

6. My niece (Alysa, Puput, Pipit and Early) thanks for their support.

viii

7. My best friends, Ayuk Dodoy, Lilik Aryanti, Triska Norma, Ririn Airin, Johar

Diah, Dwi Kurnia, Sovia Rahma, Dwi Christina, Aminah, Ike Widi, Yanata FU,

Ateng, Punk Joel, Bintoro and Jumiyem who have supported me in every need.

8. My Idol (Kotak, Simple Plan, TRIAD and Prinzes Icez Amanda), who have

inspire me every time.

Hopefully this research paper will be useful for those who want to study literature.

I realize that the research paper is still for from being perfect. Therefore supportive

criticism and suggestion are really hoped and badly needed to make this research paper

better.

Wassalamu’alaikum Wr. Wb.

Surakarta, October 2012

Yeni Cahyaningsih

ix

TABLE OF CONTENT

Page

PAGE OF TITLE…………………………………………………………. i

APPROVAL.................................................................................................. ii

ACCEPTANCE……………………………………………………………. iii

TESTIMONY……………………………………………………………… iv

MOTTO……………………………………………………………………. v

DEDICATION…………………………………………………………….. vi

ACKNOWLEDGMENT………………………………………………….. vii

TABLE OF CONTENT…………………………………………………… ix

TABLE OF PICTURES…………………………………………………… xiv

SUMMARY………………………………………………………………... xvii

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION……………………………………….. 1

A. Background of Study………………………………… 1

B. Literature Review……………………………………. 7

C. Problem Statement…………………………………… 9

D. Limitation of the Study………………………………. 9

E. Objective of the Study……………………………….. 9

F. Benefit of Study……………………………………… 10

G. Research Method…………………………………….. 10

H. Research Organization……………………………….. 11

x

CHAPTER II UNDERLYING THEORY……………………………….. 13

A. Notion of Marxism…………………………………… 13

B. Principle of Marxism…………………………………. 14

1. Dialectical Materialism…………………………. 14

2. Historical Materialism………………………….. 15

3. Alienation …………………………………….. 16

4. Class Struggle...…………………………………….. 17

5. Revolution………………………………………. 17

C. Value of Tolerance……………………………………. 18

1. Notion of Tolerance…………………………….. 18

2. Aspect of Tolerance…………………………….. 18

a. Permitting or Allowing…………………… 18

b. A Conduct or Point of View……………… 19

c. Respecting the person in the process……… 19

3. Characteristics of Tolerance……………………. 19

D. Structural Elements of the Movie…………………….. 20

1. Narrative Elements……………………………… 20

a. Character and Characterization…………… 20

b. Plot……………………………………….. 20

c. Setting……………………………………. 21

d. Point of View…………………………….. 22

e. Theme……………………………………. 22

2. Technical Elements…………………………….. 23

xi

a. Mise-en-Scene……………………………. 23

b. Cinematography………………………….. 26

c. Sound…………………………………….... 29

d. Editing…………………………………….. 29

e. Casting……………………………………... 30

E. Theoretical Application………………………………. 31

CHAPTER III SOCIAL BACKGROUND OF UNITED STATES

SOCIETY IN THE MIDDLE OF TWENTIETH

CENTURY ………………………………………………… 32

A. Social Aspect…………………………………………. 32

1. Social Structures………………………………… 32

2. Social Status…………………………………….. 33

3. Social Stratification…………………………….. 34

4. Ethnic Relation…………………………………. 34

5. Urbanization or Migration……………………… 35

6. Segregation in America………………………… 36

B. Economic Aspect…………………………………….. 37

C. Political Aspect……………………………………… 38

D. Science and Technology Aspect……………………. 39

E. Cultural Aspect……………………………………… 40

F. Educational Aspect…………………………………. 40

G. Religious Aspect……………………………………. 41

The Life of Gina Prince Bythewood……………………… 42

xii

CHAPTER IV STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE SECRET LIFE

OF BEES ………………………………………………… 45

A. Structural Elements of The Secret Life of Bees…….. 45

1. Narrative Elements……………………………… 45

a. Character and Characterization…………… 45

b. Plot……………………………………….. 52

c. Setting…………………………………….. 54

d. Point of View……………………………… 57

e. Theme……………………………………... 58

2. Technical Elements……………………………… 59

a. Mise-en-Scene……………………………. 59

b. Cinematography…………………………. . 66

c. Sound……………………………………… 69

d. Editing……………………………………. 69

e. Casting…………………………………… 71

B. Discussion……………………………………………. 72

CHAPTER V MARXIST ANALYSIS…………………………………… 77

A. Marxist Issues………………………………………… 77

1. Dialectical Materialism…………………………. 78

2. Historical Materialism………………………….. 80

3. Alienation………………………………………. 83

4. Class Struggle………………………………….. 85

5. Revolution……………………………………… 87

xiii

B. Value of Tolerance…………………………………… 89

C. Discussion……………………………………………. 91

CHAPTER VI CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION…………………… 94

A. Conclusion…………………………………………… 94

B. Suggestion…………………………………………… 95

BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDIX

xiv

TABLE OF PICTURES

Picture 1. Lily Melissa Owens (Dakota Fanning)………………………… 46

Picture 2. August Boatwright (Queen Latifah)............................................ 47

Picture 3. Rosaleen Daise (Jennifer Hudson).............................................. 48

Picture 4. Zachary Taylor (Tristan Wilds)................................................... 49

Picture 5. June Boatwright (Alicia Keys).................................................... 50

Picture 6. May Boatwright (Sophie Okenedo)……………………………. 51

Picture 7. Terrence Ray (Paul Bettany)…………………………………… 51

Picture 8. Tiburon…………………………………………………………. 54

Picture 9. Theatre………………………………………………………….. 54

Picture 10. Boatwright’s House…………………………………………….. 54

Picture 11. Honey House…………………………………………………… 54

Picture 12. Boatwright Living Room……………………………………….. 55

Picture 13. Boatwright Dining Room………………………………………. 55

Picture 14. Lily Sleeping Room…………………………………………….. 55

Picture 15. Boatwright Yard………………………………………………… 56

Picture 16. Lily House………………………………………………………. 56

Picture 17. Lily Sleeping Room…………………………………………….. 56

Picture 18. Lily Kitchen…………………………………………………….. 56

Picture 19. Lily Owens……………………………………………………… 57

Picture 20. August Boatwright……………………………………………… 57

Picture 21. Lily Owens……………………………………………………… 58

Picture 22. August in Dialogue……………………………………………… 58

Picture 23. Terrace…………………………………………………………… 59

Picture 24. Sleeping Room…………………………………………………... 59

Picture 25. Kitchen…………………………………………………………... 60

Picture 26. May’s Wall………………………………………………………. 60

Picture 27. Animal Husbandry………………………………………………. 60

Picture 28. Honey House…………………………………………………….. 60

xv

Picture 29. Lily’s House……………………………………………………… 61

Picture 30. Lily Sleeping Room……………………………………………… 61

Picture 31. Lily’s Kitchen……………………………………………………. 61

Picture 32. Lily Uniform Work………………………………………………. 62

Picture 33. August Dress……………………………………………………… 62

Picture 34. Lily Shirt………………………………………………………….. 62

Picture 35. Bright Light……………………………………………………….. 63

Picture 36. Dark Light………………………………………………………… 63

Picture 37. Soft Light in the Garden ………………………………………… 63

Picture 38. Soft Light at Romantic Situation…………………………………. 64

Picture 39. Strong Light at Hospital…………………………………………... 64

Picture 40. The Light from the Outside Room as a Light Source ……………. 64

Picture 41. The Sun as the Light Source ……………………………………… 65

Picture 42. The Lamp as the Light Source …………………………………… 65

Picture 43. The Light Direction, Spotting From the Right Side……………… 65

Picture 44. The Light on Boatwright’s Family in the Outside……………….. 65

Picture 45. The Sun is natural color………………………………………….. 66

Picture 46. The Lamp is white color………………………………………… 66

Picture 47. Straight on Angle……………………………………………….. 67

Picture 48. High Angle…………………………………………………….. 67

Picture 49. Low Angle……………………………………………………… 67

Picture 50. Extreme Long Shot……………………………………………… 68

Picture 51. Long Shot…….…………………………………………………. 68

Picture 52. Medium Long Shot……………………………………………… 68

Picture 53. Medium Shot…………………………………………………….. 68

Picture 54. Medium Close-Up………………………………………………. 68

Picture 55. Close-Up………………………………………………………… 68

Picture 56. Extreme Close-Up……………………………………………….. 69

Picture 57. Axis of Action…………………………………………………… 70

Picture 58. Axis of Action…………………………………………………… 70

Picture 59. Establishing Shot………………………………………………… 70

xvi

Picture 60. Eye Line Match………………………………………………….. 70

Picture 61. Eye Line Match………………………………………………….. 71

Picture 62. Reverse Shot……………………………………………………… 71

Picture 63. Match in Action………………………………………………….. 71

Picture 64. Match in Action………………………………………………….. 71

Picture 65. Process of Dialectical Materialism………………………………. 78

Picture 66. Process of Historical Materialism……………………………….. 82

Picture 67. Process of Alienation…………………………………………….. 84

Picture 68. Process of Class Struggle………………………………………… 86

Picture 69. Process of Revolution…………………………………………….. 88

xvii

SUMMARY

YENI CAHYANINGSIH A. 320 060 265. VALUE OF TOLERANCE IN GINA

PRINCE’S THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES MOVIE (2008): A MARXIST

APPROACH. RESEARCH PAPER SCHOOL OF TEACHER TRAINNG AND

EDUCATION MUHAMMADIYAH UNIVERSITY OF SURAKARTA 2012.

The problem of the study is to reveal value of tolerance reflected in The Secret

Life of Bees movie directed by Gina Prince Bythewood published in 2008. The objectives

of the study are to analyze the film based on structural analysis and based on the Marxist

analysis.

This study is descriptive qualitative study. The object of the study is The Secret

Life of Bees movie directed by Gina Prince Bythewood. The data sources are divided into

two namely primary and secondary data source. The primary data source is the film itself

and the secondary data source is the other source related to the analysis such as

references, author biography, criticisms relation to the problem and material related to the

study whether picking up from books or internet. The methods of data collection are

observation and library research. The technique of data analysis is descriptive analysis.

The outcome of the study is shown in the following conclusion. First, based on

the structural analysis, Gina Prince delivers a message that the blacks have a high

tolerance in the discrimination. Tolerance is important in the society, as black and white.

They must be have tolerance. The black just wants a little respect from the whites as a

human being. Racial discrimination can be changed with tolerance because the blacks

have rights to live in the world. Second, based on Marxist analysis, Gina Prince reflects

the racial discrimination by present Marxist issues in this movie. The blacks can be

survived with the race prejudice which comes from the whites.

KeyWords: The Secret Life of Bees, value, tolerance