A RIFFATERRE SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS OF JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE’S “MAILIED”

Abstract

This research aims to describe: (1) heuristic reading, (2) indirect expression, (3) hermeneutic reading, (4) matrix, model, variant, and (5) hypogram of Mailied poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. This research was used semiotic approach. Data collection is carried out by observation and repeatedly reading through heuristic and hermeneutic reading. The technique of this research was used descriptive qualitative. The results of this research are. (1) The heuristic reading shows this poem was used many terms of nature which represent the Goethe’s happiness expression. (2) Indirect expression shown by a) displacing of meaning which includes simile, metaphor, metonymy, sinekdoki, personification, allegory, and parable epic. b) Distorting of meaning was implied by the ambiguities, contradictions, and nonsense. c) Creating of meaning in this poem indicated by enjambement and rhyme. (3) The hermeneutic reading showed that Mailied is an expression of Goethe and Friederike Brion’s happiness. (4) The matrix of the poetry is an expression of Goethe and Friederike Brion’s happiness. Model on this poem is Liebe and Freude words (love and happiness). Mailied poetry has 7 variant. (5) The potential hypogram of this poem is a happiness expression of Goethe and Friederike Brion. The actual hypogram is the collection of poems Sesenheimer Lieder.

Keywords: poem, semiotic of Riffaterre, indirect expression.