NIHILISM IN POST-WORLD WAR II AMERICA AND ITS EFFECT TOWARD ESTHER’S VIEW IN PLATH’S THE BELL JAR

Abstract

Abstract

The aims of the research are (1) to find out what aspects of nihilism presented in Plath’s The Bell Jar, and (2) to reveal how they affect Esther’s view toward her life. To answer the objectives of the research, the researcher used Nihilism theory by Nietzsche and background of American condition in Post-World War II.

The method of the research is descriptive qualitative. The object of the research was The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. The data were in the form of clauses and sentences. The data were gathered from reading and re-reading the novel, taking notes, classifying the data, collecting the data, labeling the data and categorizing the data. The researcher used four steps in analyzing data which were reading and re-reading the categorized data from the table of datasheet, analyzing the categorized data based on the related theory, making an interpretation and adding description, and applying the measure of trustworthiness of the data by doing triangulation. To gain the credibility data, transferability, dependability and confirmability, the researcher did peer debriefing. 

The findings show that there are three nihilism aspects in the novel i.e. consumer culture, sex revolution, and technological inventions. It shows that society creates their idols and falls into the gate of nihilism. Then, this condition affects Esther’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The researcher found two attitudes toward nihilism which are negative self-image as passive attitude of nihilism and gaining freedom as an active attitude of nihilism.

Key words: nihilism, passive, active, America, The Bell Jar