The Existence of Female Characters in the Drama Script Bunga Rumah Makan by Utuy Tatang Sontani

Abstract

This study focuses on the existence of female characters as viewed through the lenses of “The Other,” Immanence, and Transcendence in the play Bunga Rumah Makan by Utuy Tatang Sontani, using Simone de Beauvoir’s framework of existential feminism. The method employed is analytical description. The data source is the play Bunga Rumah Makan by Utuy Tatang Sontani. The research data consists of dialogue excerpts that illustrate the existence of female characters in the play. Data collection was conducted through reading and note-taking. Data analysis was performed by: (1) Reading the data thoroughly to gain an initial understanding of the text; (2) Classifying the data into three analytical categories: manifestations of “The Other,” conditions of Immanence, and drives toward Transcendence. (3) Describing the classified data in detail and systematically; (4) Analyzing the data by referring to Simone de Beauvoir’s existential feminist theoretical framework; (5) Interpreting the analysis results to uncover the meanings embedded within the text; and (6) Drawing preliminary conclusions that are subsequently verified until a final, accountable conclusion is reached. The research findings indicate that the character Ani is constructed as The Other through patriarchal power relations; she experiences a condition of Immanence but gradually demonstrates a drive toward Transcendence. This study concludes that Sontani’s drama implicitly reflects the tension between women’s existential freedom and the pressures of the patriarchal social structure.