THE CONFLICT OF MAIN CHARACTERS IN KATHRYN STOCKETT’STHE HELP

Abstract

In this paper, the writer analyzes the conflicts experienced by the main characters in the novel The Help. This novel depicts the life experience of an African-American who works in a white environment as a housemaid at Jackson Mississippi.Domestic helpers often get abusive behavior from white people who work with African-Americans. Based on this explanation the aim of this research is to describe conflicts that occur among characters. The study applies Structuralism theory. Emzir and Rohman said that structuralism is a theory that explores the intrinsic elements in literary works [1]. Character traits and setting are two elements that trigger conflict, therefore an analysis of these two elements is need to reveal the conflict. Simon Fisher said conflict is not the same thought, and involves two or more people [2]. Disagreements of opinion and nature trigger conflict between the main characters in the novel The Help. The writer considers knowing the conflicts that occur in the novel is very important to know.