Novel: Definition, Intrinsic Elements, Language & Writing Method

Definition Novels

Novels are works of prose fiction with a long and complex sequence of events or life stories of a person and the people around him by highlighting each character or actor (Kemdikbud, 2017, p. 109). Not only is the number of words or pages long, but the range of storytelling is also broad and complex. This is the fundamental difference between novels and short stories, which have a narrow range of stories in fewer words.

Novels are included in the narrative text genre, which means text that tells or tells a story or event. The story told is fiction or fiction. However, it does not mean that novels cannot provide useful content because novels can still retain a reflection of life values ​​and even history.

However, the history contained is not specifically intended to tell the truth that has ever happened. An example is how the novel "Ronggeng Dukuh Paruk" can provide a general description of how conditions or conditions in Indonesia were in the 1940s.

Definition Novels According to Experts

To expand the knowledge base and ensure the validity of the meaning of the novel, here are some definitions of the novel according to the experts.

dance

Tarigan (2011) states that the novel is a story with a fairly long plot to fill one or more books that deal with the lives of imaginative men and women.

Nurgiyantoro

Novels are works of fiction that are built by building elements, namely intrinsic elements and extrinsic elements (Nurgiyantoro, 2019, p. 10).

HB Jassin

A novel is an extraordinary event from the lives of extraordinary people because this incident was born a conflict, a dispute, which changed the direction of their fate (H. B Jassin, in Suroto, 1989, p. 19).

Semi

Novel is a type of literary work in the form of a narrative and continuous character characterized by actions and reactions between characters, especially between antagonists and protagonists (Semi, 1988, p. 36).

Abrams

Literally, originally the novel came from the word novella, which means a small new item, and then it is interpreted as a short story in prose (Abrams in Nurgiyantoro, 2019, p. 11).

Novel Intrinsic Elements

So what makes a novel a novel? Of course, it is that a work of text contains various elements that make up the novel. The main elements that determine the novel are the elements that stand in work itself, which is called the intrinsic elements of the novel.

These elements, according to the Ministry of Education and Culture Team (2017, p. 118), consist of characters, plot, setting, point of view, and theme. Below is an explanation of each of the intrinsic elements of the novel.

Characters & Characterizations

Characters are the actors or people who are told in a story. Continuing this explanation, Nurgiyantoro (2012, p. 165 in the Ministry of Education and Culture Team, 2017, p. 118) states that story characters are people who are shown in a work of fictional prose who have certain moral qualities and tendencies as expressed in their words and what they say. Done in action.

Then, Nurgiyantoro (2000, p. 176 in the Ministry of Education and Culture Team 2017, p. 188) also distinguishes characters from the level of importance or not of the character and their role in the plot/story. If viewed from the level of importance or not, the characters are divided into:

1.      The main character

is the central character or the most important character in a story.

2.      Additional characters

Is a lower character or a character who is not always told but still has a relationship and role with the main character.

Meanwhile, judging from the role of the characters in the plot, the characters are divided into:

1.      Protagonist, Which is usually set to be liked by the reader because of its importance in the plot and has interesting and positive traits. 

2.      Antagonistnamely, characters who tend to be less liked by readers because they have conflicts with protagonists. These characters are usually evil, cowardly, or have other negative traits.

Characterizations

The character elements in the novel also contain characterizations or techniques and the ways in which the characters are presented. There are two ways, namely the analytical way and the dramatic way. The analytical method of characterization displays the character's character directly in the form of details by the author. While the dramatic way of conveying the character or character traits through dialogue, thoughts, feelings, actions and comments of characters to other characters in the story.

Plot (Plot)

A plot or plot is a series of events arranged to tell a cause and effect of a story told in a novel. This is in line with what was stated by the Ministry of Education and Culture Team (2017, p. 118) that the plot is a series of events arranged based on causality (cause and effect).

The plot is the part that can build curiosity (suspense) that can bewitch the reader to keep reading. In the plot, there are events that are intertwined or related between roles, both as a cause and as a result, until finally creating a conflict. The plot contains events, conflicts, and climaxes. Here is the explanation.

1. Incidents the transition from one situation to another. There are two types of events, namely functional events, which are decisive events for the development of the plot, related events that are used to make other events make sense, and reference events that are referred to by the characters.
2. Conflicts an event that gives rise to various important events caused by interactions between characters, including figures with the community, figures with themselves, to figures with other figures who have different views.
3. The climax is a conflict that has reached its peak and is unavoidable. Various orientations and conflicts that have been built will be faced with the peak of the problem or climax. It can be said that the climax is the final part of the plot, which consists of three parts, namely: the beginning, the middle, and the end.

The plot has several rules that can be used to create a good and interesting plot. Some of these rules include:

1. sensibility(plausibility) is whether or not the plot is prepared by the reader. To achieve plausibility, each event can be reinforced by a related event.
2. Shock (surprise) refers to sudden and unexpected events that the character experiences full of uncertainty so that the reader is intrigued, motivated, and motivated to read about the impact of the shock it gives.
   
3. Mystery (suspense) is something that is postponed and only given a few parts to provoke the curiosity of the reader.
4. Wholeness (unity) is the overall connectedness of the plots that are arranged. Without integrity, a plot will not appear uniform and unified so that it can obscure the intended purpose.

Background or Settings

Setting is a picture that is used to place events in a story. The background is divided into three parts which include:

1. Setting of place, which refers to geographical conditions of the place where the event/story occurs. For example, Bandung, villages, offices, schools, houses, markets, etc.
2. Setting of time, which means when the story takes place, references can include: hour, month, year, age, century, etc.
3. The social setting, which relates to the culture and customs of the community that overshadows the story, to how people think at certain times.

Viewpoint

Point of view means "who" and how to tell the story. There are two types of point of view, namely:

1. The first-person point of view is the storytelling by a character I/I directly.
2. Third-person point of view, namely the delivery, is carried out by the author (narrator) who is outside the story, thus using: him, them, the name of the character, etc.

Theme

Theme is the basis or main idea of ​​a story. Generally, the themes raised in the novel cover various life relationships such as the meaning of life, love, social values, religion (religious), family, history, psychology, etc.

Themes can have sub-themes or are commonly referred to as child themes. The main theme is the main story that becomes the main foundation of the storytelling, while the derivative theme is only the reinforcement. For example, the religious theme is accompanied by the theme of love in the novel "Ayat-Ayat Cinta".

Novel Language Elements

The linguistic elements or rules of the novel will certainly adopt a lot of narrative texts because the novel is one of its derivatives. The following are some of the characteristics of linguistic elements in the novel.

1. Because of the nature of the story, the novel will use a lot of sentences that have a past meaning.
2. The sequence of events and plot will make the novel tend to use words that state the order of time or are commonly referred to as chronological conjunctions such as: then, next, finally.
3. Use verbs that describe an action.
4. Many use verbs that show indirect sentences as a way of telling the story of a character brought by the author.
5. The depiction of a character in a novel will contain many verbs that express something the character thinks or feels (mental verbs).
6. Novels with a first-person point of view will use many first-person words in conveying the story, such as me, me and us.
7. However, in the third person point of view, the novel will use a lot of third-person pronouns such as he, they.

How to Make a Novel (Designing a Novel)

Actually, the best way to make a novel is to pour out the initial ideas that we have first. It could be that we have an interesting experience that seems suitable to be made into a novel. You can also start with designing the main character who is inspired by our idol.

Just pour it out and write first whatever we have, like how a painter will start his work through expressive sketches which don't think about right or wrong strokes first. After that, follow the steps for making a novel according to the Ministry of Education and Culture Team (2017, p. 126) below.

1. Decide what theme will be raised in the novel, for example, education, friendship, or politics.
2. Start designing the characters that will be involved in the story. Determine the role of the character, including the protagonist, antagonist, and, if necessary, a tritagonist.
3. Arrange the plot that will be presented. For example, the forward (simple) plot includes orientation, conflict, climax, and resolution. It can also be done with a complicated plot that actually displays the conflict first to give a surprising impact and make the reader curious through an orientation that provides suspense to the climax.
4. Determine the setting of the place, time, and social conditions that will surround the story in the novel.
5. Make sure what the main positive message or value you want to convey in the novel is so that it can be conveyed well through the novel.

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Proposal: Definition, Structure, Rules, Goals & Methods

Definition of Proposal

A proposal is a research plan or activity to be carried out to be considered for approval by the party or institution receiving the proposal. This understanding is reinforced by Kosasih's statement (2017, p. 154), which states that a proposal is a text in the form of a request to a person or an entity to carry out an activity of scientific research.

In line with the opinion above, the Ministry of Education and Culture Team (2017, p. 143) stated that the proposal was used as a submission, request, or offer. Through the proposal, the planned activities can be carried out properly, because we will get several benefits, such as: getting permission to carry out activities, to financial assistance.

Then what is the format, systematic, or structure of the proposal? Here is the full presentation.

Proposal Structure (Systematics)

The structure or systematics of writing a proposal varies depending on the purpose. For example, a research proposal has several differences from a community activity proposal in some aspects. This, of course, will affect the systematics or structure of the proposal as well.

 

No	Research Proposal Structure	No	Activity Proposal Structure
1	Background of the problem	1	Background
2	Formulation of the problem	2	Problems and Goals
3	Research purposes		a. Problem
4	Benefits of research		b. Purpose
5	Theoretical basis	3	Scope of Activities
6	Research methods		a. Object
7	Report Writing Framework		b. Types of activities
		4	Theoretical Framework and Hypotheses
			a. Theoretical framework
			b. Hypothesis
		5	Method
		6	Event organizer
			a. Person responsible
			b. Personal composition
		7	Available Facilities
			a. Means
			b. Equipment
		8	Advantages and disadvantages
			a. Advantages
			b. Possible loss
		9	Length of Time and Place of Implementation
			a. Time
			b. The place
		10	Budget
		11	Bibliography
		12	Appendices

 

However, in general, there are several sections that should be included in the proposal, including background, problems and objectives, the scope of activities, theoretical framework and hypotheses, methods, implementing activities, facilities, advantages and disadvantages, length of time, financing (Team Kemdikbud, 2017, p. 154). Each part will be explained in the description below.

Background

The background of the proposal is a variety of circumstances, events, or other things behind the importance of carrying out research or activity. This section will list the various reasons why something put forward in a proposal is important to implement.

Because it is a meaningful reason in an argument, the background must be based on data that supports it, not just a subjective opinion. For example, use statistical data from government research institutions or research journals of academics and scientists.

For example, if the proposed research or activity concerns health, then the background is regarding the outbreak of a disease that is at an alarming level based on data or statistics from other studies that have been published.

Problems and Goals

In some proposal formats, especially research proposals, these two parts are usually separated into separate sub-chapters: problem formulation and research objectives. This section in detail and specifically mentions what problems you want to raise based on the background that has been presented. This section also contains the objectives to be achieved and conveyed rationally and persuasively according to the background raised.

Scope of Activities

The scope of activities is the various limitations of the proposed research and activities. This limitation is very important to determine so that what is proposed remains on the path of its main purpose without mentioning other things that are not needed.

The benefit of determining the scope for the recipient of the proposal is that it will be easier to see the merits and weaknesses of research or activity. Meanwhile, for the recipients of the proposal, each of them can focus more on testing and reviewing problems from the scope with specific literature materials as well as considering whether or not a proposed proposal is accepted.

Theoretical Framework and Hypotheses

In this section, a review of the theory to the results of previous research related to the problems that have been formulated is presented. The study can be in the form of comparisons, contrasts, and laying or strengthening the theory of the problem to be studied.

For example, if one of the problem formulations of the proposal is to maintain health, then health science theory can be linked to the problem to find a solution. From the theories put forward, the recipient of the proposal can understand the weight of the proposal to find out how far the proposer is prepared in proposing the thing proposed.

Method

This section presents research methods or activities to be carried out. This includes data collection techniques, steps to be taken in the activity, etc. For example, research methods that can be used are descriptive methods (describe) or qualitative methods (calculate the effect of data on research).

Meanwhile, data collection can be done using a questionnaire (questionnaire), interviews, observations, literature studies, or tests. In the research method or activity method, the data processing plan to be carried out must also be stated.

Event organizer

One of the main factors taken into account by the recipient of the proposal is the composition of personnel (personnel) of the agency that submitted the proposal. Therefore, make sure to recruit skilled and reliable personnel to carry out the proposed activities.

The proposal must attach a list of implementers of activities complete with information on education, expertise, and, if necessary, a list of experience of personnel who will be involved in it.

In research proposals such as theses, theses, or scientific journals carrying out activities, it is not necessary to mention it because the author or researcher himself is the executor of the activity.

Facility

This section describes the various facilities needed to carry out activities. The proposer must describe the various facilities that will be used. In addition to providing information about the facilities that oversee the activity, this will also show that the proposer is really serious and has taken into account the facilities that will be presented in the activity as well.

Advantages and disadvantages

Listing the benefits of the activity is certainly a reasonable thing to do. This is, of course, done to re-assure that the benefits of this activity really exist and will not be in vain. Benefits can be described through direct benefits (such as sales), side benefits (building brand image), savings, etc.

Then why should we list the losses? Of course, because whatever we do will have negative consequences too. However, are these consequences commensurate with what will be obtained? That's the main question. In the short term, the activities we propose will burden the recipients of the proposal's finances, but in the long term, it is a different matter. In addition, will our activities cause traffic jams, etc.? The loss in question can also be in the form of obstacles that will be faced when carrying out activities.

Duration

This section lists the estimated time required to complete the work to be carried out. If the activity consists of many jobs that have fairly complex stages, it is also a good idea to provide details of the various stages. The length of time for this activity or research is usually presented through a Gantt chart.

Financing

Of course, financing is one of the main concerns of the beneficiary. Therefore, the breakdown of costs must be properly worked out in the proposal. However, for a reputable agency that has a good reputation, quality is usually the priority over whether or not the fee is requested.

Proposal Language Rules

According to the Ministry of Education and Culture Team (2017, p. 169), the rules, characteristics, or linguistic elements that mark the proposal are as follows.

1. Using a lot of scientific terms, both related to the activity itself or about terms related to the scientific field. For example, in education, the term includes affective, competence, reading interest, psychological.
2. Many use action verbs that state the steps of activities (research methods). The words in question include: observing, documenting, doing, practising, filling, reading, mixing.
3. Using words that express the definition, which is indicated by the use of the word: namely, namely, is, is.
4. Rich in words that mean details, such as besides, first, second, third.
5. Using words that are "childish", such as: will be expected, planned. This is in accordance with the nature of the proposal itself as a proposal, plan, or activity program design.
6. Many use words with straightforward or denotative meaning (not figuratively). This is important to avoid misunderstandings between the proposer and the recipient of the proposal.

Purpose of Submitting Proposal

Of course, the main purpose of submitting a proposal is to get approval, endorsement, and even financing from the recipient of the proposal in working on the thing submitted. In addition, according to Happy (2008) in Dalman (2016, p. 179) reveals that the purpose of submitting a proposal, in general, is as follows:

1. Approved to conduct research related to religion, social, politics, economy, education and culture.
2. Establish a small, medium, or large business.
3. Submit tenders from government or private institutions.
4. To apply for credit to the bank.
5. Organizing events in the form of seminars, discussions, and training.

How to Prepare a Proposal

According to the Ministry of Education and Culture Team (2017, p. 172), compiling or designing a proposal can be carried out in the following stages.

1. Make observations of the environment around you, either through direct observation or through interviews with local leaders, regarding issues of health, security, morality, environmental sustainability, and other issues. Observations can also be done through online means or literature studies in the library.
2. Choose one of the various problems that have been collected by choosing the one that is considered the most important and urgent to find the cause or solution to the problem.
3. Formulate the form of research or research activities that are relevant to the problem that has been determined.
4. Also, look for references that can strengthen and clarify the issues that will underlie the research or activities to be carried out.
5. Discuss the problem and the research or activity with colleagues or compare it with other relevant research.
6. Start pouring out all the results of the pre-research by writing the background first, which will actually contain the formulation of the problem, objectives, and research methods as well.
7. Pay attention to the completeness, clarity, and attractiveness of the proposal by ensuring that all parts of the structure are in place, linguistic rules are in accordance with the proposal markers and using persuasive language and good layout and pictures to make it attractive.

 

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