INVESTIGATING THE TRAJECTORY OF SELF-DISCOVERY IN PERRE’S “MY NAME IS SELMA

Abstract

This research entitles “INVESTIGATING THE TRAJECTORY OF SELF DISCOVERY IN PERRE’S “MY NAME IS SELM” is the study of critical discourse analysis of the novel “My name is Selma” as data. The main problem is to reveal the importance of the journey in the process of self-discovery. The objective of this study is to analyze the different events and dominant ideologies that are involved to shape the trajectory of self. This research is processed by critical discourse analysis especially text structure which includes the elements of identity construction. The data is collected from the text of the novel. But secondary data are other data such as; the biography of the author, related works to study, and the websites. During the analysis, the researcher applied the qualitative research method with Fairclough’s 3-D model to analyze the elements of the memoir. Then it is analyzed on the textual, interpretation, and description levels. On the basis of analysis, the results showed how the use of language reflects power dominance, injustice, and inequality. It describes the identity of survivor as a witness, and survivors’ experiences enable a personal experience of suffering to be viewed as essential components of the historical event. It is also found out how socio-political and historical ideologies help in shaping and developing the identity. Personal and historical events show a high impact on women’s life. So, the re-construction of self-identity may occur when a character takes positive steps within a different context. It is also found out that there is a relation between his personal life, Jews community, and the different thematic impressions.