Name: Nindah Nurul Fahqanuri Putri
NPM: 2214050038
AN ANALYSIS OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE IN THE MOVIE SHREK (2001)
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background
Movie is a form of visual art used to simulate experiences and convey stories,
ideas, perceptions, feelings, beauty, or atmosphere through the use of moving images.
These images are typically accompanied by sound and, more recently, other sensory
stimulations. According to Hornby (2006:950) movie means a series of moving
picture recorded with sound that tells a story, shown at cinema/movie. Movies are
created by recording real scenes with a motion-picture camera, capturing miniature
models using traditional animation techniques, or by generating images through
computer graphics. They can be classified into various genres, such as drama,
comedy, action, thriller, horror, science fiction and animation.
Animation is the process of creating the illusion of motion by displaying a
sequence of individual images or frames. These frames, which can be hand-drawn,
digitally rendered, or crafted through stop-motion techniques, are played in rapid
succession to create fluid movement. According to Munir (2013:340), animation
originates from English, animation from the word to animate which means 'to bring to
life.' Animation is a still image that is arranged sequentially and recorded using a
camera. In the realm of filmmaking, animation offers unparalleled freedom for
storytellers to transcend the constraints of reality and bring any concept or narrative to
life. Through animation, filmmakers can craft imaginative worlds, design fantastical
characters, and depict scenarios that would be impossible or impractical to film in
live-action. This medium allows for unique visual styles and artistic expressions,
enabling directors to use color, lighting, and design in ways that enhance the
storytelling experience. Additionally, animated characters can be imbued with
exaggerated expressions and actions, enriching their personalities and engaging
audiences on a deeper level. Special effects and fantastical elements seamlessly
integrate into animated films, allowing for creative storytelling techniques and
captivating visual spectacles. Moreover, animation's versatility enables filmmakers to
target diverse audiences, from children to adults, by incorporating multiple layers of
meaning and humor into their creations. In essence, animation stands as a powerful
tool in filmmaking, expanding the possibilities of visual storytelling and captivating
audiences worldwide.
Figurative language plays a crucial role in enhancing the storytelling. Figurative
language is an important element in language that is used to convey deeper and more
complex meanings through the use of similes, metaphors, similes, and other figurative
forms. According to Perrine, Laurence (1977) Figurative language is a persuasive
language. It is another way of adding an extra dimension to language, which can
attract the readers attention. Figurative language enhances movies by adding depth
and emotional resonance to the narrative. It allows filmmakers to convey complex
themes and emotions more effectively than literal language. The literary devices
create vivid imagery and layers of meaning, making the story more engaging and
thought-provoking. This use of figurative language transforms characters, settings,
and events into more than their literal forms, providing a richer, more immersive
experience for the audience. It encourages viewers to look beyond the surface,
fostering a deeper connection with the film’s themes and messages.
The movie "Shrek," released in 2001, is one of the most popular animated films,
renowned for its witty dialogue and humor. Beyond its entertainment value, "Shrek"
effectively uses figurative language to convey deeper moral messages and life values.
According to McIntyre (2006), the use of figurative language in animated films serves
not only to amuse but also to impart significant lessons. In "Shrek," this is achieved
through clever dialogue and various literary devices, which help to create a vibrant
and engaging fairytale world. The film's characters, settings, and plot are enriched by
metaphors, similes, and symbols, transforming a simple animated story into a
multifaceted narrative that appeals to both children and adults. This use of figurative
language not only enhances the film’s humor but also deepens its thematic content,
allowing it to address issues such as self-acceptance, the importance of inner beauty,
and the value of true friendship. Through its masterful blend of entertainment and
meaningful messages, "Shrek" succeeds in leaving a lasting impact on its audience.
This study aims to analyze the types of figurative language used in the 2001 film
"Shrek" and determine the most frequently employed types. According to Leech
(1969), analyzing figurative language in literary works and other media provides deep
insight into how language is used to build narrative and characterization. By
examining "Shrek," this study seeks to uncover how its witty dialogue and clever use
of literary devices contribute to its lively and engaging fairytale world.
In addition, this study will compare its findings with previous research
conducted on other works, such as the movie "Maleficent" and J. Cole's song lyrics, to
identify similarities and differences in the use of figurative language across various
media. This comparative analysis will help to highlight how different forms of media
employ figurative language to achieve their unique storytelling goals. Moreover, this
research will contribute to the broader literature on language analysis in films,
particularly within the context of animated films, enhancing our understanding of how
figurative language functions in this popular genre.
The theoretical framework of this study on figurative language will be based
on Perrine's (1977) categorization, which identifies 12 types of figurative language:
simile, metaphor, personification, apostrophe, synecdoche, metonymy, symbol,
allegory, paradox, hyperbole/overstatement, understatement, and irony. By utilizing
Perrine's comprehensive framework, the researcher aims to identify and analyze the
different types of figurative language present in the movie "Shrek." This approach
will also help determine which types are most frequently used in the film. Through
this analysis, the study hopes to provide a deeper understanding of how "Shrek"
employs figurative language to enhance its narrative and character development.
educational and cultural policies that encourage the study and preservation of
language arts. In many jurisdictions, educational frameworks emphasize the
importance of media literacy and critical thinking skills, including the analysis of
language use in various forms of media. By studying figurative language in “Shrek,”
this research aligns with educational mandates that aim to foster an appreciation for
literary devices and their impact on storytelling. Additionally, intellectual property
law recognizes films as protected works, and analyzing the language used in them can
aid in understanding how creative expressions are created and valued. This
understanding can support legal frameworks that protect the artistic integrity of films
and promote the cultural significance of language in media, ensuring that these
creative expressions continue to be valued and studied in society.
This research on the analysis of figurative language in the movie “Shrek”
(2001) lies in the observable impact of such language on audience engagement and
understanding. Empirical studies of figurative language in media have shown that
metaphors, similes and other literary devices enhance the emotional resonance and
thematic depth of a narrative. For example, animated films like “Shrek” are widely
appreciated not only for their visual appeal, but also for their witty and multi-layered
dialogue, which often relies heavily on figurative language. By systematically
analyzing these elements, this research can provide concrete data on how frequently
and effectively these devices are used, providing insight into the film's storytelling
techniques. This data-driven approach can demonstrate the importance of figurative
language in enhancing audience experience and narrative richness, contributing to a
broader understanding of how language functions in animated films.
B. Research Problems
1. What are the types of figurative language used in the movie shrek 2001?
2. What is the most frequently used figurative language in the movie shrek 2001?
3. How does the use of figurative language in the movie Shrek (2001) affect the
development of its characters and plot?
C. OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH
1. To explain the types of figurative language used in the movie Shrek (2001).
2. To identify the most frequently used figurative language in the movie Shrek
(2001).
3. To analyze how the use of figurative language in the movie Shrek (2001) affects
the development of its characters and plot.
D. KEY TERMS
figurative language, movie, animation
CHAPTER II
Supporting Theory Based on Key Terms
A.
(1) Perrine, Laurence. (1977). Literature Sound and Sense. San Diego: Harcourt
(2) Figurative language is a persuasive language. It is another way of adding an extra
dimension to language, which can attract the readers attention.
(3) Figurative language includes various literary devices such as metaphors, similes,
personification, and hyperbole that are used to create more vivid and imaginative expressions.
These devices help convey complex ideas and emotions in a more engaging and impactful
way, enriching the narrative and enhancing the reader's or viewer's experience by appealing
to their senses and emotions.
B.
(1) A S Hornby. 2006. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, Oxford University Press
(2) Movie means a series of moving picture recorded with sound that tells a story, shown at
cinema/movie.
(3) A movie, also known as a film, is a visual art form that combines moving images and
sound to tell stories or convey ideas. Movies can be created through various techniques,
including live-action filming, animation, or computer-generated imagery. They are a powerful
medium for storytelling, capable of evoking a wide range of emotions and providing both
entertainment and insight into different aspects of life and society.
C.
(1) Munir. (2013). MULTIMEDIA dan Konsep Aplikasi Dalam Pendidikan. Alfabeta.
(2) Animation originates from English, animation from the word to animate which means 'to
bring to life.' Animation is a still image that is arranged sequentially and recorded using a
camera.
(3) Animation is the process of creating the illusion of motion by displaying a sequence of
individual images or frames in rapid succession. These frames can be hand-drawn, digitally
created, or made using stop-motion techniques. Animation allows for the creation of
imaginative and fantastical worlds, characters, and scenarios that would be impossible or
impractical to film in live-action, offering filmmakers a unique and versatile medium for
artistic expression and storytelling.
CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODS
A. Approach and Type of Research
The approach of this research was qualitative descriptive approach. According
to Sugiyono (2022), the qualitative descriptive research method is based on post-
positivism philosophy and is used to investigate natural object conditions where the
researcher is the key instrument. In qualitative research, the data are described in the
form of words rather than numbers. The data are engaged in a string of words or
narrative sentences. This study aimed to find out the kinds of figurative language, the
most frequently used figurative language, and how the use of figurative language
affects the development of characters and plot in the movie Shrek (2001).
Book: Sugiyono. (2022). Metode Penelitian Kuantitatif Kualitatif Dan R&D.
Bandung: Alfabeta
B. The Role of the Researcher
In this qualitative research, the role of the researcher is central and
multifaceted, serving as the primary instrument for data collection. The researcher
acts as the key instrument in gathering data, which involves meticulously viewing the
movie, identifying instances of figurative language, and recording these observations.
The researcher also acts as an interpretation. This includes using analytical skills to
recognize and categorize different types of figurative language, such as metaphors,
similes, personifications and etc. Specifically, in the context of analyzing figurative
language in the movie "Shrek" (2001)
C. Place and Time of the Research
The research will be conducted through an analysis of the movie "Shrek"
(2001). Since the study involves a textual and visual analysis, the primary location for
this research can be any setting with access to the movie and necessary research
materials. And as for the time the research is planned to be conducted over a one
month period. This includes:
Week 1: Literature review and theoretical framework development.
Week 2: Detailed viewing and preliminary analysis of the movie "Shrek" (2001).
Week 3: In-depth analysis of figurative language, data collection, and categorization.
Week 4: Comparative analysis with previous studies on similar topics, writing,
reviewing, and finalizing the research report.
By adhering to this compressed timeline, the research aims to systematically
explore the use of figurative language in "Shrek" (2001).
D. Source of Data
Rumusan Masalah Teknik Pengumpulan
NO Sumber Data
Data
1. the types of figurative 1. Book, 1. Documentacion
language used in the movie 2. Internet 2. Documentation
shrek 2001 3. Movie 3. Observation
2. the most frequently used 1. Movie 1. Observation
figurative language in the
movie shrek 2001
3. the use of figurative 1. Internet 1. Documentacion
language in the movie 2. Movie 2. Observation
Shrek (2001) affect the
development of its
characters and plot
E. Technique of Analyzing the Data
There are three activities generally used to analyze the data in qualitative
descriptive research. Those activities were data reduction, data display, and
conclusion drawing (Sugiyono, 2008). Based on those statements, the writer used
some steps as follows:
1. Data reduction
The writer classified the selected data into each category of figurative
language based on Perrine's theory. The data were identified by referring to the
research questions, focusing on the types of figurative language used in the movie
"Shrek" (2001). This involved systematically categorizing instances of similes,
metaphors, personifications, and other figurative forms present in the film's dialogue
and narrative. Each instance was interpreted to understand its contextual meaning and
how it contributes to character development and plot progression. By organizing the
data in this manner, the researcher could pinpoint the most frequently used types of
figurative language and analyze their impact on the movie's overall storytelling.
2. Data display
In displaying data, the writer arranged the data in a list of tables and displayed
the interpreted data in the sequence of narrative text, so the readers could understand
the data easily. The writer also presented the data in percentage. The data were
analyzed using the percentage analysis technique from Ali (1987, p.184). The writer
used the formula (P = F/N x 100) to determine the most dominant figurative language
used in the movie "Shrek" (2001), where:
- P: The percentage of the figurative language types used in "Shrek" (2001)
- F: The total of each figurative language type identified in "Shrek" (2001)
- N: The total number of all figurative language types identified in "Shrek" (2001)
By organizing the data in this structured manner, the researcher provided clear and
concise insights into the prevalence and impact of various figurative language types
used in the movie. This approach facilitated a comprehensive understanding of how
figurative language contributes to the film's narrative and character development.
3. Conclusion drawing
In the last process, the writer concluded the whole parts of the study.
REFERENCES
A. 3 books that contain supporting theories for research
Perrine, Laurence. (1977). Sound and Sense: An Introduction to Poetry. New York:
Harcourt.
Ali, Mohammad, (1987), Penelitian Kependidikan Prosedur & Strategi, Bandung:
Penerbit Angkasa.
Sugiyono. (2022). Metode Penelitian Kuantitatif Kualitatif Dan R&D. Bandung: Alfabeta
B. 3 titles of previous research that are relevant to the research i will conduct.
Raihan, M.R., Mubasyira, M. (2022). An Analysis of Figurative Language Used in J
Cole’s Song Lyrics. English Education. UniversitasIndraprasta PGRI, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Rumusan Masalah:
1. What are the types of figurative language used in the maleficent movie script?
2. What is the most frequently used figurative language in the maleficent movie
script?
Temuan :
There are total of 96 figurative languages in the maleficent movie script. The most dominant
type of figurative language is simile. Figurative language contained in the maleficent movie
script was found simile 38 data (39,58%), irony 6 data (6,26%), understatement 4 data
(4,16%), symbol 4 data (4,16%), allegory 8 data (8,33 %), paradox 15 data (15,62%)
hyperbole 15 data (15,62%) , metonymy 3 data (3,12%), synecdoche 3 data (3,12%).
Nehe, A.M., Sinambela, E., Pasaribu, T. (2022). An Analysis of Figurative Language
in Maleficent Movie. English Literature. Universitas HKBP Nommensen, Medan,
Indonesia.
Rumusan Masalah:
1. What are the types of figurative language used in the maleficent movie script?
2. What is the most frequently used figurative language in the maleficent movie
script?
Temuan:
There are total of 96 figurative languages in the maleficent movie script. The most dominant
type of figurative language is simile. Figurative language contained in the maleficent movie
script was found simile 38 data (39,58%), irony 6 data (6,26%), understatement 4 data
(4,16%), symbol 4 data (4,16%), allegory 8 data (8,33 %), paradox 15 data (15,62%)
hyperbole 15 data (15,62%) , metonymy 3 data (3,12%), synecdoche 3 data (3,12%).
Gustinawati, Ira Maisarah. (2023). Figurative Language in the Lyrics of Animation
Film: 'Tinker Bell and The Lost Treasure' Soundtrack. English Education. University
of Bengkulu, Bengkulu.
Rumusan Masalah:
1. What are the types of figurative language used in the Original Soundtrack of the
animation Film: ‘TinkerBell and The Lost Treasure'?
2. What is the most frequently used figurative language in the Original Soundtrack of
the animation Film: ‘TinkerBell and The Lost Treasure'?
Temuan:
8 song lyrics were analyzed and the result showed that the figurative languages found in the
Tinker Bell and The Lost Treasure Original Soundtrack were (1) Metaphor, (2)
Personification, (3) Metonymy, (4) Allegory, (5) Symbol, (6) Paradox, and (7) Hyperbole.
While in the figurative language which is dominantly presented in the Original Soundtrack of
Tinker Bell and The Lost Treasure is figurative language of symbol.