Representing Gender and Power Through the Articles Si and Sang in “Cantik Itu Luka”

Abstract

This study analyzes the dynamics of power and gender stereotypes in Eka Kurniawan’s novel “Cantik Itu Luka” using a corpus linguistics approach. The focus is on the use of the articles si and sang in representing power relations and gender constructions of the characters. Frequency and context analyses reveal that si is more frequently associated with characters of lower social status, particularly women depicted in subordinate positions. Conversely, sang is typically used for male characters or those with high social status, signaling respect and authority. These findings reflect the patriarchal system’s dominance within the novel’s narrative, where men occupy prestigious professions, while women are portrayed as unemployed or with low-status attributes. However, the use of sang for Dewi Ayu—a sex worker—deviates from this pattern. Despite her socially stigmatized occupation, she is assigned an article typically reserved for respected figures, which can be interpreted as a narrative strategy challenging conventional social norms. This suggests that Dewi Ayu embodies courage and autonomy, transcending socially imposed gender constraints. These findings reinforce previous studies on male dominance in the novel while demonstrating that language in literary texts not only reflects social structures but can also serve as a tool for resisting gender stereotypes.