The Reflection of Liberal Feminism Values in the Characterization of Merida in Brave Movie
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36733/elysian.v5i3.12289Keywords:
liberal feminism, characterization, merida, brave movie, equalityAbstract
This study analyzes the reflection of liberal feminism values in the characterization of
Merida in the movie Brave. Feminism, particularly liberal feminism, emphasizes individual
freedom, equal rights, and personal autonomy, making it relevant to Merida’s character, who
opposes traditional norms and refuses an arranged marriage. This research employs the
liberal feminism theory proposed by Tong (2008) to identify the values of equality and
liberty in Merida’s character. The analysis also uses Boggs and Petrie’s (2018) theory of
characterization, focusing on four aspects: appearance, dialogue, external actions, and the
reactions of other characters. Data were collected using observation and note-taking
techniques by watching the movie and reading the script. The findings were analyzed
qualitatively by identifying scenes and dialogues that portray liberal feminist values. The
results show that Merida represents liberal feminism through her resistance to patriarchal
traditions, her fight for autonomy, and her assertion of individual rights. This research is
expected to contribute theoretically to studies in literature and gender, especially in exploring
feminist themes in film, and practically to help readers recognize and understand the
importance of equality and freedom in society.
Keywords: Liberal Feminism, Characterization, Merida, Brave Movie, Equality
References
Anggawasita, I. (2010). An analysis of the main character through a feminism approach in the novel Lucia by Adriana Trigiani. English Letters Department, Faculty of Letters and Humanities, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University.
Anonym. (2021, June 24). Feminism. Retrieved from https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism
Anonym. (2021, June 24). Foil character. Retrieved from https://literarydevices.net/foil/
Anonym. (2021, June 24). Reflection. Retrieved from https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/reflect
Beauvoir, S. (1949). The Second Sex. Vintage Books.
Bogg, M., & Petrie, S. (2017). The art of watching films. McGraw-Hill Education.
Brown, L., & Taylor, M. (2021). Women in Leadership: Expectations, Challenges, and the Feminist Perspective. Gender Studies Journal, 18(2), 67-89.
Chapmann, M. (2024, February 18). Scripts. Retrieved from https://ln.run/z912B
Friedan, B. (1963). The Feminine Mystique. W.W. Norton & Company. Greenwood, M., & Hunter, B. (2021). The evolving role of women in film:
Hay, C. (2013). Kantianism, liberalism, and feminism. Palgrave Macmillan.
Held, V. (2006). The Ethics of Care: Personal, Political, and Global. Oxford University Press.
Jones, A., & Carter, L. (2019). Gender Representation in Animated Films: A Characterization Study. Journal of Feminist Media, 15(3), 45-63.
Lorber, J. (2001). Gender Inequality: Feminist Theories and Politics. Oxford University Press.
Lorber, J. (2001). Gender inequality: Feminist theory and politics. Roxbury Publishing Company.
Mill, J. S. (1869). The Subjection of Women. Longmans, Green, Reader, and Dyer.
Pratiwi, I. (2016). O'Neil as a feminist character in Scott G. I Jane. English Department, Faculty of Arts, Udayana University.
Roberts, C. (1946). Principles of Characterization in Narrative Fiction. Cambridge University Press.
Roberts, W. (1964). Writing themes about literature. Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Smith, R. (2020). Liberal Feminism in the 21st Century: A Critical Perspective.
Feminist Studies Review, 28(2), 112-130.
Taylor, L., & Watson, P. (2021). The Education of Women: Historical Constraints and Contemporary Perspectives. Gender & Society Journal, 19(4), 89-105.
Tong, R. (2008). Feminist thought: A more comprehensive introduction. Westview Press.
Tong, R. (2009). Feminist Thought: A More Comprehensive Introduction. Westview Press.
