53 RAINBOW 3 (1) (2014) Rainbow: Journal of Literature, Linguistics and Cultural Studies http://journal.unnes.ac.id/sju/index.php/rainbow POWER AND NARRATION IN AMERICAN SUPERHERO IN SPIDERMAN SECRET OF THE SINISTER SIX BY ADAM TROY CASTRO’S Khoirul Hasan English Department, Faculty of Languages and Arts, State University of Semarang, Indonesia Article Info ________________ Article History: Received in April 2014 Approved in May 2014 Published in June 2014 ________________ Keywords: Power, narration, superior, inferior, deconstruction. ____________________ Abstract ___________________________________________________________________ Spiderman Secret of The Sinister Six by Adam Troy Castro illustrated that superheroes as representation of sciences, power, and superiority. Superhero novel is very phenomenal for child to adult. Narration that are creating in this novel, trigger of understanding and believe that superhero as superior than Supervillain. So the aimed of deconstruction of superhero power to supervillain power. This research is use structuralism by Levi- Straus and deconstruction by Derrida, theory as a fundament of finding binary opposition for deconstruction analysis, and found the implied potensial meaning from this deconstruction. The result is first, Spiderman represented about American superiority, the narration created to strengthen and consolidate World's superpower had endured as American power. Narration about American power also created to discredit of Non- American. Although in this research is known that America is not entirely super power even tends to be weak, their power is affected by the allied countries. And their power is only found in countries that are experiencing economic instability and security. Second, Sinister Six represented as Non- American. They are always as a marginal group in international conference. But their inferiority (Non-American) in the world, they were trying to created technology or weapons defense system and war. They will create a tool to emulate the power owned by Americans. This work is to protect its citizens from regulations who are discredit their group. The deconstruction has been done earlier showed that the Sinister Six gang (Non-America) is a group of Superior, Good, and Loyal. While Spideman (America) is inferior class, Evil, and Rebellion. © 2014 Universitas Negeri Semarang  Correspondent Address: B3 Building FBS Unnes Sekaran, Gunungpati, Semarang, 50229 E-mail: fbs@unnes.ac.id ISSN 2252-6463 Khoirul Hasan / Rainbow: Journal of Literature, Linguistics and Cultural Studies 3 (1) (2014) 54 INTRODUCTION Power and Narration is a theory raised by Jean - François Lyotard (1984). He states that one of the characteristics of modern society is the existence of a very high belief on the major discourses on science, technology, including history, which has been considered as a source of truth having an objectively direct connection with reality. Lyotard calls this discourses grand narration that exists in public domain and that places small narrations, such as personal subjective experiences and irrational myths into the domestic realm. Both grand narration and small narration need language as the media. It media appeared with novels and movies, including superhero works that often discussed in literature forum and entertainment present especially in United States. Novels and movies in the United States illustrate that superheroes exist in America as representation of life sciences, power, and representation of superpower country. American superhero novels or movies will develop quickly. It is supported by movie playback and triggered by American Superhero themed novel widespreading in various countries. American superheroes presented in novels or movies form the existance of grand narration and small narration in society. When it is conducted massively and continuosly, it will raise people opinion that the superhero character represents superpower country. American superhero novels or movies have raised questions whether America is really a superpower country or the novel is simply fiction. It raises a suspicion whether the superhero movies or novels are raised as a repetition of identity, so that the country can maintain its power to be respected by other countries. One of the famous American superhero characters is Spiderman. Novels and movies about Spiderman published by American media are very well-known in many countries. The novels and movies always have a high selling rate. Stories about Spiderman are very popular among kids, teenagers, adults, and literature critics. One of novels about Spiderman is entitled "Spiderman Secret of the Sinister Six”. This novel tells about Spiderman as the main character facing huge problems over the Sinister Six group. The main focus of this study will be whether the novel published by the American media causes problems on the narration in the novel and whether encourages the strengthening of America as the owner of the superheroes. It raises an assumption that this story will be rapidly distributed because it is supported by the production of American superhero movies around the world and also superhero novel and comic publication that has been the most popular works in the social order of the world. Therefore, it is necessary to study the novel "Spiderman Secret of The Sinister Six" in order to get an understanding of the work, and also give the alternative meaning in the novel to society. The writer presents by this research to invite the people’s for critical thingking. I chose this topic based on the explanation above represents, factual cases because American Superhero novels or movies are now very famous in the society. Therefore, the writer intend to take these theme in this study on: first, Superhero themed novels or movies represent power of superpower countries are now very popular. Second is Superhero themed novels to provide understanding for society about American superpower in fiction. So that things learning the novels or movies there will be information about how superhero countries see themselves. This study has some objectives. They are elaborated as follows: To find out how the narration of superhero appears. To identify the way of power production. To analyze the alternative meaning in the novel. And then according this research have significance of this study is as follows: This study is expected to contribute, to give alternative meaning about Superhero stories. Second, the result of the study is to encourage people to think critically. Third, the study report can be used as reference for those who are interested in conducting further research in the same topic. Khoirul Hasan / Rainbow: Journal of Literature, Linguistics and Cultural Studies 3 (1) (2014) 55 THEORY AND METHODOLOGY This research will be use qualitative approach to analyze the realization of power and narration, grand narration and small narration found in novel “Spiderman Secret of the Sinister Six” by Adam Troy Castro’s published in 2002. Besides, to make this study more precious, the writer will also explain the implication of the study in literary works. In this study, the writer is as a data collector and data analyzer. The writer will collect the data needed and then analyze the power and narration of the data collected from “Spiderman Secret of the Sinister Six” by Adam Troy Castro’s published in 2002. In collecting the data, the researcher uses documentation technique. Documentation is the technique in getting the data about cases at note, transcription, book, novel, magazine, and newspaper (Arikunto, 1998:149). In this study, the writer collects the data from the novel in two steps: 1) the writer reads and rereads each story in the novel, 2) after that, the writer divides a sentence to be analyzed. In this analysis the correlated data, the writer will follow some steps. After defining the sample to be observed, the writer then analyzes the data deeply. At the first, the writer will reread each story in “Spiderman Secret of the Sinister Six”. Then, the writer will be analyze binary oppositions of the novel. According to Derrida (1998:125) said that binary operations is opposing centers, one concept is superior and defines itself by its opposite or inferior center. This study have two keywords to identify binary operations the novel. The two keywords is negating between binary opposition hierachy and differance. Binary hierarchy that show the negating problem in society, for example: “High” and “low”, “Superior” and “Inferior”, etc. REPRESENTATION FROM THE CHARACTER Based on explanation and some data above about narration discourse in the story “Spiderman Secret of The Sinister Six”, the author want to represent that in the story Spiderman is a representation of American and Sinister Six is Non-Americans, who always opposed policies, and power of America. The narration raised and distributed to the world through mass media, aims to provide confirmation to the readers on the power of American and discourage other countries (Non-American). Representation of Spiderman as American states and Sinister Six as non- American are represented as follows: 1. Costume: Colors in costume Spiderman describes a strength, power, superiority, and the freedom based on American flags. The author gives symbol that the power can be identified by readers through costume worn Spiderman. The owner of costume was able to help the people on a threat. 2. Broadway: Broadway is the oldest performing arts in America, from where it also raises many world’s famous artists. Broadway has become a cultural symbol of American country that has always been known for the International community. In the novel we are told that Mary Jane is a very famous artist in the Opera Broadway show, she always looks stunning in every show. Peter Parker (Spiderman) always visited Broadway when his wife (Mary Jane) appeared in the stage. Broadway Through the author wanted to show a large and well-known culture that is owned by Americans. The author also would like to give an confirmation that the American culture is a stronger than any other country, Broadway as a cultural center represents an American countries. 3. New York: New York is a city of trade and the largest industry in America. There is a fancy office buildings and large companies that invested in the city of the world. New York has become a symbol of the prosperity of the United States. In the setting of the novel, New York is home to Peter Parker and also where she worked. Through the City author would like to give you an idea that the prosperity of the Americas in the economic sector, trade, and industry. In the novel also portrayed that New York is the purpose of criminal groups that want to destroy America, because the criminals through the city could control the country. Khoirul Hasan / Rainbow: Journal of Literature, Linguistics and Cultural Studies 3 (1) (2014) 56 OPPOSITION BETWEEN SUPERIOR AND INFERIOR Spiderman Secret of The Sinister Six novel told us that Spiderman was a American superhero character who was strong when fighting his enemies. Spiderman was able to fight the threat brought by the evils who disturbed the city convenience and orderliness. The writer of Spiderman novel, Adam Troy Castro’s, wanted to create a good image that Spiderman was a strong, good character who was consistent in defending the truth and helping the people when they were in danger, and that Spiderman’s enemies, i.e. Sinister Six gang, was a weak and evil character whose attitudes could not be imitated and had to be defeated. However, according to binary opposition through the characters of Spiderman and Sinister Six gang in the novel, it would reveal an inversion of opinion that developed in society. The writer wanted to express that Spiderman was a weak superhero character and Sinister Six was strong. Some narrations in the novel showed Spiderman’s weakness as a superhero. “Hello, Harry”. Doctor Oct “Otto. What do you want?”. That precious tritium. But I need more of it this time. More tritium, are you crazy? You'll destroy the city! You're a hack! Doctor Oct crab take a feet Harry “Stop! Stop! All right! All right, all right, all right. Put me down. We'll make a deal. Kill Spider-Man, I'll give you all the tritium you need. On second thought, bring him to me alive”. Harry How do I find him? Oct said. Peter Parker. Parker? He takes pictures of Spider-Man, for the Bugle. Make him tell you where he is. Have it ready. Don't hurt Peter! Shouted Harry Observed from the situation above, Spiderman was powerless when fighting Doctor Oct and he lost the fight. However, Doctor Oct did not intend to kill him because he did not have any problem with Spiderman. It was done to obtain fusion instrument to reconstruct his experiment to make a technology to compete with solar power possessed by Oscorp. In obtaining a power, Spiderman did not develop his power by himself. He obtained his power by an accident when he was bitten by a spider in a laboratory. However, the Sinister Six obtained their power by the development of technology experiment to help people, but they failed in their experiment and hurt themselves. Therefore, it was not them who controlled the technology, but instead they were controlled by the technology. The Sinister Six realized that the technology they were using would hurt many people and was dangerous for them. They then fought to improve the technology they created to help people. However, they did not have money to implement their technology facility and their boss no more wanted to support the experiment facility that had failed before. Finally, they were forced to rob a bank to get money to fund their technology. When they performed their action, they were blocked by the cops and obstructed by Spiderman and they were cornered and angry that finally hurt and damaged the surroundings to defend themselves. The narrations that were formed in the novel between Spiderman and Sinister Six brought public opinion that Spiderman was superior and Sinister Six was inferior. (+) Superior Spiderman (-) Inferior Sinister Six gang In the hierarchy of binary opposition, the privileged was frequently positioned at the right side, in this case Sinister Six gang. While at the left side was the marginal, namely Spiderman. The deconstruction became: Khoirul Hasan / Rainbow: Journal of Literature, Linguistics and Cultural Studies 3 (1) (2014) 57 (+) Superior Sinister Six gang (-) Inferior Spiderman Based on American culture regarding superiority, they had a very strong power in military power, law enforcement, ideology, technology, etc. The power was formed to reinforce the position of America in international world. By the power, America desired an acknowledgment from other countries that their country was a super power country. Yet with its superiority, America became an authoritarian toward minority citizens and other countries. America by its military power wanted to control weak countries, such as what they did in Middle East countries. The superiority of America had actually been questioned, whether the country was really superior or the superiority occurred because there was a support from allied countries. When America attacked another country, they always asked for a support from UNO and their allies, and the country they fought was a country that experienced government instability. While the countries other than America had a representation of inferior country and not superior in international relationship, the countries did not have a power in military or technology that was superior to other countries. They were always considered marginal in international conferences. By their inferiority (non-America) in international world, they struggled to create technology or system of defense and war weaponry. They created the tools to compete with the power possessed by America. The power they created was based on their own power without any support from ally countries, such as North Korea, Iran, and other countries embargoed by UNO. Hence, the superiority of America was formed by the support from ally countries. The power of America depended on ally countries including UNO. The power was utilized by America to maintain its dominance to weak countries. While non-American countries created and developed their own power. The power they created was able to compete with American power and its allies. Moreover, the technology they created was feared by other countries. OPPOSITION BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL Spiderman who was a strong, great, and good character was deconstructed as the evil character. Spiderman was considered evil because he emphasized on his own interest rather than people interest. He let the robber in wrestling arena run away bringing his loot money. The robber then wanted to seize Uncle Ben’s car and killed him. After Uncle Ben’s death, Peter felt guilty, but he did not dare to tell Aunt May about the real event. Peter always concealed that event related to Uncle Ben’s death, letting Aunt May lived in her husband’s shadow and lived in loneliness and sorrow. “Aunt May, You don't have to punish yourself. Peter said “Oh, I know I shouldn't. It's just that you wanted to take the subway, and he wanted to drive you. If only I had stopped him, we'd all three of us be having tea together”. Aunt May sad with this happen. Peter silent and think “ If you know that happend I'm responsible for what happened to Uncle Ben. He drove me to the library, but I never went in, I went someplace else. Someplace where I thought, I could win some money to buy a car, because I wanted to impress Mary Jane. The thief take Uncle Ben's car, and then he shot him. Uncle Ben was killed that night”. He didn’t say anything. Peter concealed the secret of Uncle Ben’s being murdered from Aunt May because he did not want to lose Aunt May’s faith. He only wanted Aunt May not to hate him because Uncle Ben’s death was caused by him. That was done by Peter was an interest to secure his dominance to Aunt May, so that his position was not replaced by other people. Peter assumed that what he did was a merit to make Aunt May not feel sad because of his husband’s death, but actually it was his biggest mistake to hurt the people he loved so much. Besides, when Doctor Oct understood about construction from his works, he sacrificed by destroying his work. They were willing to die to protect the people. Khoirul Hasan / Rainbow: Journal of Literature, Linguistics and Cultural Studies 3 (1) (2014) 58 “Listen to me now”. Shouted Doctor Oct to her crab. “Listen to me now”. Shouted more. “Now, tell me how to stop it”. Spiderman said. “It can't be stopped, It's self-sustaining now”. Doctor Oct aware. “ Think!”. Spiderman shouted “Unless” “The river, drown it” spiderman to be run and Doctor Oct catch him. “I'll do it, my Rosie's dead, my dream was dead”. Oct cry “I will not die a monster!!”. He is destroy with his work. The Sinister Six (Spiderman’s enemies) had realized that the damage caused by the technology they made could destroy human race. The technology did not only hurt them but also other people. To pay for the damage, they were willing to sacrifice themselves to destroy the technology they made. Just like what Doctor Oct, Chameleon and Sinister Six gang did, after they realized that what they did was a criminal that destroyed the whole earth. Therefore, they sacrificed their soul to destroy their work so as to make the earth safe. The narrations that were formed in the novel between Spiderman and Sinister Six brought public opinion that Spiderman was good and Sinister Six was evil. (+) Good Spiderman (-) Evil Sinister Six gang In the hierarchy of binary opposition, the privileged was frequently positioned at the right side, in this case Sinister Six gang. While at the left side was the marginal, namely Spiderman. The deconstruction became: (+) Good Sinister Six gang (-) Evil Spiderman Based on the previous explanation, America had a superiority on military power, technology, etc. By American culture toward a highly strong power, then America acted arbitrary to minority groups. America considered that minority groups were weak groups and had to be conquered. The things America did were crime against humanity that should not be done by America. For example: discrimination to black people or Negro. Meanwhile, the military forces of non-America countries were not so strong but they were ready to help and maintain public stability. They protected their groups from regulations that made their position inferior in country life. Non-America countries had dreams to develop strong technology so as to be enjoyed by people. They created technology to compete with American power. The technology was created as a form of their disappointment toward America that always discredited weak groups. Therefore, by its superiority, America oppressed weak minority groups and eliminated the groups that disagreed the policy America made. The policy they made was just for strong groups, and it was authoritarian to people. While non-America countries, with their inferiority, they were able to protect their groups from ruler’s attack. Even they created new technology for the people, protected the people, and competed with the ruler (America). OPPOSITION BETWEEN LOYALTY AND REBELLION Narration work in a superhero character could not be separated from the costume worn. Costume was a self-identity or representation that reflected the character’s personality. Characters were considered strong when they wore costume, otherwise when they did not wear costume, they were considered as weak people who did not have any power. Costume had a power and also had a loyalty toward the people wearing it. The loyalty was shown in the costume maintenance and wearing it when it was needed. For Peter Parker, power was only a piece of shirt. It could be worn, it could also be hung. Even once he threw it away to the garbage and it costs only 100 dollar. Whereas it was a power shirt, a superhero loyalty in helping the people, he chose to take it off Khoirul Hasan / Rainbow: Journal of Literature, Linguistics and Cultural Studies 3 (1) (2014) 59 and throw away the loyalty symbol to attend his lover’s performance, Mary Jane Watson, rather than to help people in danger, and he chose not to wear it. But Doctor Oct was different. Actually he was a good person. He was a scientist who wanted to utilize his power for humanity. He considered power as an important thing so that he coiled his invention costume around his waist. Moreover, he also embedded the power into his spinal cord as loyalty symbol. He thought that by doing that, he could control the power by brain command flowing through nerves. He thought that to help people, he had to sacrifice himself, although if he had to die when using that device. Until his death, Doctor Oct still used Crab on his back. The same thing was also performed by Electro, Green Goblin, and Sinister Six gang because it was a loyalty symbol that had to be brought until death. The narrations that were formed in the novel between Spiderman and Sinister Six brought public opinion that Spiderman was loyal and Sinister Six was traitorous. (+) Loyal Spiderman (-) Traitorous Sinister Six gang In the hierarchy of binary opposition, the privileged was frequently positioned at the right side, in this case Sinister Six gang. While at the left side was the marginal, namely Spiderman. The deconstruction became: (+) Loyal Sinister Six gang (-) Traitorous Spiderman Based on previous explanation about superiority has impact to citizen live. America through the superiority forgets his loyalty to protect the public and maintain world peace. Through the authority, it was American colonialism with modern way to destroy the target countries. Americans attacked with ideology, economics, and military. This was done to perpetuate his power as a superpower. Meanwhile, Non-American countries want to create peace and security world. Through the creation new technology that they have created, they want to make a technology that can be used by its citizens. Technology that they have made to compete with America that it did not act arbitrary. Because each state must be faithful to protect its citizens and maintaining stability world. So what will be done America does not reflect his loyalty to protect its citizens. Americans always discriminate against black people, he also destabilize the international security through attacks against the Middle Eastern country. While Non-Americans wanted to create security for the community as well as international security. They created a new power to rival the United States. CONCLUSION Spiderman Secret of The Sinister Six with the theme superhero is phenomenal, such as books published by other media America. This novel is not only in relation between Spiderman and Sinister Six but also related to superiority between America and Non-American. Because of that, the writer is interested to analyze this novel to find another meaning of the formation from this novel, whether this novel represents the superiority of America or just fiction created by the author to establish a position of America power. Based on research and analysis conducted by the author of the statement of the problems, the result is: first, the novel represents Spiderman as American country, America as a Superpower country. The strength of America is formed through some aspects, such as; Military Power, Law Enforcement, Ideology, Technology, Economics, etc. Thus, America considered the Superpower countries. However, the superiority of its America became an authoritarian state against minorities and other countries. America through its military power dominates weaker countries. As well as their strength is supported by allies and the UNO. Second, Sinister Six represented as non- American. Non-American is considered to be as an association evil people, not obedient to regulations that are made by the Americans. They are always as a Khoirul Hasan / Rainbow: Journal of Literature, Linguistics and Cultural Studies 3 (1) (2014) 60 marginal group in international conference. But their inferiority (Non-American) in the world, they were trying to created technology or weapons defense system and war. They will create a tool to emulate the power owned by Americans. This work is to protect its citizens from regulations who are discredit their group. So this ficticious novel is made to strengthen and consolidate World's superpower had endured as America’s power. 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