Kondisi Sosial Masyarakat Inggris pada Abad ke-19 Seperti yang Terlihat dalam Novel Mansfield Park karya Jane Austen

INKA KHAIRUNNISA. Social Condition of English Society In 19th Century as Reflected in Jane Austen's Mansfield Park Novel (supervised by M. Amir P and Fathu Rahman).

This research investigates the differences in treatment received by the upper and the lower classes as well as the social conditions of English society during the 19th century as depicted in Jane Austen's Mansfield Park. The study aims to identify and analyze the the disparities in treatment between the upper and lower social classes and the social conditions in Austen's novel Mansfield Park. Employing the qualitative descriptive method alongside Lucien Goldmann's Genetic Structuralism approach, the research seeks to address the objectives comprehensively. The findings of this study delve into the differences in treatment experienced by the upper and lower classes in the novel. Notable themes include 1) condescension towards the lower class and 2) the exclusion of the lower class from social activities. Furthermore, the study illuminates prevalent social conditions within the novel, such as 1) marriage as a financial arrangement, 2) the educational gap, 3) social stratification, and 4) indirect references to the issue of slavery. A unique aspect of this research is its comparison of these themes with those in Indonesian society, particularly regarding the concept of marriage as a financial and social arrangement. This comparison highlights the universality of Austen's themes across different cultural contexts. The research underscores the importance of understanding the social conditions of 19th-century England, not only for historical and literary insight but also for its relevance to contemporary issues. By examining the societal norms and structures of Austen's time, the study offers valuable perspectives on the evolution of social inequality and human interactions, providing critical insights for students and scholars in the fields of literature, history, and sociology. This research is expected to enriche our comprehension of the socio-cultural landscape of the 19th century and its enduring influence on modern societies.