KETIDAKHADIRAN AYAH YANG TERCERMIN DALAM NOVEL “WOMAN AT POINT ZERO” KARYA SAADAWI = THE ABSENT FATHER AS REFLECTED IN SAADAWI’S WOMAN AT POINT ZERO

This research is a literary study that examines the issue of the absent father as reflected in Woman at Point Zero by Nawal El Saadawi. The study aims to explore how the absence of a father is portrayed in the novel and how this absence impacts the development of the main character, Firdaus, especially in the context of a patriarchal household. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method and applies a Structuralism approach, focusing on the intrinsic elements of the novel such as character, plot, setting, and theme. The primary data source of this study is the novel Woman at Point Zero. After analyzing the novel, the study finds that the absence of a father figure role significantly affects Firdaus’ life. Firdaus grows up in a patriarchal and abusive home where her father is emotionally and physically absent. This neglect leads to a lack of affection, emotional security, and guidance, which later influences her sense of self, decisions, and relationships. The novel reflects how patriarchal values support the idea that raising children is solely the mother's duty, allowing the father to abandon his role. This research concludes that the absence of a father in a patriarchal family structure can lead to serious consequences for a child’s personal growth and emotional well-being. In Firdaus’s case, it results in trauma, vulnerability to abuse, and a distorted sense of identity.

Keyword : Absent Father, Patriarchy, Structuralism Approach, Female Character.