Knowing the Extrinsic Elements of Short Stories, the Key to Understanding the Meaning Behind the Story
YOGYAKARTA - The extrinsic element of short stories is an external factor that affects the content and meaning of a story. This element includes the author's background, social, cultural conditions, and values that affect the literary work.
By understanding the extrinsic element, readers can see the short story from a wider perspective. Not only the storyline, but also the context of life that underlies the birth of a work.
The Concept of Extrinsic Elements of Short StoriesIf the intrinsic elements are the things that build the story from within (or textual in the work itself), then the extrinsic elements of short stories are external factors that also influence the content and direction of the story.
Extrinsic elements play an important role because they are able to enrich the meaning, atmosphere, and moral message that the author wants to convey.
Well, by going through these elements, readers can understand the background of the writer's social, cultural, and personal life that also shapes the literary work.
If you are still confused and groping, summarized from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education UMSU, here are some important points of extrinsic elements that you need to know:
Functions and Types of Extrinsic Elements of Short StoriesExtrinsic elements have the main function to provide context and depth to the story. By understanding these external factors, readers can find out the reasons behind the author's choice of themes, characters, and conflicts.
In addition, extrinsic elements help explain how people's worldviews, social conditions, and community values can affect the content of literary works. Without understanding this element, the meaning of short stories can feel shallow and limited to the plot alone.
In general, the extrinsic elements of short stories are divided into three main parts, namely the background of society, the background of the author, and the values of life. The three of them are interrelated and have a great influence on the birth of a literary work.
The following is a more complete explanation of the various extrinsic elements in short stories:
Background of the CommunityThe background of the community describes the external situation where the writer lives and works. This includes the ideology of the state, political, social, and economic conditions at a certain time. For example, short stories written during the economic crisis often contain themes of the struggle for life or social inequality.
Background of the AuthorEach author brings his or her personal experience and views to the work. The author's background includes life history, education, experience, psychological conditions, to the influence of the literary stream that is adopted. For example, authors with a humanities education background tend to write works with a strong load of human values.
Values of LifeThe values contained in the short story are also part of the extrinsic element. These values can be moral, religious, social, and cultural values. Through these values, the author conveys a message or criticism of the reality of life in society, such as the importance of tolerance, honesty, or social concern.
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Examples of Extrinsic Elements of Short StoriesFor example, in the short story "Robohnya Surau Kami" by A.A. Navis, the extrinsic element is seen from the social conditions of the Indonesian community which is religious, but often neglects human values. The social background and moral values raised reflect the author's view of the behavior of the community in his time.
Thus, the extrinsic elements of short stories help readers understand literary works more deeply. External factors such as the background of society, the life of the author, and the values of life enrich the meaning of the story and show the relationship between literature and social reality.
By understanding this element, readers not only enjoy the story, but also capture the messages and reflections of life that the author wants to convey.
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