SARCASM IN PUTU WIJAYA’S SHORT STORY GURU A THESIS

Abstract

ABSTRACT This thesis examines the use of sarcasm in Putu Wijaya's short story "Guru" Using a qualitative textual approach grounded in the sociology of literature and pragmatic theories of sarcasm, the study treats the story as primary data and supports interpretation with relevant secondary literature. The analysis identifies three interrelated causes of sarcastic expression in the text: psychological triggers rooted in fear and pride, emotional responses such as disappointment and anger, and contextual irony that reveals the gap between public praise for teachers and their actual social and economic position. The findings show that sarcasm performs at least three functions in the narrative. First, it serves as a form of social critique that exposes materialism and institutional hypocrisy. Second, it acts as a rhetorical strategy aimed at shaming or persuading characters into conformity. Third, it functions as a tool of character revelation that brings generational conflict and moral tension into sharper focus. The thesis concludes that Putu Wijaya uses sarcasm not merely to amuse but to provoke reflection about the value of education and the treatment of teachers. The study offers suggestions for further comparative research on sarcasm in modern Indonesian literature and implications for readers and educators.