Humanity Values in The Oyster and The Pearl and The Case of Crushed Petunias Drama

Abstract

This study aims at examining humanity values in drama scripts used as teaching materials in drama class. The use of drama scripts with humanity values was considered as the implementation of Indonesian education regulation about character building implemented from elementary to higher level of education in Indonesia. The source of the data are the drama scripts of The Oyster and the Pearl by William Saroyan and the Case of Crushed Petunias by Tenessee William. This study analysed the sentences and words in the narration and dialogue indicating humanity values, the theme, and conflict as data by referring to semiotic theory. This study used descriptive analytical study as a research method. The result reveals that these drama scripts have humanity values in terms of altruism,  honesty and integrity revealed by the main characters as shown by Harry, Ms. McCutcheon, the writer and Clark in the Oyster and the Pearl and Dorothy and the Man in the Case of Crushed Petunias, in responding to other characters conflict. The attitudes revealed by the characters indicate humanity values which help resolving the conflicts, and which also reflect good values in the drama.