CHAPTER I

This chapter presents the research background, problems, purposes, significance of the

study, scope and limitation, and definition of critical terms. Each section is shown as

follows.

1.1 Research Background

English literature is an integral part of our cultural heritage because it gives us a

unique world perspective. Literature also allows us to criticize the human condition,

including the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and identity. Reading and

analyzing literary works can help us develop critical thinking skills and communicate

more effectively. By learning literature, we can better understand the social, political,

and cultural conditions that have shaped our history. Thus, the meaning of literature in

readers’ lives is personal and unique to each individual (Fialho, 2019).

Despite the numerous benefits of studying literature, students may face difficulties

when learning English literature. One of the most significant difficulties learners face

is the complexity of the language itself. According to Alshammari, Ahmed, and Shouk

(2020), Because English literature contains ambiguous words, phrases, thoughts, and

intricate activities, EFL learners mistakenly believe that studying it is the most difficult

aspect of learning the language. Because each genre has its own norms and strategies

that call for additional interpretative and analytical abilities, learners may find it

difficult to understand various genres. Additionally, it was discovered that EFL

4
students had little interest in studying English literature because the majority of EFL

evaluation assignments disregarded the literature content (Alshammari, Ahmed, and

Shouk, 2020).

Figurative language is an essential tool in literature that helps writers convey

complex ideas and emotions creatively and creatively. The strong impact of figurative

language makes it widely applied in various types of communication (Ekasani, 2015).

Figurative language processing exerts costs relative to the processing of more literally

used expressions (Weiland, Bambini, Schumacher, 2014). According to Defisyani,

Hamzah, and Fitrawati (2018), figurative language is the use of words that make a

reader make a reasonable interpretation not only by seeing what the words refer to or

what it is said in the text but also by interpreting it from the context. It allows writers

to use metaphors, similes, personification, and other literary devices to make their

writing evident and engaging. Figurative language enables readers to connect with the

story and its characters on a deeper level, adding depth and complexity to the text.

Through figurative language, writers can paint a picture of the world they have created

and bring it to life in the reader's mind. Therefore, it is crucial to understand and

appreciate figurative language to appreciate the richness and beauty of literature fully.

However, one of the problems in learning literature is that students may find it

challenging to comprehend the figurative language used by writers. But since they both

essentially communicate the same message -that a term or expression is not meant to

be taken literally- figurative language can also be considered a form of symbolic

5
expression (Ekasani, 2015). Something that makes figurative hard to understand is

simply it is viewed as a phrase where the words together have a meaning different from

the dictionary definitions of the individual words. Using figurative language requires a

level of critical thinking and creativity that some students may not possess. It can also

be difficult for students who are not native speakers of the language in which the

literature is written to understand the nuances and cultural references inherent in the

text. Teachers need to use effective teaching strategies to help students develop the

necessary skills to understand and appreciate figurative language, such as teaching

them to identify and analyze literary devices, providing contextual information, and

encouraging students to use their creativity to interpret the text. Accordingly, literal

and figurative meanings should be processed equally fast (Weiland, Bambini,

Schumacher, 2014).

Figurative language is a crucial component of human communication. Sugiono

(2013), as cited in Nursolihat & Kareviati (2020), stated that literally, meaning

comprehension is necessary; it is not sufficient to grasp language structure and

pronunciation alone. According to Fajrin & Parmawati (2021), in the modern period,

people communicate in a variety of ways, including through literary works like novels,

poetry, and song lyrics, which often imply deeper meanings or employ metaphorical

language to convey the true meaning of the songs. It is crucial to study extended

language meanings and kinds. “The communication of ideas, emotions, and desires” is

what language is. He contends that language use reveals a variety of intricate details

6
about a speaker’s relationships and group affiliations. It implies that language is used

to communicate ideas, suggestions, or comments, whether written or spoken (Fajrin &

Parmawati, 2021). From everyday conversations to literary works, figurative language

allows us to convey complex ideas and emotions succinctly and powerfully. At the

same time, the literal meaning of words is confined to their dictionary definitions.

Figurative language can expand the possibilities of expression, allowing us to paint

vivid and evocative pictures with words. Studying the types and meanings of figurative

language is essential for effective communication and comprehension. Figurative

language provides a way to convey complex ideas and emotions through metaphors,

similes, personification, hyperbole, and idioms, each of which has unique effects on

communication. Through careful analysis of figurative language in literature and

everyday conversation, we can gain a deeper understanding of speakers' and writers'

underlying meanings and intentions. By mastering figurative language, we can become

more effective communicators and deepen our appreciation and understanding of the

world around us.

There are several research findings related to an analysis of figurative language in

Bruno Mars’s song lyrics, such as Fajrin & Parmawati (2021), Aryawan, Suarnajaya,

& Swandana (2019), Nurcitrawati, Kareviati, & Atmawidjaja (2019). Fajrin &

Parmawati (2021) investigate the figurative language found in the song "Grenade"

lyrics. The “Grenade" song is one of the songs in the "Doo-Wops & Hooligans" album

list. The findings revealed that Bruno Mars’s song entitled “Grenade” uses figurative

language, which includes repetition, hyperbole, and metaphor. Moreover, hyperbole is

7
the most figurative word in the lyrics. However, in this current study, the researcher

will analyze five songs in "Doo-Wops & Hooligans." Furthermore, Aryawan,

Suarnajaya, & Swandana (2019) examined the figurative language used in different

songs by Eminem and found that 136 symbolic languages are categorized into 12 types

of figurative language. Similes are the most common form of figurative language found

in the songs. The singer or songwriter uses similes in order to create images in listeners’

minds and explain the ideas, emotions, and pictures by comparing a thing or object

with another thing. Besides, Nurcitrawati, Kareviati, & Atmawidjaja (2019), who

focused on analyzing “Let It Go” from the film “Frozen” discovered that the lyrics of

the song contain five different forms of figurative language; personification, idioms,

hyperbole, similes, and alliteration. This study employed a qualitative descriptive

methodology. The song is a kind of show tune genre music, while in this current study,

the researcher will analyze Pop-Rock music.

1.2 Statement of Problem

Based on the research background above, the problems are stated as follows:

1. What types of figurative language are found in the song lyrics by Bruno Mars?

2. What is the connotative meaning of the figurative language used in the song lyrics

by Bruno Mars?

1.3 Research Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the types of figurative languages and

connotative meanings of figurative language that Bruno Mars uses in his songs.

8
1.4 Scope and Limitation

This research analyzes the lyrics of the music album "Doo-Woops &

Hooligans" by Bruno Mars, released in September 2010 under Atlantic and Elektra

Records. The data was obtained through an examination of the song lyrics. However,

it is essential to note that this study has a limitation as it solely concentrates on the

types and meanings of figurative language employed by Bruno Mars.

1.5 The Significance of the Study

The result of this research is expected to provide some benefits for those

studying language.

1. For students, it enables them to acquire a more profound comprehension of

figurative language, particularly metaphors, through written materials and music.

2. For teachers, it assists in offering diverse learning opportunities in literature,

making teaching the identification and interpretation of metaphors simpler.

3. For writers within the same genre or different genres, it offers a comprehensive

understanding of the utilization of figurative language, specifically metaphors, and

aids in their interpretation.

1.6 The Definition of Key Terms

1. Song is a musical arrangement that adds lyrics (texts); lyrics express the feelings

and thoughts of the songwriter in specific ways that are generally accepted” (Patria,

2013 as cited in Yastanti, Susilawati. 2020). In this study, a song is a musical

9
 composition consisting of vocal melodies or words as well as background music or

instrumental arrangements found in Bruno Mars’ songs.

2. Figurative language is a common component of everyday speech and interpersonal

communication. It is a type of language where words, sentences, and expressions

have meanings that are not literal. Figurative language obscures a word's true

meaning, produces a new linguistic style, and introduces ambiguity (Kalandadze,

Norbury, Nærland, and Næss, 2016). In this study, figurative language is a type of

expression and language in which words and phrases are employed in a way that

differs from their literal meaning, found in Bruno Mars’ songs.

3. Contextual meaning is the bearing of situational, social, and interpersonal factors

on interpreting a message or an action. In this study, contextual meaning is the

interpretation or understanding of the figurative language used in the song lyrics by

Bruno Mars.

4. Lyrics are the written words that make up the text of a song. They convey the song's

message, emotions, and storytelling elements. Lyrics are typically accompanied by

music and are sung or spoken by the vocalist or performers in a musical

composition. They play a crucial role in connecting the audience to the song's

theme, helping to evoke emotions, tell a story, express feelings, or convey a specific

message. In essence, lyrics are the poetic and linguistic component of a song that

complements the musical arrangement and enables the listener to engage with the

song's content on a deeper level. In this study, lyrics are the words or text of a song

that are composed to be spoken or sung in the song lyrics by Bruno Mars.

10