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Reconstructing Postcolonial Identity in Narnia through Myth, Imagination, and Secondary World Theory Rahmawati Azi; Herawaty Abbas; Muliyani Muliyani; Bahmansyur Bahmansyur
ELS Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities Vol. 9 No. 2 (2026): JUNE
Publisher : Hasanuddin University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.34050/els-jish.v9i2.50991

Abstract

This study examines The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as a transformative secondary world that reconstructs postcolonial identity through myth and imagination. While the novel is commonly interpreted as a Christian allegory, this research argues that Narnia also functions as a symbolic postcolonial space where identity, cultural sovereignty, and spiritual autonomy are reclaimed. The study applies Brian Attebery’s theory of secondary worlds alongside postcolonial perspectives from Edward Said, Homi K. Bhabha, and Frantz Fanon. Using a qualitative interpretive approach, the data were collected through close reading and textual analysis of the novel. The findings reveal that Narnia operates as a space of transformation where the Pevensie children reconstruct their identities and reclaim authority after experiencing alienation in the primary world. The study also finds that myth functions as a form of resistance against oppression through the symbolic conflict between Aslan and the White Witch. Furthermore, imagination in the secondary world enables the characters to redefine themselves beyond the limitations of colonial domination. The study concludes that The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe represents not only a fantasy narrative but also a postcolonial discourse of liberation, cultural renewal, and identity reconstruction through myth and imagination.
Critical Analysis of Sadness in “To Helen” by Edgar Allan Poe Bahmansyur Bahmansyur; Abbas Abbas; Rahmawati Azi; Muliyani Muliyani
ELS Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities Vol. 9 No. 2 (2026): JUNE
Publisher : Hasanuddin University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.34050/els-jish.v9i2.50992

Abstract

This study analyzes the representation of sadness in To Helen by Edgar Allan Poe. Although the poem is commonly interpreted as a celebration of beauty and classical ideals, this research argues that it also contains subtle expressions of emotional suffering, longing, and psychological alienation. The study aims to identify how sadness is constructed through imagery, symbolism, diction, tone, and idealization within the poem. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method using textual and interpretative analysis supported by psychological and biographical approaches. The primary data source is the poem itself, while secondary data are obtained from books, journal articles, and literary criticism related to Poe’s poetry and Dark Romanticism. The findings reveal that sadness in “To Helen” is expressed indirectly through emotional longing, escapism, nostalgia, and the idealization of beauty. The speaker’s emotional exhaustion and desire for refuge are reflected in classical imagery and symbolic language that portray Helen as an unattainable figure of comfort and perfection. Furthermore, the poem reflects characteristics of Dark Romanticism, particularly psychological conflict and emotional isolation. The study concludes that sadness in “To Helen” functions not only as an emotional theme but also as an aesthetic experience in which emotional pain is transformed into poetic beauty. Therefore, the poem demonstrates Poe’s ability to combine melancholy and artistic elegance through subtle and symbolic expression.