Jurnal Pembelajaran Bahasa dan Sastra
Vol. 5 No. 4 (2026): Juli 2026

The Past Trauma of Gunarto in the Drama Script Ayahku Pulang by Usmar Ismail

Herson Kadir (Prodi Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, Gorontalo, Indonesia)
Ita Ahyani (Prodi Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, Gorontalo, Indonesia)
Renita Guamo (Prodi Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, Gorontalo, Indonesia)
Lasmin Lamusu (Prodi Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, Gorontalo, Indonesia)
Adinda Lindiska Lahay (Prodi Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, Gorontalo, Indonesia)
Akbar Ntango (Prodi Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, Gorontalo, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study aims to describe the past trauma of the character Gunarto in terms of symptoms and the trauma recovery process as depicted in the play Ayahku Pulang by Usmar Ismail. The character’s trauma is examined because this play illustrates how traumatic childhood experiences influence a person’s psychological state into adulthood. The method used is a descriptive-analytical approach based on Herman’s perspective on literary psychology. The data source is the play Ayahku Pulang by Usmar Ismail, accessed via the Scribd website. The research data consists of excerpts from dialogue, narration, and actions that depict the symptoms of trauma and the recovery process of the character Gunarto. Data collection was conducted through reading and note-taking. Data analysis was performed by reading and understanding the data, then classifying the data Based on trauma symptoms and the trauma recovery process, this study describes the data found, analyzes the data according to the research focus, interprets the data, and draws conclusions. The results show that the character Gunarto experienced past trauma through three symptoms: intrusion, constriction, and hyperarousal. In addition, the trauma recovery process consists of three stages: rebuilding a sense of safety, remembering and grieving, and rebuilding a connection with life. The recovery process is evident through the character’s independence, the revelation of past suffering, and the emergence of remorse at the end of the story. This study demonstrates that literary works can be analyzed through the psychological issues experienced by the characters.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jp

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Other

Description

Jurnal PEMBAHAS (Pembelajaran Bahasa dan Sastra) [p-ISSN 2809-5367][e-ISSN: 2809-6355] has the aim to develop and disseminate science and technology through scientific articles on the results of research and study of concepts or theories in an effort to enrich the scientific realm in the field of ...