The myth of individual freedom reflected in the novel “the devil wears prada”

Oleh :
Yunindar Retno Putri - C0304059 - Fak. Sastra dan Seni Rupa

The research was mainly aimed to answer how the novel The Devil Wears Prada reflects the myth of individual freedom. The research was descriptive qualitative research of which the source of main data was the novel The Devil Wears Prada written by Lauren Weisberger. The main data of the research were dialogues, narration, comments, expressions, opinions, and characterizations of one main character; Andrea Sachs and one supporting character; Lily Goodwin and other characters which supported the analysis. The supporting data were taken from books and internet articles related to the novel which supported in answering the research question. The research was in the scope of American studies which is an interdisciplinary study. In answering the research question, the researcher used sociological and cultural approach. The research also provided the historical background of the myth of individual freedom and the theory of structure of the novel. After conducting the analysis, it is found that the characters reflecting the myth of individual freedom in the novel The Devil Wears Prada experience transformation in their life. Andrea Sachs, who in the middle is portrayed to challenge the mainstream society by becoming a career woman and ignoring her family finally realizes that she is not the same as Miranda, her boss. She defends her spirit of individual freedom and makes a choice in her life which tends to go along with the mainstream society’s values. She ignores her life career in Runway and goes back to her family. Lily Goodwin is also portrayed to challenge the mainstream society in defending her spirit of individual freedom. As an alcoholic her attitude is in contrast to the society’s values. However, in the end of the novel she is portrayed following the mainstream society’s values, by having alcohol counseling and rearranging her study. The myth of individual freedom encourages American people to be free in doing anything to pursue their dreams. However, the exercise of individual freedom often contradicts with another mainstream belief and value. A harmonious community that the society wants to achieve often makes the exercise of individual freedom contradict with the American democracy. Nevertheless, the beliefs and values embraced by the society eventually influence how a person should take an action upon this contradiction. As the novel is a popular culture product, it is created based on the society’s beliefs and values.