Deconstruction of Femininity in Islamic Boarding Schools in the Novel Hati Suhita by Khilma Anis: Work, Desire, Image, Symbol, and Beauty

Abstract

Gender issues in pesantren can be seen in both men and women. Femininity in pesantren is characterized by passivity to limit women's movement. In novels related to pesantren, the female figure is usually depicted as someone who ends up experiencing powerlessness. However, in the novel Hati Suhita, the author tries to describe women as intelligent, brave, critical, etc. The assumption that arises is that Khilma Anis deconstructs femininity. This study aims to identify and explain the deconstruction of femininity in Islamic boarding schools in the novel Hati Suhita by Khilma Anis. This research uses a critical analysis method with a postmodern feminism approach. There are five forms of deconstruction of femininity in the novel Hati Suhita, namely feminine work, feminine desire, feminine symbols, feminine image, and feminine beauty. Femininity is practiced by female and male characters. Deconstruction of femininity shows that femininity has advantages and disadvantages.