The Production Materials Analysis of Popular Novel in Meniti Rindu

Abstract

It is generally known that the presence of popular novels in the local literary current is not a new phenomenon. However, since this novel genre began to be adapted by publishing companies into films and television dramas, there has been an explosion in its production. It is becoming more and more popular and continues to dominate the local novel sales market. However, popular novels are never free from criticism because they still adhere to the same writing formula. In fact, it is also said that it often puts women in a position that they do not deserve. Despite that, Affifudin Omar managed to prove otherwise through the writing of the popular novel Meniti Rindu (2013). The difference brought by Affifudin Omar especially in terms of issues makes this work different from other popular novels. Therefore, this paper acts to examine the production materials of popular culture novels in Meniti Rindu. It was implemented using the method of textual analysis of the novel Meniti Rindu based on the seven elements of popular culture novel production introduced by Deborah Hale (1999). The study found that, Affifudin Omar critically succeeded in using the seven materials as best as possible. Through carrying issues such as identity, apostasy, and so on, it continues to make Meniti Rindu a popular novel that is very different from those on the market. This study is important in showing the dynamics of the author to elevate popular novels to a better direction.