Universitas Negeri Medan Study Reveals Dominant Humanist Values in Victorian Classic Play Caste

Apriyani Multitach Publisher Sabtu, Agustus 22, 2026
FORMOSA NEWS

Personal sacrifice and social care serve as the primary drivers in dismantling rigid class barriers. This key finding was revealed by a research team from Universitas Negeri Medan—Aida Syahputri Sihombing, Mia Elbinaria Purba, Rosa Linda, Tita Grace Sianipar, and Syamsul Bahri—in a scientific study published in 2026 in the International Journal of Advanced Technology and Social Sciences (IJATSS). The study dissects inter-class dynamics in Thomas William Robertson's classic comedy-drama play, Caste (1867). This research provides empirical evidence on how humanist values are operationalized within theatrical literature to challenge social hierarchies and uphold human dignity.

Contextually, social structures during the Victorian era in England were marked by strict and discriminatory class divisions. The play Caste presents dramatic conflict when George D'Alroy, a nobleman and military officer, chooses to marry Esther Eccles, a ballet dancer from an impoverished background. The tension between class rules and individual freedom in this play reflects the struggle of human values when confronting rigid institutional authority.

The researchers from Universitas Negeri Medan utilized a descriptive qualitative method guided by Budi Hardiman's theoretical framework of humanism. The team conducted close reading and textual analysis of dialogues and character interactions within the script of Caste. These conversational excerpts were categorized and quantified across six core humanist indicators.

Empirical findings indicate that humanist values are manifested across 32 dialogue instances, with the following distribution:

  • Sacrifice (25%): Emerged as the most dominant value with 8 data points. Sacrifice acts as the main narrative engine, demonstrated when George willingly relinquishes his aristocratic standing to marry Esther, alongside Esther's resilience in preserving her honor despite poverty.
  • Caring for Others (20%): Accounted for 6 data points. This value is reflected through genuine concern and affection between characters regardless of class, such as Esther's gentle care toward her mother.
  • Appreciating Opinions (15%): Recorded 5 data points. This value appears when characters from different social strata listen to and respect one another's perspectives through open dialogue.
  • Cooperation (15%): Recorded 5 data points. This mutual commitment is illustrated by Esther and her sister Polly supporting each other to survive economic hardships.
  • Solidarity (15%): Recorded 5 data points. This collective unity is seen in George and Esther's shared resolve to stand firm against societal pressure.
  • Helping (10%): Accounted for 3 data points. This value manifests in practical assistance, such as Polly stepping in to help care for Esther's child during difficult times.

The implications of this study are highly relevant to literary studies, character education, and modern theatrical performance. The findings demonstrate that drama serves not merely as stage entertainment, but as an active platform for social negotiation and a humanistic laboratory. For academics and performing arts practitioners, this research offers both quantitative and qualitative insights showing that dialogue emphasizing empathy and sacrifice effectively conveys messages of moral equality to audiences.

This study from Universitas Negeri Medan reinforces that empathy, open dialogue, and social solidarity can erode deeply ingrained societal prejudices. As emphasized by Aida Syahputri Sihombing and her research team, the prominence of sacrifice in the narrative demonstrates that true human worth is not defined by birthright or wealth, but by moral integrity and the courage to uphold justice.

Author Profile

Aida Syahputri Sihombing, S.Pd., is a researcher in Literature and Drama at Universitas Negeri Medan. Her academic focus includes the analysis of humanist values, classical theater, and literary criticism. This study was co-authored alongside fellow researchers from Universitas Negeri Medan: Mia Elbinaria Purba, Rosa Linda, Tita Grace Sianipar, and Syamsul Bahri.

Research Source

 


Apriyani Multitach Publisher

Diposting oleh Apriyani Multitach Publisher

Posting Komentar

0 Komentar