MENGURAI TANDA, MENAFSIR MAKNA: ANALISIS SEMIOTIKA ROLAND BARTHES DALAM NOVEL DOMPET AYAH, SEPATU IBU KARYA J.S. KHAIREN

Abstract

This study analyzes the novel “Dompet Ayah, Sepatu Ibu” using Roland Barthes' semiotic approach to uncover the meaning behind the signs that appear in the text. With Barthes' theory, this study dissects three layers of meaning, namely denotation, connotation, and myth. At the level of denotation, wallets and shoes in the novel represent everyday objects with practical functions. At the level of connotation, these two objects reflect the emotional and social dynamics in the family, such as the role of the father as the breadwinner and the mother as the guardian of the household balance. Furthermore, through the concept of myths, this analysis reveals how these symbols shape broader cultural narratives regarding gender roles, patriarchal values, and social constructions of the ideal family. Thus, this study highlights how literary texts not only convey stories, but also shape and reproduce social meanings that are rooted in society.