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HERO FIGURE IN POOR SOCIETY AS SEEN IN CHARACTER OF JAMES J. BRADDOCK IN MARC

CERASINI’S CINDERELLA MAN

AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS

Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra

in English Letters

By

CHRISTO SYLVANO

Student Number: 044214117

ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAMME DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS

FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY

YOGYAKARTA 2009

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There is nothing

Impossible for

God

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This thesis is dedicated to:

My Almighty and loving God,

Jesus Christ

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to give my biggest thank to my Almighty God, Jesus Christ

who has guided, taught, and given me strength to finish the thesis. I realized that I

could not finish this thesis without His help and His guidance during my hard

times and my good times. He gives me the opportunity to have this thesis done

and He showed how Mighty He is through my thesis until I realized that only by

His grace I can finish it.

I would like to give special thank to my precious family: Papa and Mama

who always pray and encourage me during the process of my thesis. My brother,

Evan who is always be my funny brother for me, Tiwi, my beautiful little sister,

and Phia, who always encourages me with her wise words.

I also would like give my specials thank to my advisor Dra. Theresia Enny

Anggraini, M.A. who are guiding me to finish this thesis with her patience and

her advices, and also I would like thank to my co-advisor M. Luluk Artika W.,

S. S. who gives suggestions and also corrections for the improvement of my

thesis.

I would like thank Mbak Ninik and English Letter Staff for the good

services that they gave during my academic years in the Department of English

Letters. I also thank Sanata Dharma Library Staff for the books that they

provided so that I could collect the data easily for my thesis writing.

My deep gratitude is goes to my best friends, Pikal, Bayu, Silvi, Tyas,

Asih, Vivi, and Riri. I am really grateful to meet all of you because you all taught

me the true meaning of friendship and brotherhood.

I would like to give my warmest thank to Jogjakarta Student Movement,

especially to Mas Bayu and Kak Ike for their advices and support to build

movement everywhere I live. I also thank for their prayers for my spiritual growth

and for happiness also joy we share together as one team.

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I would like to give my last thank to all my friends in PMK EFATA for the

laugh and happiness that I felt during my ministry in there and also the friendship

that you showed through the kindness and joy.

Christo Sylvano

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE……………………………………………………………. i APPROVAL PAGE……………………………………………………... ii ACCEPTANCE PAGE…………………………………………………. iii MOTTO PAGE………………………………………………………….. iv DEDICATION PAGE…………………………………………………... v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS…………………………………………….. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS……………………………………………….. viii ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………... x ABSTRAK……………………………………………………………….. xi LEMBAR PERNYATAAN PERSETUJUAN………………………… xii PERNYATAAN KEASLIAN KARYA………………………………... xiii

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION……………………………………… 1 A. Background of the Study…………………………………………. 1 B. Problem Formulation……………………………………………… 4 C. Objectives of the Study…………………………………………… 4 D. Definition of Term………………………………………………… 4

CHAPTER II: THEORETICAL REVIEW…………………………… 5

A. Review of Related Studies………………………………………... 5 B. Review of Related Theories……………………………………….. 9

1. Theories of Character and Characterization…………………… 10 2. Theories of Society……………………………………………. 13

a. Theory of Social Change………………………………….. 14 b. Theory of Social Problem…………………………………. 16

3. Theories of Heroism…………………………………………… 16 C. Review of Great Depression in United States and the Characteristics

of the Society in Great Depression………………………………… 19 D. Theoretical Framework……………………………………………. 22

CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY……………………………………... 24

A. Object of the Study……………………………………………….... 24 B. Approach of the Study……………………………………………... 25 C. Method of the Study……………………………………………….. 26

CHAPTER IV: ANALYSIS……………………………………………… 29

A. The Characteristics of James J. Braddock…………………………. 29 B. The Ways James J. Braddock is Accepted as the Hero Figure ……. 45

a. Unbreakable Figure in Leading Himself, Family, and His Condition 47 b. Undefeated Figure in Influencing Poor Society through Unity and

Strength…………………………………………………………. 51 C. The Significances of James J. Braddock as a Hero Figure …………. 56

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a. Inspiration given by James J. Braddock to Poor Society of Great Depression………………………………………………………. 57

b. The Impossible Thing Defeated by James J. Braddock in Great Depression………………………………………………………. 59

c. Sacrificing Himself to Inspire the Poor Society of Great Depression 62

CHAPTER V: CONCLUSION……………………………………………. 66 BIBLIOGRAPHY………………………………………………………….. 71 APPENDIX…………………………………………………………………. 73

The Summary of Cinderella Man……………………………………….. 73

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ABSTRACT

CHRISTO SYLVANO (2009). HERO FIGURE IN POOR SOCIETY AS SEEN IN CHARACTER OF JAMES J. BRADDOCK IN MARC CERASINI’S CINDERELLA MAN. Yogyakarta: Department of English Letters, Faculty of Letters, Sanata Dharma University.

This thesis discusses a novel entitled Cinderella Man which was written by Marc Cerasini. This novel was written based on the movie Cinderella Man which won 4 awards. This novel tells about the struggle of James J. Braddock as a boxer and also as a father in Great Depression era. These struggles bring him to the Heavyweight Championship which makes him become the hero figure of people in Great Depression. Therefore, this thesis focuses on the significance and role of the hero figure that can change the way of thinking in Great Depression poor society through his struggle for his dream and his family, also for everyone.

This thesis has three objectives. The first objective is finding out the characteristics of James J. Braddock. The second objective is to identify the ways James J. Braddock is accepted as a hero figure in poor society of Great Depression. The last objective is finding out the significances of James J, Braddock as the hero figure in his society.

The writer conducts library research to collect the data for the thesis. The writer also uses the data from the internet and the books of literature which are connecting the topic and the novel. In doing the analysis, the writer takes three steps. The writer uses the socio-cultural historical approach to analyze the problems because the thesis is really connected with the condition and characteristics of the poor society in Great Depression, also the history of Great Depression itself with the effects that it is caused.

The analysis results three matters. First, the characteristics of James J. Braddock are responsible, honest, charitable, brave, modest, unbreakable and inspiring. These can be seen from James action and other characters action. Second, James J. Braddock is accepted as a hero figure because of his unbreakable characteristic in leading himself, family, and his condition to face the crisis and his undefeated characteristic to influence the poor society through the unity in the family and giving strength to society. Third, the first significance of James is giving inspiration to the poor society of Great Depression. The second significance is defeating the impossible thing in Great Depression and the last significance is sacrificing himself to the poor society of Great Depression because the fight he takes is not about his fight anymore but it is about everyone’s fight.

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ABSTRAK

CHRISTO SYLVANO (2009). HERO FIGURE IN POOR SOCIETY AS SEEN IN CHARACTER OF JAMES J. BRADDOCK IN MARC CERASINI’S CINDERELLA MAN. Yogyakarta: Jurusan Sastra Inggris, Fakultas Sastra, Universitas Sanata Dharma.

Skripsi ini membahas sebuah novel berjudul Cinderella Man yang ditulis oleh Marc Cerasini. Novel ini ditulis berdasarkan film Cinderella Man yang memenangkan 4 penghargaan. Novel ini menceritakan tentang perjuangan James J. Braddock sebagai seorang petinju and juga seorang ayah pada era Depresi hebat. Perjuangan-perjuangan ini membawa dia kepada Kejuaraan Kelas berat yang membuat dia menjadi pahlawan dari orang-orang di Depresi hebat. Oleh karena itu, skripsi ini berfokus kepada fungsi dan peran seorang pahlawan yang dapat mengubah cara berpikir masyarakat miskin di Depresi hebat melalui perjuangannya untuk mimpinya dan keluarganya, juga semua orang. .

Skripsi ini memiliki tiga permasalahan. Permasalahan pertama adalah menemukan karakteristik dari James J. Braddock. Permasalahan kedua adalah mengidentifikasi cara-cara James J. Braddock diterima sebagai tokoh pahlawan didalam masyarakt miskin Depresi hebat. Pemasalahan kedua adalah menemukan fungsi-fungsi James J. Braddock sebagai pahlawan di dalam masyarakatnya.

Penulis melakukan studi pustaka untuk mengumpulkan data bagi skripsi ini. Penulis juga menggunakan data dari internet dan buku-buku sastra yang berhubungan dengan topik dan novel. Dalam mengerjakan analisis, penulis melakukan tiga langkah. Penulis menggunakan pendekatan sejarah, budaya dan masyarakat untuk menganalisa permasalahan-permasalahan karena skripsi ini sangat berhubungan sekali dengan kondisi dan ciri khas masyarakat miskin di masa Depresi hebat, juga Depresi hebat sendiri dengan akibat-akibat yang disebabkannya.

Analisa menghasilkan tiga hal. Pertama, karakteristik James J. Braddock adalah bertanggung jawab, jujur, penyayang, pemberani, rendah hati, tak mudah menyerah dan menginspirasi. Hal-hal ini dapat dilihat dari tindakan-tindakan James dan tindakah tokoh-tokoh yang lain. Kedua, James J. Braddock diterima sebagai pahlawan karena sifat yang tak mudah putus asa dalam memimpin dirinya, keluarga, dan kondisinya untuk menghadapi krisis dan sifat yang tak terkalahkan untuk mempengaruhi masyarakat miskin melalui kesatuan di keluarga dan memberikan kekuatan kepada masyarakat. Ketiga, fungsi James yang pertama adalah memberikan inspirasi kepada masyarakat miskin di Depresi hebat. Fungsi kedua adalah menaklukkan hal yang mustahil di masa Depresi hebat dan fungsi yang terakhir adalah mengorbankan dirinya untuk masyarakat miskin di Depresi hebat karena pertarungan yang dia pilih bukanlah mengenai pertarungannya lagi tetapi mengenai pertarungan semua orang.

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CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

In this world, many problems that people must face in their life, but many

people’s want to run from their problems, they think when they run from them,

they can be free, but this philosophy is absolutely wrong, the only way to be free

from the problems is facing them, and the people who can stand from their

challenges or problems is called “a winner”. What is a hero? Dr. Andrew

Bernstein stated the definition of hero, “an individual of elevated moral stature

and superior ability who pursues his goals indefatigably in the face of powerful

antagonist(s). Because of his unbreached devotion to the good, no matter the

opposition, a hero attains spiritual grandeur; even if he fails to achieve practical

victory” (The philosophical foundation of heroism by Dr Andrew Bernstein). The

heroes will face any obstacles that stand in front of them, no matter how hard

these obstacles are, they never surrender to get what they dream for, they will

sacrifice their importance for the sake of other people that need their help. The

heroism is timeless. When a person does something truly heroic he becomes

mythical or larger than life. Once a person earns such a status it remains forever as

a testimony to that individual’s accomplishment.

James J. Braddock is a hero for poor society in New York when this

country faced a disaster time called “Great Depression”. He inspired many people

in New York through his struggle when he must faced many problems in his life,

he must feed his wife and his three children, he must be a good husband and a

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good father for his family, beside that he must choose between his old life as a

boxer or his family. As poor people, it was very easy to give up and run away

from the problems, but that thought never crossed in James J. Braddock’s mind, as

a poor people, he can prove to all American people, that James J. Braddock never

surrender to his challenges and problems, but he can become a hero for them, the

poor people and also for his family.

The reason the writer chooses this topic because the writer want to show

the significances and role of a hero figure that can change the condition,

paradigm, and the way of thinking in a society. For example, James J. Braddock

became the hero who changed the way of thinking of Great Depression’s society

and raised their spirit to struggle for their dream by showing the values of a

winner to them. Mahatma Gandhi became the hero figure for Indian people

because of his teachings which taught to pay crime with goodness and love; he

also raised the nationality of Indian people by telling to his society to use the

product of Indian country itself. Everyone needs a leader in their society to make

them becomes a strong and tough society which can face every problem that

society faces. My reason is based on one challenging quotation by a great Indian

and Maharashtrian, B.R. Amberkar in his famous lectures in 1943.

"Who can be called a Great Man?" he asked and replied: "A man is Great because he finds a way to save Society in its hour of crisis. He can do so only with the help of intellect" and sincerity of purpose. "A Great Man must be motivated by the dynamics of a social purpose and must act as the scourge and the scavenger of Society." A man who spreads hate and extols violence cannot be called "Great". (www.hinduonnet.com. August 26th

2008)

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Therefore, the writer really challenged to show the significance and role

of hero figure in a society which can change the life of society. How the hero

changes way of thinking, paradigm, and the condition of society, what makes a

person can become a hero and what does his contribution to society as the

scavenger of society.

This topic is worthy for the writer because the writer talked about the

hero figure in the society who has been depressed greatly by the economy crash,

this hero felt the same condition like they have, but he could do something

impossible to do at that time, and he did that in the condition that the society have,

poverty. The society’s life was suddenly changed by Great Depression. Their hope

was taken from them, and the only thing they have was family, but the desperation

really influenced their way of thinking and their point of view to face their life.

This created the desperate society in a big country, America, but, in someone’s

life, they saw hope, spirit, and victory. That person was James J. Braddock. He

made the differences in this society by showing the spirit to struggle, the unity of

family, and he also showed his strong hope to win his battle, battle of life.

“The hardest game was the game of life” like Joe Gould said, manager of

James J. Braddock. I think we agree with this statement, life will make us crying,

but we must keep moving forward even many challenges we must face, and a hero

will not give up with this challenge. James J. Braddock has proven to American

people that he can be a hero when he did not surrender to his fate as a poor people.

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B. Problem Formulation

1. What are the characteristics of James J. Braddock?

2. How is James J. Braddock accepted as hero figure in Great

Depression’s poor society as reflected in the novel?

3. What are the significances of James J. Braddock as the hero figure in

Great Depression’s poor society as reflected in the novel?

C. Objectives of the Study

The objectives of my study are based on the problem formulation the

writer wrote above, the first objective is to find out the characteristic of James J.

Braddock in the story of Marc Cassini’s Cinderella Man, the second objective is

to identify the ways of James J. Braddock’s accepted as a hero in poor society in

Great Depression, and the last objective is to find out the significances of James J.

Braddock as the hero figure in his society.

D. Definition of Term

Hero

The definition of hero is taken from Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

which is stated that a hero is a person, especially man, who is admired by

many people for doing something brave or good. (Hornby, 2000: 636)

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CHAPTER II

THEORETICAL REVIEW

A. Review of Related Studies

The Cinderella man by Marc Cerasini was adapted from the movie with

the same title. This novel told about the boxer, James J.Braddock who has

defeated by the Great Depression time. He lost everything, including his famous

and wealth. The only thing that Great Depression could not take was the unity of

his family. James loved his family so much, and he was the hero and a father for

his family. This novel not only talked about the winning and pride of James J.

Braddock, but also told about the faces of people who struggle in Great

Depression, the faces of men who were desperate, the faces of children who could

not get food every day, and the faces of struggle people to keep alive. This

statement is stated by Rev. Dr. Mark D. Roberts who said in Cinderella Man:

Some reflection:

“Many of the faces in Cinderella Man are nameless. They're the faces of men caught in the web of the Great Depression: faces of fathers who can't provide for their children, of men who would love to work but can't find anything of men who are willing to be in order to feed their families. These faces aren't merely the backdrop of Cinderella Man. In many ways they are the real story in which the fantastic tale of Jim Braddock is merely a chapter” (www.markdroberts.com. February 14th

2008)

Rev. Dr. Mark D Roberts said that James J. Braddock just a part of the

real stories that happen in Great depression, the people especially men felt the

same feeling like James J. Braddock, they felt poverty when they could not

provide for their children, desperation when they could not get job, pain and

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loneliness when they could not feed their families. James J. Braddock has the

same problem.

Madelyn M. Ritrosky Winslow in her article Cinderella Man: Potrait of a

Folk Hero which comments about the movie “Cinderella Man” said that James J.

Braddock who was played by Russel Crowe was the representation of folk hero

and honorable family man who did everything with integrity in hard times. This

stated in the following:

Like so many film bios about great names, it’s the great man the film is most interested in. And Russell Crowe gives us the boxing champion, folk hero, and determined, honorable family man who not only inspired many, including Damon Runyon who coined the label Cinderella Man, but did so with integrity in hard times. (www.emol.org/film/archives/cinderellaman. October 7th

2008)

Dan Blankenship the author of the suspense novel THE RUNNING GIRL

(Exposing the Spiritual War against Christianity) said in his review about the

novel Cinderella man in the following

“Cerasini manages to bring the reader into the Braddock home, experiencing the closeness of this family that experienced tragedy and triumph on a roller-coaster type schedule. It was amazing how fast I read through this book. I couldn't get enough information about this inspiring family.” (www.Amazon.com/review. February 14th

2008)

The Cinderella man has a strong point about the unity of family,

everything that James did; he did that only for his family, even when he must back

again to the ring. The family in this book was very poor family but in their

poverty they tried to keep the value or the unity of the family itself, because that it

is their precious treasure, for Mae and James, their children were their invaluable

treasure, and the contrary.

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Cinderella man was given by Damon Runyon, the sport news reporter as

the call name to James J. Braddock, the reason he gave that name to James,

because James was taunted, underestimated, and lose his pride in Great

Depression but he did not gave up, even he could show to all people in America

that he could rose from the darkness to the light, and became the champion, it is

same like the Cinderella story which tell about the rich girl who became poor but

she could became a queen because of her generosity and patience. The Hollywood

film maker, Ron Howard, who brought the story of James J. Braddock into the

movie, stated this comment in the following:

“This film gave me a chance not only to get into the 1930s boxing ring, but also to take audiences on a ride with a man whose life quite suddenly changed from a nightmare of pure survival into a fairy tale of the most inspiring proportions.” (www.Mursphplace.com. February 14th

2008)

Ron Howard stated that he saw the miracle in James’s life when he did

not quit; he saw the man with a nightmare life could change it into a fairy tale;

Cinderella has a miracle in her life, from nightmare into the light, James j.

Braddock was same, he has the nightmare but he could change that into the light,

so the Cinderella man was the great name for him.

The Cinderella man, James J. Braddock also became the “national hero”,

he was not only the national hero, but also he was the hero for his people, Irish.

Irish was minority in America, they hope for respected place in America, but

because many Irish was Catholic and Americans were Protestant, they were often

not respected in America, but Irish people showed their capability in literature.

Irish-American people thought Braddock not only as the symbol of hero but also

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as the part of them. Lawrence J. McCaffrey from Loyola University of Chicago

stated this in the following:

“Braddock, labeled the "Cinderella Man," became a national hero, representative of Great Depression victims and survivors. But to Irish Americans, Braddock was more than a symbol of under-pressure fortitude; he was one of them, the man who wore a bright green shamrock on his boxing trunks.” (www.homepage.eircom.net. February 14th

2008)

The studies above about the Cinderella Man were about the family, the

national hero, and the faces of Braddock as a father and himself, and the miracle

of Braddock’s life. My study for this undergraduate thesis is about the hero figure

in Great depression poor society that can be seen in character of James J.

Braddock, other studies said that he was the “National hero of Great Depression”,

the term “National Hero” is too general, that is the writer think that this topic

develops the study of Cinderella man not as the “national hero” but as the hero in

his society, poor society.

The reason the writer is sure that this topic is different with the previous

study because this study is more specific, and the previous study is too common, it

is about the national hero. This study will look deep inside to the main character’s

life and the characteristics of Great Depression’ society, how he becomes the hero

in his family and society, how he as a hero influences the society in that time to

get their hope, to fight for what they dream for, to show that faith, love, and unity

in the family are the most powerful weapon to face the darkest time in America,

not only for his country, not only as the national hero, but also as the hero figure

in his neighborhood and his family. The writer shows the development by

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specified the term “hero” and explains what kind of society that thought he is the

most influence hero.

The topic develops these studies based on the characteristics of James J.

Braddock, the significances of James as hero figure, and the condition of Great

Depression’s society; the study of family and honorable family man also as the

folk hero by Dan Blankenship and Madelyn M. Ritrosky will be developed with

the analysis of James J. Braddock’s characteristic. The study before just comment

on the closeness of family without knowing the cause of this closeness, through

characterization of James, we will know what makes this family so close.

The study of miracle of life and faces will be developed by explaining the

ways James becomes the hero in Great Depression’s poor society. The study by

Ron Howard talks about the life of James which changes from dark to light and

the faces of James by Rev. Dr. Mark D Roberts states that these faces are same

with the other people in Great Depression. The topic will show the history of dark

life until the bright life of James and the faces of James that are different and same

with the other poor people in Great Depression.

B. Review of Related Theories

This thesis has three problems to be discussed. Each of these problems

has different theories to answer the problem. The writer uses three theories; they

are the theory of character and characterization, the theory of society, and the

theory of heroism.

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1. The Theory of Character and Characterization

Hans. P Guth and Gabriele L. Rico in Discovering Literature: stories,

poems, play divided the characters into 2 kinds of character, these characters are:

Flat characters are the characters that have a one-track personality: such

one-dimensional characters are common in popular fiction and make easy

recognition. Round characters are kind of characters which has the combinations

of traits that make real people complicated and at times infuriating. They may be

loyal to a person or a cause-with their loyalty tempered by private doubts. (Guth

and Rico, 1997: 70)

X.J Kennedy and Dana Gioia in Literature: an introduction to fiction,

poetry, and drama gave the definition about flat character and round character.

They stated that flat character is the character that has only one outstanding trait

or feature, or at most a few distinguishing marks. This character tends to stay the

same throughout the story and the round character is the character who presents us

with more facets, their author portray them in greater depth and in more generous

details. This character is often change, it learns or become enlightened, grows, or

deteriorates. (Kennedy and Gioia, 1999: 61)

Robert C Meredith and John D. Fitzgerald in their book Structuring your

novel: from basic idea to finished manuscript stated the theory of characterization:

“Characterization in the traditional novel is the use to which each character puts the traits with which he or she is endowed”. (Meredith and Fitzgerald, 1972: 106)

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They explained that the novelist or the author of the story employed four

groups of traits to characterize:

a. Those formed by heredity and environment: general traits

The general traits are divided into 4 categories: universal general traits

which are these traits common to all human beings, for example, human has two

legs, two eyes, and so on. Nationalistic general traits which these traits show the

nationalistic influences on main characters which are used to explore them.

Regional general traits are the traits which are based on the geographical locations

and certain regional those are employed by the writer to characterize. Group

general traits are the traits that arise from various grouping of people, chiefly the

grouping of profession, vocation, job, or trade. These are four categories are used

by the novelist or the author to characterize. (Meredith and Fitzgerald, 1972: 107)

b. Those expressed in the physical make-up of the person: Physical traits.

We associate certain physical characteristics with mental, moral, and

emotional traits. The physical trait is an effective and concrete. (Meredith and

Fitzgerald, 1972: 109) Way of indicating other traits, such as general, personal, or

emotional ones. If, during a novel, a character is going to perform some feat of

strength which would reveal him as being a brave man, the novelist would let the

reader know beforehand that the character is physically able to perform such a

feat.

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c. Those found in the social or ethical aspect of the individual: personal

traits

These are the traits that permit us to distinguish individuals from one

another. They identify men or women as possessing certain social and ethical

qualities. (Meredith and Fitzgerald, 1972: 109-110)

d. Those discovered in the mental or psychological cast of the individual:

emotional traits.

Our emotional traits stem from our general, physical, and personal traits.

We know the feeling of pain because it is a universal trait of our bodies. We know

the emotion of patriotism because it is a nationalistic trait, and if we are born ugly,

we must have some emotional attitude about it as a physical trait. (Meredith and

Fitzgerald, 1972: 110-111)

Robert W. Boynton and Maynard Mack in Introduction to the short story

explained the way a writer revealed the characters in the novel, the characters can

be revealed based on: a) the action: Stories show characters in action. Therefore,

the most obvious method for revealing the character is through what a person

does. b) The word: Another way of revealing what people are like is to show what

they say. c) The thinking: A writer may also reveal the character of people by

showing what they think. For example, we learn about the characters’ passion,

precision, caution, and self-control primarily through their own reflections on

what is going on. d) The comment of others to the characters: Much can be shown

about a character by the way others react to him, or by what they say about him. e)

The reaction of characters to their surroundings: One of the commonest ways to

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reveal the character is to show how a person reacts to his surroundings-to things

and places. f) The direct description or explanation: A final method of character

revelation is through direct description or explanation by the author. It is a

separate way of portraying character, since an author is, after all, in complete

control of everything that goes into his story. (Boynton and Mack, 1965: 27-30)

2. Theory of Society

Peter I. Rose in his book The Study of Society: an Integrated Anthology

said that the society is the group of people who live in total common life, thus the

society not only talk about individuals related to one another but it also talks about

the interconnected and overlapping groups. This statement is stated in the

following:

Society, then, is that group within which men can live a total common life, rather than an organization limited to some specific purpose or purposes. From this point of view a society consists not only of individuals related to one another, but also of interconnected and overlapping groups. (Rose, 1977: 90)

The society cannot be apart from the culture although both of them are

different, it happens because human society cannot exist without culture and

culture exists only within society. Therefore, according to Peter I. Rose in Theory

of Society: an Integrated Anthology said that culture is the complex whole which

includes knowledge, laws, arts, and other capabilities also habits acquired by

people in society. This statement can be seen below:

Culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as member of society. (Rose, 1977: 91)

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The social change also become the important study in society. Social

change is any change in the structure of society or a change in the organization of

a society. Robert A. Nisbet in Peter I. Rose’s book, The Study of Society: An

Integrated Anthology said that the social change has several factors that affected

it, they are: 1) Crisis: a relationship between human being and environment

precipitated by the inability of human being (or social group or organization) to

continue any longer in some accustomed way of behavior. 2) Event: a happening,

an occurence which takes place in time and in setting (p.601-605)

Robert said that the change must be associated with some form of crisis,

no matter what kind of change it is, because if we wish to consider change in

contrast to mere action and interaction, or minor adaptation, we dare not to omit

the element of crisis.

The first point to be made about change is that wherever it exist in the substantial degree, it is associated with some form of crisis. But if we wish to consider change, in contrast to mere action and interaction, or minor adaptation, we dare not omit the element of crisis. The study of change cannot be separated from the study of events, but, wish as we might, we cannot understand social change apart from consideration of events—even if our consideration must always be retrospective and historical rather than analytical or systematic. (Rose, 1977: 601-606) The social change cannot be separated from the events because it is

impossible to learn social change without considerations of events, even if our

considerations must always be retrospective and historical rather than analytical or

systematic.

Robert divided event into two parts, they are the single event, an event

that may by virtue of its crucial impact alter one’s whole career or life, and a

major event, an event that can also alter the character of an entire nation or

15

culture. Event itself is not a change but it is a happening, an occurence that cannot

separated from change, because in daily life, human will see and experience

events in their life.

Bruce J. Cohen in his book, Introduction to Sociology, stated another

factor that influences the social change, that is the leadership. He said that the

social changes are often initiated by the charismatic leaders because they are able

to attract large followings to follow them. This statement can be seen below:

Social changes often initiated by charismatic leaders because they are able to attract large followings who will join with them in social movements. Examples of charismatics leaders include Martin Luther King, Gandhi, and Jesus Christ. Each of the movements associated with the above three individuals succeeded because their followers believed deeply in them and the cause they were leading. (Cohen, 1979: 206)

This statement also supported with the statement of Robert A. Nisbet in

Study of Society: An Integrated Anthology. He said when the crisis happened, the

control which handle the environment will lost temporarily, and the attention was

awakened in the circumstances of crisis and change will took place. In the time of

crisis, and as the element of change with large numbers of persons who holding

the old ways often resulted innovation-minded individuals or elites to come to the

top. Robert statement stated in the following:

The sporadic, the intermittent, as well as the crisis-born nature of change is well illustrated by the contrast between the many who, for the most part, suffer the inconvenience or even the disaster of the old, and the few, usually a very few, persons who see crisis as a sole opportunity for needed change and who possess the personal powers of accomplishing it. Crisis lay behind the assumption of power by Augustus in Rome at the end of the first century B.C and then the momentous conversion of the Republic into empire. (Rose, 1977: 604)

16

The society will have many difficulties and problems in living with each

others; one of the problems is social problems. Francis E. Merrill and H.

Wentworth Eldredge said in Culture and Society: an Introduction to Sociology

that social problems are the result of social change and cultural lag. This is stated

in the following:

Social problems are the result of social change and cultural lag. Social problems reflect the disparity in rate of change between the elements of society, especially that between behavior and the values that define it. (Merrill and Eldredge, 1953: 517)

Francis E. Merrill and H. Wentworth Eldredge also stated that the social

problem is a condition believed to threaten a social value and conceived to be

capable of change by constructive social action. This definition can be seen

below:

We may therefore define a social problem as a condition believed to threaten a social value and conceived to be capable of change by constructive social action. (Merrill and Eldredge, 1953:517)

There are three elements of social problems according to Francis E.

Merrill and H. Wentworth Eldredge, they are: 1) the social situation. 2) the value

of judgment. 3) the appropriate social action. Only when these constituents exist

do we have a social problem.

3. The Theory of Heroism

Dr. Andrew Bernstein in his article about the nature of heroism defines a

hero as an individual of elevated moral stature and superior ability who pursues

his goals indefatigably in the face of powerful antagonist(s). This statement is

stated in the following:

17

“A hero is an individual of elevated moral stature and superior ability who pursues his goals indefatigably in the face of powerful antagonist(s). Because of his unbreached devotion to the good, no matter the opposition, a hero attains spiritual grandeur; even if he fails to achieve practical victory. Notice then the four components of heroism: moral greatness, ability or prowess, action in the face of opposition, and triumph in at least a spiritual, if not a physical, form”. (www.mikementzer.com. May 8th

2008)

There are some characteristics or the conditions to be a hero according to

Dr. Andrew Bernstein, those are:

a. The hero must create good values

b. The hero is someone who defends the creator from evil, because the

creator has made human life possible.

c. The hero must have ability and intellectual ability

d. The hero can fight every struggle that he/she faces

e. The hero is the man who lets no obstacle prevent him from pursuing the

values he has chosen.

Beverly Ann Schlack and Roger R. Rollin told that the hero is marked by

courage, nobility of purpose or special achievement in the face of danger and

death. They also said that the heroes have various motivations. For example,

mythical heroes’ motivation is seeking fame and glory, and the everyday hero

motivation just to survive the adverse condition or situation. Thus, all heroes have

some quest or mission to accomplish.

It is this focused command of self which makes the hero so fascinating to

us. Roger R. Rollin explains this using Freudian term. His explanation can be seen

below:

18

The ego of the hero is in unquestioned command and the conflict between the conscious and the unconscious is at a minimum. That is why we identify with the hero and our self-image and sense of autonomy is strengthened. Our identity is bolstered and we feel better able to deal with the reality. Heroes can serve a therapeutic function in this sense. (www.kolumbus.com. August 26th

2008)

It means that the hero has their own conflict which is minimum between

their conscious and unconscious and the unquestioned command of the hero is

their mission which cannot be disturbed or intercepted by anyone, that is why

Roger R. Rollin said that the ego of the hero is in unquestioned command of the

hero.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said in his 8th

He said that a hero always sure that the things he/she does is the highest

deed. A hero also always learns from the mistake in order to make the things he

does become success, or become harmony with his/her acts. A hero must have

self-trust in himself/herself. A hero never sells/sacrifices his/her justice and

his/her nobleness. The hero’s way and action cannot be weakened and the times of

hero are the times of terror. (

essay which talked about heroism,

the characteristics of a hero and what the heroism is. He said that the heroism is

obedience to a secret impulse of an individual’s character. In this essay about

heroism, Ralph Waldo also explained the characteristics of a hero. These

characteristics which are according to Ralph Waldo Emerson can be seen below.

www.rwe.org/works/Essays-1st series_08_heroism.

October 23rd

2008)

19

Those theories above have the same characteristics about heroism and a

hero. These characteristics which writer finds from these theories that are heroes

do noble missions and they must be have obstacles or terror in their way to

achieve victory but they do not let these obstacles and terrors prevent them to

achieve the goal of their mission.

C. Review of Great Depression in United States and the Characteristics of

Society in Great Depression.

The novel Cinderella man by Marc Cerasini took place in United States

when the financial crisis named “Great Depression” happened. The “Great

Depression” was the worst economic disaster in America; it did not only happen

in America, it also happened in Europe, especially Britain. The Great Depression

happened in 1929, as the result of Crash in America. Based on the book of Samuel

Elliot Morison, The Oxford History of American People the cause of Great

Depression was the spectacular drop which happened on 23th October during the

last hour of trading, and on 24th October, the day which was known as “Black

Thursday” happened, on this date almost 13 million shares changed hands, on 28th

and 29th

“The stock market had already begun to act queerly. On 23 October there was a spectacular drop during the last hour of trading, and the 24

October the crash were getting worse until 13 November, the Stocks

reached new lows. This book stated in the following:

th

, when almost 13 million shares changed hands, became known as “Black Thursday”. Spokesmen for bankers and brokers insisted that the worst was over, but 28 and 29 October were even more terrible days, from which there was no recovery. Stocks reached new lows on 13 November.” (Morison, 1965: 940).

20

Nelson Malfred Blake in his book, a short history of American Life stated

that the Great Depression resulted many unemployed, the number of unemployed

was estimated reaching ten million or more in 1932 and as high as fifteen million

in the spring of 1933. (Blake, 1952: 586)

The societies in America when the time of Great Depression was very

poor, they have the varied impact on their life which make them suffer from day

to day. They got lacked of food, clothing, and shelter. Few people died of

starvation, and many did not have enough to eat. The societies lost their hopes

because of this depression. Unemployment was increasing until 25 % for a short

period of time, malnutrition become the common sickness at that time, and

education becomes the rare thing. These were stated in a short history of

American Life:

“Sometimes unemployment dissolved all ties between a man and his family and community. Homeless wanderers took to the road. Unwelcome visitors in one community, they would be given temporary food and shelter and hurried on to next. Particularly shocking was the report that 200,000 homeless children were wandering through the country.” (Blake, 1952: 586).

The children at the early age took greater responsibilities when their

parents could not provide the needs for them. These children would find any jobs

to feed their stomach and also to change the role of their parents when they could

not get any work. Sometimes children had to comfort their desperate parents. This

fact can be seen below:

During the depression many children took on greater responsibilities at an earlier age than later generations would. Some teenagers found jobs when their parents could not, reversing the normal roles of provider and dependent. Sometimes children had to comfort their despairing parents. (www.encarta.msn.com. September 7th 2008)

21

Men were suffered by this Depression, because of their pride as the leader

of the family. They lost their self-confidence when they could not get the job for

their family, and also when they came to the government aid office to get relief or

assistance. The fact can be seen below:

Because society expected a man to provide for his family, the psychological trauma of the Great Depression was often more severe for men than women. Many men argued that women, especially married women, should not be hired while men were unemployed. Self-blame and self-doubt became epidemic. Still, having to ask for assistance was humiliating for many men who had thought of themselves as self-sufficient and breadwinners for their families. (www.encarta.msn.com. September 7th

2008)

Besides that, women also took part as the leader of the family when their

husband abandoned them or could not get the work. They often took jobs but also

they often excluded from the manufacturing jobs. Women got hard position at that

time to get permanent jobs. The fact can be seen below:

Yet the percentage of women in the workforce actually increased slightly during the depression, as women took jobs to replace their husbands’ lost pay checks or to supplement spouses’ reduced wages. Women had been excluded from most of the manufacturing jobs that were hardest hit by the depression, which meant they were less likely than men to be thrown out of work. Some fields that had been defined as women’s work, such as clerical, teaching, and social-service jobs, actually grew during the New Deal. (www.encarta.msn.com. September 7th

2008)

The influence of depression also hit the minority such as black people;

they more suffered than the white people. The unemployment of black people was

about 50 percent by 1932, and also black people frequently forced out from job so

that the white unemployment would get their job. Other examples that the black

people could not participate in the state’s political system, the income of rural

blacks was about half than the income of rural white. But, in this era, there was

22

the chance for them to get the right as American because the first lady Eleanor

Roosevelt and several leadings of New Deal figures were the active champion of

black rights. The fact can be seen below:

The depression’s impact was less dramatic, but ultimately more damaging, for minorities in America than for whites. Since they were “born in depression,” many blacks scarcely noticed a change at the beginning of the 1930s. Over time, however, blacks suffered to an even greater extent than whites, since they were usually the last hired and first fired. By 1932 about 50 percent of the nation’s black workers were unemployed. Blacks were frequently forced out of jobs in order to give them to unemployed whites. (www.encarta.msn.com. September 7th

2008)

Thus, from the findings above I conclude the characteristics of Great

Depression’s poor society were hopeless (the lack of food, shelter, education, and

clothing), lack of spirit to struggle (many suicides), lack of self-discipline,

homeless, self-blame and self-doubt (women take over the role of men as the

leader of family, children became workers). The societies in Great Depression

tried everything to keep alive, for example some people searched garbage dumps

to find food or ate weeds. Men also worked at the dawn and went home at night,

this shown they have the responsibility to fulfill the obligation as the men of

family.

D. Theoretical Framework

The topic of my study is about hero figure in Great Depression’s poor

society as seen in the character of James J. Braddock, so the concentration of my

study is in the Great Depression’s society and the characteristics of James J.

Braddock also his significances to Great Depression’s society. The theories of

Hans P. Guth and Gabriel L. Rico also X.J Kennedy and Dana Gioia are used to

23

solve the first problem formulation because they stated the theory of character

which is divided into flat and round character, the first problem formulation is the

characteristics of James J. Braddock, these theories are needed to find the

characteristics of James J. Braddock which make him become the hero figure in

Great Depression’s society. The theory of characterization also needed to find the

answer of first problem formulation. The theory of society by Peter I. Rose,

Francis E. Merrill, and H. Wentworth Eldredge, also Bruce J. Cohen will be used

to find and to identify the answer of second problem formulation which talks

about the ways that makes James J. Braddock is accepted by the poor society as

their hero. The theories of heroism which are explained by Dr. Andrew Bernstein,

Beverly Ann Schlack and Roger R. Rollin, and also Ralph Waldo Emerson will

answer the third problem formulation that is the significances of James J.

Braddock as the hero figure in Great Depression’s poor society.

24

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

A. Object of the Study

Cinderella man was the novel which was based on the motion picture

screenplay by Cliff Hollingsworth and Akiva Goldsman with the same title, this

novel was written by Marc Cerasini and it was originally published by

HarperCollins Publisher in America in 2005. This novel told about the real life of

James J. Braddock, about his poverty, success, and his family life when he faced

the struggle to live in Great depression time. The novel consists of 274 pages

which were consisting of 15 chapters and 1 additional page for a biography of

James J. Braddock. This novel has been translated into Indonesian language by

Utti Setyawati from Dastan Books.

The movie Cinderella Man was very successful in America because it

told the true story of national hero in Great depression time, the author of this

novel also wrote the opinions from all people that knew James J. Braddock, they

commented about his struggle and his career when he became a boxer. The novel

did not get any award, but the movie got many awards, such as British Academy

Awards 2005 for Best Original Screenplay category, Dallas-Ft Worth Film Critics

Association for Top Ten Film category, Golden Globe 2005 for Best-Actor Drama

category and Best Supporting Actor category. The Cinderella man by Marc

Cerasini was not the only one novel, before that, there were some writers who

have written about the Cinderella man too and it was written in the different

version.

25

The story of Cinderella Man began with the glory of James J. Braddock

against the Gerald “Tuffy” Griffiths in 1928, James became the famous boxer at

that time, but his life suddenly changed when the Great depression stroke

America, the life of James J. Braddock which was full of glory, proud, and

happiness suddenly changed into the life which was very painful, poor, and cruel.

James must worked 24 hours a day and he must woke at 4 in the morning to queue

at the dock in order to get the job as harbor’s worker, in this novel, the reader

could find the real meaning of a family, when we were not in good situation but

we could accept and face this situation together without blaming each other but

stayed close and encourage each other to keep moving forward to gain the victory,

that was the “family” according to this novel. The focus of this novel was the life

of James J. Braddock which made him became a hero in his family and his

society; through Braddock’s life we could see his problems as a father and a

boxer, and his victory on the ring which gave hope to the poor people in Newark,

in the end of the story, James became the winner from his fight against Max Baer,

Heavyweight championship, his victory brought the new spirit to American

people in Great depression time, the spirit to keep fight even in bad situation.

B. Approach of the Study

The writer will use the social-cultural historical approach; this approach

will be used to identify the characteristics of Great Depression society, its

condition, and the similarities between the society in the novel and in the reality

which happen in 1929.

26

In Reading and Writing about Literature, Rorhberger and Wood define

the socio cultural-historical approach as the way to locate the real work by relating

the civilization as the attitude and action as its subject matter, therefore this

approach is needed by a critic to use this approach to investigate the social milieu

where in a vacuum and literature embodies idea to the culture that produces it

(1979:9).

The writer thinks that this approach is necessary to use, because the writer

wants to identify the hero figure that can be accepted in the poor society, what

kind of hero figure that will be accepted by them, why James J. Braddock can be

accepted as their hero, what are the conditions to be a hero for poor society in

Great depression, and what are the significances of James J. Braddock as hero

figure for his society. Beside, this approach is also used to identify the

characteristics and the condition of poor society in Great Depression. Therefore,

the writer uses this approach as the appropriate approach for this study. The writer

wants to figure out those questions based on the point of view in poor society

about the hero figure in their life; by using this approach the writer can analyze

the characteristics, the condition, and the similarities between the society in the

novel and the reality of the poor society in great depression time.

C. Method of the Study

The writer used the library research as the method of the study; there

were some data that the writer used to analyze the problems formulation, and the

most important data or the primary data were the novel, the book about the literary

work itself, and the data from internet which are connected with the novel and the

27

topic. The secondary data were the books about literature such as the book about

prose and short story, the books about the theory of literature, and the book about

the history of Great Depression.

There were some steps that the writer used to analyze the problem

formulations, the first step is to find the answer of first problem by analyzing the

characteristic of James J. Braddock in his society. The writer explained these

characteristics using the character and characterization theory, these

characterizations will be based on the action, the thinking of the main character,

and the other characters saying. His action toward his environment, family,

opponents, and his friends showed his characteristics, and also his thinking to

every struggle that he must face, his passion, his sacrifice, and his dream, also his

self-control to survive in Great Depression. After that the writer used the answer

of first problem formulation to help finding the answer of second problem

formulation.

The second step, the writer explained the way of James J. Braddock could

be accepted by poor society as their hero. In this step, the writer used the theory of

society that is divided into two: theory of social problem and theory of social

change to reveal the ways. The writer revealed the ways James J. Braddock

accepted as hero figure by focusing in the action of James toward his struggle and

the society and also the changes that he made in his society through his influence

and his leadership. As the writer used the theory of society, the writer also focused

in the condition of Great Depression’s poor society by revealing the situation and

28

condition of poor society which were also reflected in the novel as the proof that

this society needed a hero figure to guide and strengthen them.

In the third step, the writer explained the significances of James J.

Braddock as the hero in Great Depression’s poor society. The writer applied the

theory of heroism for this step. In this step, the writer focused in the action of

sacrifice from James J. Braddock’ life, his way of thinking in choosing between the

family and his fight for everyone, the values he gave for his society through his

characteristics and his actions, and the efforts he made to become the World

Heavyweight Championship.

29

CHAPTER IV

ANALYSIS

In this chapter, the writer will answer three problems formulations that

have been formulated in chapter I. There are three problems that will be analyzed

by the writer. The first problem talks about the characteristics of James J.

Braddock, the second problem talks about the way James J. Braddock can be

accepted as the hero figure in Great Depression’s poor society, and the last

problem talk about the significances of James J. Braddock as hero figure in Great

Depression’s poor society.

A. The Characteristics of James J. Braddock

In this section, the writer will use the theory of character and

characterization to find the characteristics of James. J. Braddock. The

characteristics of James J. Braddock are influenced by the condition of Great

Depression, because based on the story, James J. Braddock was a famous and a

rich boxer, but when the Great Depression stroke United States, all his wealth

gone, he became poor, and his career became dim. But, James J. Braddock still

held his principles strongly, especially in his family.

Based on the theories of character and characterization, the writer will

focus to characterize James J. Braddock in three ways: on the action, the thinking

of the main character and the other characters’ saying. The characterization of

James J. Braddock will be based on the action toward his environment, family,

30

opponents, and friends, also based on his thinking when he must face many

struggles, his sacrifice, dream, passion, self-control in the era of Great Depression.

In Great Depression, many people tried everything to survive; even they

searched foods in the garbage cans. Men that have good jobs must become factory

workers, dock workers, etc. They did anything for couple of cents. Therefore,

many men tried to escape from their dark fate; they tried to abandon their families.

Worse, many of them killed themselves in order to get insurance money for their

family. Besides that, many people went to insane asylum and nursing because

they lost their financial which make them insane, they were broken mentally and

physically. The stories of suicide have become the common issues in Great

Depression, and everyone who lived in this time had heard about them. (Cerasini,

2005: 38)

James is responsible and he has strong principles in his family. He

teaches his children about the values in this life, the truth, and the right thing that

his children must do, even in the most difficult situation.

For James, family is the strength for him to continue his life, without his

family, it is means that he has lost. Therefore, he shows his responsibility to

protect the unity in the family by sacrifice his time and his strength. Based on the

action of James J. Braddock, he wakes up every morning before dawn to get the

job in the port, Port Newark, even in the cold weather. He does this to save his

family. It can be seen in the quotation below:

Shipments were constantly being unloaded here and then transferred to the many railroads and truck lines that ran through the area. So every morning before dawn, Jim rose and hiked down to the water, hoping to

31

beat the odds among a horde of others just as desperate for work. (Cerasini, 2005: 39-40) The weather is very cold at that morning; James has the reason to wake

up before dawn. He thinks that he can get the valuable spot in the crowd. He does

not care if he must wait in two-hour, everything he does to feed his family. The

quotation below shows it:

Shoving his cold hands into his pockets, Jim moved across a gravel lot and toward the small group of men already waiting by the locked gate of the high fence. The weather was cold for this time of the year, even colder by the water, but the two-hour wait in the predawn mist earned him a valuable spot at the front of the swelling crowd. (Cerasini, 2005: 40) The action of James J. Braddock which shows his responsibility is also

reflected when he gives his breakfast to Rosy, his daughter. A small action but it

has a large effect for her. For the consequence, he must wait in two-hour for work

with empty stomach. And he has the simple reason for his action that can be seen

from the quotation below:

When Rosy continued to hesitate, Jim Picked up her fork again, this time to stab his own slice and deposit it to her plate. Eyes wide, stomach still hungry, the child immediately began to eat. “Jimmy—“Mae tried to object, but his mouth covered hers, halting the debate. When the kiss ended, Mae’s gaze found his. You can’t work on an empty stomach, her eyes protested. What are you thinking? Jim’s answer was simple. “You’re my girls.” (Cerasini, 2005: 34-35) From Mae, she sees the responsibility of James J. Braddock to her

children when James faces dilemmatic problem. James has been decommissioned

by the boxing commissioners. He cannot fight as a boxer anymore because he

violated fight rules and it is meant there is no money for the family. His only hope

only working in the dock, but the problem is, his right hand is broken after the

32

fight, and therefore, he is not allowed to work in the dock. In one side, he cannot

work as boxer anymore and it’s meant he does not have any permanent job, and in

another side if he does not work he cannot feed his family but he cannot work

with his broken hand. Mae Braddock is surprised with the inner strength of her

husband. James J. Braddock is not give up, but he supports his wife to endure

from this problem. The quotation which shows Mae Braddock saying about James

J. Braddock responsibility is stated here:

“go on, if they see me lugging this around, they won’t pick me will they? “so, we’ll cover it up with the shoe polish,” Jim continued as he sat down at the table and extended his hard, white liability. Mae sat next to him and looked down at the cast. Finally, Mae saw it, right there in her husband’s eyes---Jim’s resolve as a man to never give up, never let himself be beaten, and her hard doubts began to soften.” (Cerasini, 2005: 66-67) James J. Braddock is also honest; he keeps his promises to his children.

James J. Braddock is raised in a good family which teaches him how to be a good

man. Joseph Braddock, his father was a good father for James J. Braddock. He

sees his father as a father who believed in God, hard work, and always teaches

him about doing the right thing, and his lessons are instilled in every one of his

sons, including James J. Braddock:

Joseph Braddock was a massive figure of a man, with snow white hair and a thick Irish brogue. He believed in God, hard work, and doing right thing by your fellow man, and he’d instilled these lessons in every one of his sons. (Cerasini, 2005: 44) Therefore, James J. Braddock keeps these lessons in himself. He gives

one of these lessons to his older son, Jay Braddock. He gives the lesson about

honesty. When Jay steals the salami from the butcher because of his hunger,

James teaches him about being the right man, the man who holds firmly the value

33

of honesty. The value he got from his father, Joseph Braddock. The honesty of

James J. Braddock can be seen from his thinking in facing this problem as stated

below:

Once, before one of Jimmy’s fights, his dad had said, “May the best man win.” The words weren’t really about winning. They were about being a certain kind of man—the kind who kept his dignity by fighting fair and respecting the rules. In Joseph Braddock’s view, only this kind of man truly deserved to win, to be admired, to be hailed a winner. Jim agreed. Being the best kind of man was not an easy thing. But it was the most important thing. His father had instilled that in him. Now it was Jim’s turn to do the same for his own son. (Cerasini, 2005: 44) From the action of James J. Braddock, he teaches his son by saying even

in a very difficult situation, they cannot steal. Jay is afraid with the condition in

his family, he is afraid if his parents send him away from them, like his friend,

Marty Johnson, who was sent away by his parents. Therefore he steals so that his

parents do not have to think about the way to feed his children. But for James, it is

the wrong action. Therefore he teaches Jay about the truth. James does this

because he wants his son grows up to be a man he wants to be. He makes a

promise to his son that he will not send his children away from him and their

mother. Jay believed his father’s promise, and as a father, James must prove his

promise with his honesty.

“You got scared,” Jim told his boy. “I can understand it. But, we don’t steal. No matter what happens. Not ever, got me?” Jay swallowed, managed a nod. “Are you giving me your word?” asked Jim. “Yes.” Jim crouched down so he could look at his ten-years-old eye to eye. “Here’s my word, good as wheat in the bin. We’re never going to send you away, son.” Jay’s small lips were already trembling, his eyes desperate. You promise? “I promise,” said Jim (Cerasini, 2005: 45) James J. Braddock gets crazy when he finds out that his promise has

been broken by his own wife. She takes that decision without James’ opinion. As

34

the man that holds firmly the value of honesty, he cannot accept that decision and

also he made that promise in the front of his son, eye to eye. James said to his

wife that it is not the easy thing to collect money and get their children back. He is

disappointed to know the fact that his wife had give up and give in.

Mae had tried to embrace him but he shook her off. “Mae, I promised him, see? I got on my knees, looked him in his eyes and I promised him I would never send him away.” (Cerasini, 2005: 94-95) His rage cannot be controlled when he finds out that his wife has given

up to struggle. The quotation above tells that James really loves his children, and

he feels desperate when he cannot keep his promise to Jay. Everything he does are

useless, he works out there to keep his family together and to unite them so that

they will not give up facing their problems. James pours his disappointment to his

wife. His thinking shows his disappointment.

Hadn’t he been acting like a man? Doing anything and everything he could to support his family? “Every day, out there, it was so we could stay together. What else was it for? If we can’t stay together, it means we lost.” (Cerasini, 2005: 95) James feels and disappointed with the condition he must felt, he hardly

grateful for his life. He feels so desperate until he cannot say anymore prayers to

God. He is afraid if this Depression will take everything away from him,

especially his family. But, Mae always supports him and becomes the loyal wife

even in difficult situation like Depression.

Mae took back her hand, folded both of them over her heart and began to pray. When she was realized that she was alone, she paused. “Jim…? “I’m all prayed out,” he replied. It only took a stern glance from his wife to set Jim back peddling. “Anyway, God’s too busy for me right now. He already gave me you and the kids. He answered all my prayers.” Mae watched his back, trying to read his thoughts. “He…He doesn’t owe me anything,” Jim added softly. (Cerasini, 2005: 90-91)

35

Another characteristic of James J. Braddock is charitable. In Great

Depression, there was a situation that became the characteristic of the society in

this time, it was shame.

Many men in the time of Great Depression were ashamed when they

wanted to ask the help from government relief office. This situation happened

because they think that they were the leader of the family, so when they asked the

money, it was meant that they has lost, even though they must admit it. Besides,

they must sacrifice their dignity as a man to ask the money from the government

relief office. The effect of this desperation was leaving their family or suicide.

The establishment of government programs to counteract the depression indicated to many of the unemployed that the crisis was a large social problem, not a matter of personal failing. Still, having to ask for assistance was humiliating for many men who had thought of themselves as self-sufficient and breadwinners for their families. (www.encarta.msn.com. September 7th

2008)

James J. Braddock feels the same feeling like other men in the Great

Depression time, shame. He must sacrifice his dignity as a man when he asks the

money from the office, but he must do it so that he can get his children again. The

sacrifice he made shows his charitable characteristic. He has made the promise

and he must keep that promise whatever it takes, even though his pride must be

sacrificed. The quotation which shows the shame of James J. Braddock can be

seen below:

Witnessing his shame, the woman’s hardened expression softened a moment. “I would never have expected to see you here, Jim.” The words rang like the closing bell of a fifteen-round defeat. With a red-faced nod, Jim pushed through the miserable crowd, eyes downcast, unable to forget the phrase some newspaper columnist had used to describe these unending relief lines: “Worms that walk like men.” (Cerasini, 2005: 96)

36

James does not act as a man because he has threw away his dignity but

he acts as a father. He becomes the hero in his family, especially for his children.

He sacrifices his pride when he came to Madison Square Garden to beg for money

so that he can unite his family again. He cannot afford to pay the heat and to feed

his children, besides; he cannot get picked everyday in the dock. He feels

desperate and the money from relief office is not enough to get his children back

and to pay all things he needs. Therefore, he asks money from the promoters and

acts like a beggar. All he does to show how much he loves his family. His

sacrifice for his family can be seen in this quotation below:

“It pains me to ask…so much…but I sure would be grateful…” Jim took off his hat and stretched it out like the panhandlers on the street below. The room was speechless now, the men uncomfortable with this specter of defeat among them. Finally, Mr. Allen dug into his pocket. “Sure, Jim, sure,” he said and spilled several coins into Jim’s hat. “Thank you,” Jim replied, then moved through the room, offering his hat. Every man gave, including the big one, Jimmy Johnston, the very promoter who’d suspended his boxing license and shut down his career. (Cerasini, 2005: 101-102) James’ role as a father is proven through his sacrifice and his efforts to

unite his family. He keeps the value of honesty, truth, and prayer in his family so

that they can pass this darkest time in their life. His family is his inner strength

which makes him to keep struggle against all his odds. His family is his

invaluable treasure that is very precious for him in Great Depression time.

Before Great Depression happens in America, James J. Braddock was a

very famous boxer; he lived a very comfortable life and he has a very happy

family. He has a very good career, and also he has invested all his money on many

businesses. But, Great Depression or Crash has taken everything away from his

37

life, even his career and his businesses. He blamed fate for the fall of his career as

a boxer, finally the Crash that robed everything from James’ life, including his

optimism and confidence.

In Jim’s view, fate had conspired to interrupt his meteoric rise as a boxer, but it was the crash of 1929 that had finished him. Maybe all those losses that came after Loughran would have been wins if those fights hadn’t come in the midst of his losing everything—all his hard-earned savings, his taxicab businesses, his security, his home. The Crash had robbed Jim of more than money; it had robbed him of his optimism and confidence. It had sent his family into poverty and stolen his ability to see himself as golden, to fight like a winner. (Cerasini, 2005:100) Damon Runyon, the legendary journalist who first called James J.

Braddock as “The Cinderella Man” in his foreword in Relief to Royalty said that

James has an unchanging modesty which makes him endeared to American

public. This is the fact that American people has seen in James J. Braddock’s self.

He does not choose to fight with anyone he wants, but he has the modesty to fight

with anyone who wants to fight with him, including a Negro. This fact can be

seen from the fight of James J. Braddock with Joe Lewis, a Negro boxer. He is a

fast lethal black boxer who does not want to let James escapes easily from his

punches. (Cerasini, 2005: 159)

Based on Jenny Boone in her article Slave Narratives and the

Depression era-south, when Great Depression happened in United States of

America, there was racism to black people, especially in job. The impact of Great

Depression was less dramatic, but they felt it more damaging. Many of them were

forced out from their job only to be replaced by unemployed whites. They worked

extremely hard with little or nothing to show for low-wage jobs or domestic work

which whites did not take. They were frequently the last hired and the first fired.

38

For black people, the time of Great Depression was like the age of slavery where

they did not get any salary for their work, but they were forced to work with all

they have. (www.mgagnon.myweb.September 7th

But, in Great Depression, they did not only felt the slavery but also they

felt the important positive change because the first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and

several leading New Deal figures supported the programs to prohibit racial

discrimination. They were the active champions of black rights. Unfortunately,

these rules were often ignored in the south. The effect of these programs caused

the large majority of black voters switched their allegiance from Republic to

Democratic Party during Depression era. (

2008)

www.encarta.msn.com. September 7th

James J. Braddock also respects his fans although they often mock

Braddock when he does not win the fight. James respects them because he knew

that they have paid to see his fight, and he does not want to disappoint them.

Therefore, he knew his loyal fans that always follow his fights. His respect to his

fans is James J. Braddock’s proof that he has a modest characteristic.

2008)

Jim nodded at the tailored overcoats and mink stoles waiting in the chill. He recognized some regulars from his Newark and Jersey City fights—loyal followers who’d come across the river. (Cerasini, 2005: 6) James J. Braddock is not only underestimated by his opponents, but also

the people who watch his fights. They have the special nickname for James J.

Braddock, it is “bum”. These people call James as a bum because James has lost

for many times during the journey of his career. He was a famous boxer, he has a

good future in boxing arena before the Great Depression, but he feels many loses

39

and lose the love of his fans. Unfortunately, the Great Depression destroys his

career completely. It can be seen from Mike Wilson’s comment about him.

“Jim Braddock,” Mike repeated. “Used to follow a fighter with that name on the radio.” Jim simply nodded, continuing to manage his clumsy left. “There’s another guy going around using that name now,” Mike continued. “Can’t fight for shit. A gambling man could lose a lot of money on him. Twice.” (Cerasini, 2005: 70) James’ career as a boxer is ended when he violated the fight rules;

therefore his only hope is the Newark Port. But, God has given him a second

chance. His manager, Joe Gould tells him that the boxing commission gives him

the permission to fight against Corn Griffin, number-two heavyweight contender

in the world, for two hundred and fifty dollar. He fights as the bait for Corn

Griffin and he wins the fight. His modesty is shown from his action in Newark

Port, when he is admired by Jake, the foreman, and workers in the port for his

victory against Corn Griffin.

Jim noticed Jake approach him. “listened in last night.” “Hey, Braddock,” called one of the other men, “that really you?” “Way to go,” called another. Jake took his folded newspaper from under his arm, held it open, and met Jim’s gaze. “Didn’t think I’d be seeing you back here again.” Jim blinked at the headline---AMAZING! BRADDOCK KO’S GRIFFIN IN 3. He shook his head in disbelief. A few men crowded around to hear what he had to say. “One night only” Jim explained with a shrug. “Purse was two fifty. My take’s half. We owed a hundred twenty. Left me five bucks.” Jake laughed, “Makes you a rich man.” Then his expression turned serious. “Good fight.” (Cerasini, 2005: 137) James is also brave. Before Great Depression, he was a famous and

tough boxer. He got the light heavyweight title from his last fight against Gerald

“Tuffy” Griffiths, the “Terror from out west” in November 30, 1928, the golden

age for “Bulldog of Bergen”, James J. Braddock. The Crash which caused the

Great Depression has taken that “golden age”. Now, he must struggle with his

40

dark age in his life, but, his bravery never fades out, even though he is not a

champion anymore, and he is getting old. His bravery is shown from his

conversation from Max Baer, the Heavyweight champion of the world who has

killed two men on the ring.

They stood toe to toe. “Thanks for the champagne, Mr. Baer. You keep saying in the paper how you’re gonna kill me in the ring.” “Yeah, so?” “You know I have three little kids. You’re upsetting my family. “You know…I was thinking…” Baer’s voice was loud, now, the usual hot air inflating his chest. “Smart thing would be to take a fall. Circus act’s over, old man.” Jim’s brown met Baer’s blues. “I think I’ll try going a few rounds with the dancing bear.” (Cerasini, 2005: 205) Baer is sure that he will win against James, therefore he tells James to

quit from the fight, but James does not want to, and he will spend the fight with

the dancing bear, the Max Baer. James already knew that Baer killed two men on

the ring, but his bravery makes him to accept the challenge from Baer, and he will

not quit from the fight. He has felt the toughest game and he has faced the

strongest opponent, they are the game of life and his pain.

Jimmy Johnston, The Garden fight’s promoter, the one who dislikes the

success of James J. Braddock as a boxer tries to threat and to warn James about

Madcap Maxie, Max Baer. He shows James the films of Max Baer’s fight which

ended with the dead of Frankie Campbell and Ernie Schaff, a stand-up fighter. In

the first film, Max Baer’s punch caused Campbell’s brain knocked loose from the

supporting tissue. The second film also shows that Max Baer killed his opponent

on the ring, Ernie Schaff. Johnston wants to weaken James’ spirit; he wants to tell

James indirectly that his opponents can kill him on the ring if he does not quit

from the game. Unfortunately, James J. Braddock’s response surprises him, he is

41

not afraid with the threat of Jimmy Johnston and the fear he tries to spread

through those films.

The Garden promoter grinned. “Want to think about it?’ he leaned back in his chair, waited for their reply. Braddock slapped his palms down on Johnston’s desk. “My profession.” He trusts a thumb into his chest. “I’m more fortunate. So I guess I’ve thought about it all I’m going to.” Braddock stood tall, his glare still pinning Johnston’s back in his chair. (Cerasini, 2005: 198) James J. Braddock’s bravery not only crushes Jimmy Johnston’s guts,

but also Ancil Hofmann, Max Baer manager, feels threatened by James J.

Braddock’s bravery. He states his fear by warning Max Baer about James’ victory

against Art Lasky, the fighter who is hoped by Johnston to beat James. This

character’s action is the proof that James’ bravery became a threat for his

opponent.

“Max…Jim Braddock just beat Lasky. He just got to be the number-one contender for your title.” Max baer smirked. The women laughed wildly. “I’m going to paste that guy,” growled Baer. “He’s nothing but a chump.” Max was about to close the door when he paused. “Tell Johnston to get somebody who can fight back.” “You gonna bust your contract?” Ancil cried. “Too late. It’s a done deal, Max.” (Cerasini, 2005: 173) James has the most powerful enemy that he cannot beat. It is his wife’s

fear. Mae Braddock is always afraid of James profession as a boxer. She never

present in James’s fights because every time James gets hit, she feels that hit too.

For James, his wife support is very important thing in his fights; he knows that it

is hard to explain about the boxing to his wife, because she never understands it.

For Mae, James’ life is far more important than his profession. This is the fear that

James cannot beat. Mae’s fear is stated clearly in her saying toward James’ fight.

42

But the suggestion didn’t go over. Mae’s eyes looked away, the playfulness gone. “You get punched. Every time, it feels like I’m getting punched too. And I ain’t half as tough as you….and anyway…” she added, forcing her smile to come back, her fears to recede, “who wants those articles about me running out on a fight again?” (Cerasini, 2005: 24) James is a brave man, he is getting used to the punches he got from his

opponents, but the worse, he never expects the reality that his wife does not

support his profession, his fighting, and his struggle he does on the ring. For

James, this fact hits harder than the punch of his opponents. This fact crushes his

bravery. It is stated with the Mae’s saying before the fight between James and

Max Baer.

“She swallowed her nerves, tried to summon her courage, then finally confessed to her husband the secret she’d kept for many years. “I used to pray for you to get hurt—“ Jim stepped back, the words hitting him physically. “Just enough so you couldn’t fight anymore,” she added quickly. He blinked, speechless. “And when they took your license, even scared as I was, I went to the church and thanked God for it. I always knew a day might come where a fight could kill you, I just knew…and now it’s here. (Cerasini, 2005: 211) James is shocked with this statement. But, he knows that the hope and

the only way to save his family are boxing. He cannot put any hope to temporary

job in the dock and coal mine because he cannot get picked every day. Therefore,

he only hopes to win in the boxing arena, although he knows it will bring fear to

his family and his wife.

Jim’s only hope had been boxing. But after the crash, Jim’s career had gone into tailspin. Jimmy Johnston had Gould touring him on a low-rent circuit, Cauliflower Alley, and for over a year, Jim had been forced to take any sort of work he could find. (Cerasini, 2005: 39) Madelyn M. Ritrosky Winslow in her article Cinderella Man: Potrait of

a Folk Hero commented on the Cinderella Man movie, she told that James J.

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Braddock who is played by Russel Crowe was a boxing champion, folk hero and

determined, honorable family man who not only inspired many, but did so with

integrity in hard times. The life of James J. Braddock has influenced many people

in Great Depression era, his struggles against the cruel of life in Great Depression

has brought new hope for American people, especially, his victory.

James J. Braddock is unbreakable man, this characteristic can be seen

from his action and thinking when he must face many struggles with his family.

Mae Braddock, his wife, a person who is with him all the time, sees him as the

man who never give up and never let himself be beaten. James himself thinks that

he cannot stop fighting against all odds, because for him, it is a curse.

“We still haven’t seen anything we can’t face down” he reminded her. Tonight, people had told Jim that he was through as a boxer, but he’d be damned if he let anyone tell him he was done fighting. (Cerasini, 2005: 67) James also believes that he needs to change something with his struggle,

if he cannot change something he feels that he is only a dead man who cannot do

anything. Therefore, he keeps fighting against his odds to show that he can change

something, whether it is his life, his society, or his country.

Jim struggled to find the right words, then turned and slowly shared them. “I have to believe I have some say over our lives, see? That sometimes, I can change things. If I don’t…it’s like I’m dead already. (Cerasini, 2005: 212) For James J. Braddock, the family is the most important part in life;

therefore, he feels fear when he realizes that this Great Depression can take

everything from his life easily if he quits fighting. He is the only one who can

decide whether he wants to give up or not. This thought shakes James J.

44

Braddock, but he can overcome it because he has something to fight for,

something to make him stay unbreakable. James’ thinking about it can be seen

from the quotation below:

Before he left for the day to go to the loading dock, the coal company, the rail yards, or whoever would pay him a day’s wage, he stood at the door and gazed at his family, unable to shake the fear that they would be gone---vanished, like his career and his fortune---by the time he returned home again. A boxer entered the ring alone. If knocked down, he alone could pick up himself up and keep the fight going. As Jim walked out the door and toward the winter sunrise, he grasped in a whole new way why those were the rules of his game. (Cerasini, 2005: 104) Clyde T. Ellis said in Hard Times: An Oral History of Great Depression

as quoted by Studs Terkel that a man can endure a lot if he still has hope. James J.

Braddock inspires everyone around him with his struggle; he shows hope to

everyone in Great Depression time. His victories on the ring and his life have

inspired many people in their trouble times. They see hope in him, not only the

society but also his family and his friends. He becomes the hero for them.

James’ victory against Corn Griffin has stirred something inside the

people in the dock. He sees that in their weary faces. People in the dock sees hope

through James victory, it brings them spirit to make them keep struggle against

the Depression.

Jim could see he’d stirred something in these men, standing there in their tattered clothes and patched-up shoes. He could see it in their weary, weathered faces. The yearning to come against what you can see---it was what they all wished for. Something real to stand toe to toe with and fight. The chance to see it coming for once and beat it back with your own fists. (Cerasini, 2005: 137) Joe Gould, his manager and his best friend, puts a great hope in James J.

Braddock; Mae Braddock thinks that Joe Gould is only a cagey opportunist, but

45

he sacrifices his time and also his property to pay James’ training. He does not

want to lose hope at all; therefore he believes in James and he sells everything he

has to keep James fight on the ring because he believes that James what he hopes

for.

“Sometimes you see something in a fighter. You don’t even know if it’s real, you’re looking for it so bad.” Joe glanced beyond the tall glass of the high window. “You can’t have no hope at all. I guess Jimmy’s what I hope for. (Cerasini, 2005: 147) The characteristics of James J. Braddock have been shown in this section

through all the quotation above. These characteristics based on James J. Braddock

actions, sayings, and also his thinking. The others characters also showed the

characteristic of James J. Braddock through their saying and actions.

B. The Ways James J. Braddock Accepted as the Hero Figure

In this section the writer will answer the second problem formulation

about how James J. Braddock accepted as the hero figure in Great Depression

poor society. The writer will explain the way James J. Braddock accepted by

Great Depression society as the hero figure based on his actions toward his

struggle, his society, and also the changes he makes in the society through his

influence and his leadership.

The writer uses the theory of social change and social problem based on

The Study of Society: an Integrated Anthology, Culture and Society: an

Introduction to Sociology, and Introduction to Sociology. Through these theories

the writer will analyze the ways James J. Braddock is accepted as the hero figure

in Great Depression’s poor society.

46

The life of James J. Braddock could not be separated from the society

itself. The writer has explained that before the Great Depression, he became the

idol of American, especially in boxing. But after the era of Great Depression, he

lost everything. James J. Braddock was not the only victim, but the unlucky men,

women, and children also became the victim of Great Depression. Their life

changed upside down. Poverty became the main condition and unemployment

was the biggest in the history.

The social situation in Great Depression era was poverty and it became

the social problem in this era. When the Great Depression struck the country, the

people felt the social change. They lost their profession, their wealth, their homes,

and many things. As Francis E. Merril and H. Wentworth Eldredge said, the social

problem threatened the social value. Therefore, the poverty in Great Depression

created the desperate, hopeless, defeated and breakable society because the values

in social life were threatened. For example, the suicide, fathers who abandoned

their family, desperate parents who sent their children away, these are the

conditions as the result of lacking social values.

As the writer has explained before about the condition of poor society in

Great Depression, the social problem that society felt at that time was poverty

which resulted the unemployment, hunger, desperation, suicide, and many more.

The society felt the unpredictable changes in their life, even James’ life.

Bruce J. Cohen said in Introduction to Sociology that the condition when

the society feel the social change is alienated, alone, and without hope.

Sometimes, if the social change happens suddenly, the individual or society who

47

feel it will feel confused and insecure. In addition, it is quite common for many

social changes to be accompanied by social problems. (Cohen, 1979, 206)

Therefore, the social problem also the result of social change. As Robert

A. Nisbet said in Study of Society: An Integrated Anthology that the change is

associated with the crisis, or in other word, the change must bring a crisis. He also

said that the change cannot be separated from the events. Great Depression was an

great event for American people because they felt many changes in this era,

whether the changes from inside or outside themselves. For James, Great

Depression is an important event that changes his life upside down because in this

era he can feel a lot of struggle that he must bear for everyone, especially in his

family. He is the man who endure the crisis in social change, and affects others to

do the same like he does, to keep struggle.

i. Unbreakable Figure in Leading Himself, Family, and His Condition.

James J. Braddock never expected that he will be called as the Cinderella

Man by the people who lived in Great Depression era. He is just a boxer who has

the golden age before the Great Depression take it away from him. His life is

changing suddenly, all his stock investment in the stock market are also

dissapeared by Great Depression. But, he is grateful for he has had in his life. The

Braddocks life is only one drop in a desolate ocean of families who had lost their

homes, their life savings, and in some cases even more.

The society accepts James as hero figure from his leadership that can be

found in his struggle through the Great Depression era, especially the struggle to

hold his family and to change something that he believes. He leads himself, his

48

family, and his situation, and all of these make the change in society. He leads

himself through his efforts to keep struggle for his family and his dream.

James’ struggle for his family always begins before the dawn in the dock.

There, he must wait about two hour to get the space among the people who is

looking for the job. Cold air in the morning and tiredness are felt by James, but he

must do this so that his family can survive for another day. Boxing becomes his

only hope since Depression. He almost get the Heavyweight title before

Depression, but his carreer becomes worse since the Crash, and his real struggle

begins when the boxing commisioners decommission him from his boxing career

because he violates the fight rule. His leadership to himself strengthen him

because he knows that he becomes the hope for his family, especially his wife.

Mae Braddock hopes to her husband, if he feels lost, she feels lost too. Therefore,

James tries to become a powerful man for his family because he knows that he is

the only hope for Mae and his children.

Yet, Mae knew that beneath his rough morning stubble, his visible exhaustion, James Braddock square jaw was still firm, his quiet strength still evident. Mae counted on that strength like a tent counted on its center pole in a storm. She could keep herself steady, she told herself, keep the children protected—as long he held her up, as long as he stayed firm and strong for all of them. (Cerasini, 2005: 32) The crisis of Depression has changed many things in America, and that

crisis also affects the life of American families. As the writer has explained above,

many husbands abandon their wife and children because of shame and

desperation. They cannot control themselves anymore so that the rate of suicides

in Depression are increasing. Men in Depression are too shame to borrow money

from goverment relief office because that is the sign as their incapability to

49

overcome their problems, therefore many men think that suicide is the better way

to get money for their family. By doing suicide, their family can get insurance

money to keep them survive. They do not realize that men are the hope for their

wives and children. James forbids himself to surrender to his fate, he has quit as a

boxer but his fight is still continue in his life. This is one of James characteristic

that society saw in the himself, that is unbreakable characteristic. The society

finds their spirit and hope in the figure of James J. Braddock as their Cinderella

Man. He changes the point of view in society in facing their problem through his

fights against many types of enemies.

“People who were ready to throw in the towel are finding inspiration in their new hero, Jim Braddock.’ ” Gould paused to scan their faces. “ ‘As Damon Runyon has already written, he’s Cinderella Man.’ “ (Cerasini, 2005: 201) In Great Depression, many people that has beautiful life before it become

very poor in Depression. Their investments in the banks lost and many people

become unemployment at that time. The government cannot help much about this

crisis, and many institutions close their business because bankcruptcy. Because

the high rate of unemployment, many people dare to do anything, including

James. They works as dock workers until coal workers, and also a sweeper in

somebody’s yard. James does not have time to rest, after he works in the dock he

works in the coal yards and he goes home at night. Everybody must works heavily

in this difficult time even for a dollar.

Now, after his dock shift had ended, Jim shoveled coal—with his left arm, of course. It was another new exercise, another new struggle, but eventually he found a rhythm and a balance to make the one-handed shovelling work. (Cerasini, 2005: 82)

50

But, although he is busy with his works outside, he never abandons his

children life. He teaches the value that is hardly find in the crisis of Depression,

honesty. He tells his son that many people more suffer than they are so he cannot

steal although their condition is poor. The social problem in the society makes the

values in it become threaten. James tries so hard to keep the value to his children

because it is his duty as a father to do that and he tries to keep that in the society

too, even in this hard time. He does not change the value directly, because the

change in society takes times. But, along with the crisis, he proves that his

leadership in his family affects his situation, and it changes his life. He knows

why he must sacrifice his dignity to get what he loves. He knew that he has

changed something in the society with his leadership in his situation and the

society accepts this as their power to keep struggle.

Jim could see he’d stirred something in these men, standing there in their tattered clothes and patched-up shoes. He could see it in their weary, weathered faces. The yearning to come against what you can see---it was what they all wished for. Something real to stand toe to toe with and fight. The chance to see it coming for once and beat it back with your own fists. (Cerasini, 2005: 137) All the crisis that James passes in Great Depression can not be done by

himself. He has best friends and family. He has a team that always supports him

in struggling. Joe Gould, his manager and also his best friend always support him

to keep fight for his dream because he knows that his only hope is James himself,

therefore he dares to sell his properties to pay for James’ training. Joe Gould tries

hard to get fights for James though it is only a small fight. James’ leadership in

control his situation and family has affected Joe Gould to put his hope on James.

The poor society also has the same feeling like Joe Gould. They know that the

51

government cannot help them perfectly, many institutions are closed and

bankcrupt, and many of them must sleep on the street with their children because

they must leave their house, and also many parents must send their children to

relatives that has better condition than them. They are defeated and lost in

Depression, until James comes up with his victories in the rings that raising the

hope in society little by little. James’ leadership that he shows in the ring and in

his daily life affects the society to call him as “hero” because they know that

James fights not only for himself but also for them, poor society.

Mae blinked, surveyed the full pews, the people in worn clothes praying on their knees in the aisle, and shook her head. “i don’t—“ Her voice faded as realization dawned. “Maybe sometimes people need to see someone do it so they can do it themselves,” said Father Rorick. “They think Jim’s fighting for them.” (Cerasini, 2005: 229)

ii. Undefeated Figure in Influencing Poor Society through Unity and Strength

As a hero in his society, James gives influences to the society in Great

Depression. These influences make the society accepts him as the hero figure at

that time. The change cannot be separated from the event and crisis, because from

these factors the change happens. The Great Depression was the single event that

affect the life of many American people, not only their life but also their career.

James feels and experiences many events like others people in America when

Great Depression happened. The events that he and his family experience in their

life make them change. Before the Great Depression happened in America, Mae

Braddock tolerates James’ profession as a boxer, she realizes that as a wife she

must tries her best to support her husband job, but when the Depression happens

she starts to hate anything about boxing.

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It had been two months since her husband’s last fight, and well over a year since she’d started actively praying that he’d give up the gloves for good. In the past, for his sake, she’d tolerated the sport. But as the Depression began to take its toll on her family, Mae had grown to hate the ring, its punishment—and all its empty promises. (Cerasini, 2005: 34) James also experiences the change in his life when Depression happens,

he knows the reason why he must sacrifice his dignity to hold the unity in his

family, he knows that he must rise by himself when he falls down. The effect of

Depression really influences his life and his family. The poor society also feels the

same feeling like James, but many people give up and surrender with the change

that Depression brings to their life. For James, he does not want to surrender to

Depression’s control because he believes that he can change something with his

struggle, and the change that he brings to his life influences the poor society of

Great Depression.

The influences that he gave to the society can be seen from James actions

toward society. James J. Braddock is the part of the poor society of Great

Depression, it means that he has the same condition like them. After the Crash,

people begin to call him as a bum because he is often lose in his fights. His big

name begins falling down by his losses in 1930, 1931, 1932, and 1933. His friend

that he meets at the dock, Mike Wilson also calls him as a fighter that cannot

fight. The boxing fans that calls James as a bum also the part of Great Depression’

poor society, they underestimates James because he cannot fight. Even, the sports

reporters and fistic connoisseurs only remember his humiliation fight againts

Tommy Loughran.

Still, a few local sports reporters and fistic connoisseurs with long memories were intrigued to hear James J.Braddock was on the dock for

53

the opening bout, wondering if it was the same boxer who’d ended his career in such humiliation, losing a title match to Tommy Loughran then shattering his right on Abe Feldman’s skull (Cerasini, 2005: 116) But, James proves to society that he still can fight on the ring. He

survives the fight against Corn Griffin, the number-two heavyweight contender in

the world, he wins the fight against John Henry Lewis who wants to get the same

money from the fight, and finally, he faces the Heavyweight championship who

has killed two men on the ring but he wins the fight. These events change the

view of society to James. At first, they call him as a bum but when the victories

are achieved by James, they praise him as a hero. This is the influence that James

gives indirectly to society in Depression, he influences the society with the

strength that he has to overcome his problems. They amazed with James’

improvement until he can achieve the heavyweight title in the hard time like

Depression.

The crowd shared a gasp as Griffin just stared at Braddock, as if in shock. Then Corn pitched forward toward the canvas, his head suddenly too heavy to hold up. He landed with a slam and stayed there. In the absolute stunned silence that followed, Jim spied Sporty Lewis on the sidelines. The reporter was frog-eyed. The next second, the mob exploded. Pandemonium swept the oudoor Garden Bowl, sending screams, hoots, and hollers into June night, down Northern Boulevard and all the way over Fifty-ninth Street Bridge. Joe Gould was certain they’d shaken the entire East side of Manhattan by the time they were through. But nobody was more surprised than the patrons of Quincy’s bar over in Jersey. The tattered, defeated men were laughing and cheering for the first time in memory as Ford Bond’s voice echoed above the din. (Cerasini, 2005: 127) Father Rorrick, the priest that serves the church in the neighborhood

where James lives said to him about his absence in the church. He explains to

father Rorick that he gets the extra jobs on Sunday. He really needs to use every

54

time he has to work for his family, sometimes he feels desperate because he

cannot get work everday. Because the desperation he feels, he thinks that God is

cruel to let the Great Depression happened in the world. But, James realizes that

God does not owe anything to him, He has given everything to him, He has given

Mae and his children.

Father Rorick faced Braddock. “We miss you in service, Jim,” he said. Braddock frowned, glanced away. “I get an extra shift.” Rorick nodded but didn’t walk away. He stood quietly and waited for Jim to do the talking. The waiting was a long one, but eventually Jim asked, “You ever ask yourself, what’s the reason?” “He has his reasons. We are His children, Jim.” “I’m sure He does, Tom,” Braddock replied, his eyes following the gang of scrawny children in their tattered clothes. “but how would you feel about me if i treated my kids like this?” (Cerasini, 2005: 106-107) Many American families who lives in Depression feels the same

desperation like James feels. Many parents must find the reality that they cannot

afford the daily needs in their family, including foods and shelter. In Depression,

many families must abandon their house because they cannot pay the rent bill

from the landlord, and the most suffer from this event is children. The change that

the society really feels is the pleasure in the family. Before the Great Depression

happens, the condition of America market is in the top of the world, punching

through the records month after month, and everyone seems to be getting rich.

(p.14). But, when the Crash happened, in one day, sixteen million shares of stock

has been dumped and the entire week’s losses added up to 30 billion dollars, ten

times more than the annual budget of the federal government. (p.37).

The pleasure and comfort in the family are lost in Great Depression era.

People must work from dawn to night in Depression. They do not have time to get

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lazy, and because the desperation that they feels, many parents send their children

away to their relatives for temporary, hoping that their work and condition will

become better. The unity lose in the family because they do not have time to think

about comfort and pleasure in the family again. Mae Braddock also feels this, she

cannot get anymore the pleasure she felt before Depression, the joy she shares

with her husband and her children, all lost because the Depression.

Mae hated that her six-year-old was too young to remember what it had been like to live in a spacious, well-heated house with a stocked pantry, to take a drive downtown and blithely purchase a brand-new pair of shoes and a pretty hat at Bamberger’s Department Store, to have a sumptuous picnic on a sunny day in Weequahic Park, throwing extra bread to the birds, or spending hours window-shopping on Market Street then refreshing yourself with an ice cream soda at the drug store on the corner. (Cerasini, 2005: 31) For James, he thinks he needs to share joy with his family although that

is not easy because he must go before dawn and come back home at night.

Therefore, he works so hard to unite the family he has. No matter what he has to

unite them because for him if his family cannot unite it means that they are lost.

This is another influence that James gives to society through his struggle as

Cinderella Man and a hero of his children. He influences the society to keep the

unity in their family although no joy and pleasure anymore in their family but they

must stay together to fight all odds in Depression, because when a family does not

stay together it is meant that they has lost.

All that mattered in the world was keeping this family together. Jim was killing himself trying to do it, taking as many jobs as he could find. But it wasn’t working. Every week, no matter how many hours Jim toiled, they fell further behind. They had lost their heat and electricity. How long would it be before they were living in the street? (Cerasini, 2005: 93)

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From the explanations above, it can be seen that James J. braddock

brings change to the society of Great Depression through his fights, his struggle,

and his influences that he gives to society by keeping the unity in the family and

strength to overcome their own problems. In summary, The society accepts James

J. Braddock because he has unbreakable figure to lead himself to keep struggle in

the middle of crisis and he has undefeated figure to influence poor society by

keeping the unity in the family and giving the strength to overcome their own

problems in Depression era.

C. The Significances of James J. Braddock as a Hero Figure

This is the last section where the writer will answer the third problem

formulation. In this section, the writer will explain about the significances of

James J. Braddock as the hero figure in Great Depression society and the theory of

heroism will be applied to answer this problem.

As a hero that is admired by the poor society in Great Depression, James

shows many significances to society during his struggle in Depression. These

significances are not material things that he can give to society because everybody

are poor at that time beside James cannot afford to give any money to society

because he himself needs a lot of money to feed his family. W. C Heinz, the

boxing writer and novelist said that James J. Braddock was not listed among ten

greatest but the people of Great Depression see themselves in him and read their

own struggles in him, therefore, he was belong to more people than any other

champion who ever lived.

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The writer will explain the significances of James J. Braddock as hero

figure as reflected in the novel by showing those significances in the analysis

below, using the theory of heroism. The writer will also explain the condition of

society that relates with these significances.

1. Inspiration Given by James J. Braddock to Poor Society of Great

Depression

This is the first significance of James J. Braddock as the hero figure of

poor society in Great Depression. He gives the inspiration in Great Depression to

face their darkest time and to keep struggle in Depression. James is the part of the

poor society, he has the same condition like them, he is poor and defeated by

Great Depression. But, he can give inspiration and becomes the inspiration itself

for poor society, that is because he never quit to struggle for his family and his

dream, to be a Heavyweight championship.

James J. Braddock gives inspiration to the poor society through his

winnings in boxing champion. Many people who live in Great Depression believe

that they cannot change their fate because they have lost everything they have and

the most important thing in their life, that is their hope. Men and women work

hard everyday for food and for staying alive in Depression but still they cannot

change their condition, and that is the reality that they must face everyday. As the

writer has explained above about the condition of society in Great Depression,

many people tries to cover their status because of shame by carrying empty cases

as if they still have job. People who stands in the soup line to beg for food,

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husbands leave their wife and children, many people are sent to Asylum because

of stress. They cannot endure in their life because they have lost their hope.

At the head of the line, women in raincoats ladled soup and handed out soaked bread from the open back of a truck. Ahead of Mae were hundreds of men, women, and children. Some were sad, some embarrassed, some just hollowed-out shells, emptied by the relentless years of numbing loss. (Cerasini, 2005: 72) These people begin to surrender when James J. Braddock comes with his

victory against Corn Griffin. They begin to see hope in the figure of James J.

Braddock, a person who has the same condition like them but he can win a fight

which is very difficult for him. The society feels that every victory that James gets

is the victories that give hope to them. They praise James as their hero that bring

their hope through his struggle on the boxing arena. They put their hope in James

because James shows them an inspiration when they do not stop struggle.

Jim knew their expressions—from the streets and docks, the coal house and rail yards. Men hurting for jobs, seeing no chance of a future. Women robbed of once happy homes. Some looked as if they could stand a good meal, or a stiff drink. Others seemed to have drifted over the East River from Hooverville in rags and tatters. Yet they were here tonight, using precious money they’d begged or earned—cash they should have spent on food or the rent—to buy a little piece of Cinderella Man’s shimmering gem of a dream and take it home. (Cerasini, 2005: 235) The poor society accepts James as their hero and also their inspiration.

James realizes the struggle to become that everybody’s inspiration is not easy. He

must begs in the Garden, stands for hours in the soupline, breaks his hands in the

fights. He is humiliated by boxing promoters, hated by his own wife who did not

support his profession, killed himself by doing so many works and so on, many

things that can make him easily surrender but he knows that surrender is not the

solution. He makes the difference that makes the society admires him as their

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example. The Heavyweight Championship between James J. Braddock and the

Madcap Maxie, Max Baer represents the hope of everybody who has been

defeated by Depression. James has given hope to poor society when the

Depression makes everybody surrender, lose, and defeated. He dares to risk

everything to show that every fight can be won as long as we are not surrender.

He’d never seen these people before, yet Jim knew them—from the streets, the basements, the junkyards, from Sam’s butcher shop, Andolini’s grocery, Quincy’s tavern, or a million other places like it, in a thousand other towns. Places where the beaten down congregated in a mutual pact of shared disillusionment. But there was no dissapoinment tonight. Instead, Jim saw awe, Joy, anticipation. Their eyes followed him with wide, hopeful expressions. For the first time in years, they were transfixed by a belief in something bigger than themselves, a conviction that a fight could be won. Jim Braddock was a fairy-tale comeback that would end tonight in this place, happily or not. And they’d come here to be a part of it. (Cerasini, 2005: 235)

2. The Impossible Thing Defeated by James J. Braddock in Great

Depression

This is the second significance that James gives to the society of Great

Depression. He defeats the thing that is impossible to be done at that time because

the economic condition, the high rate of unemployment, and defeated feeling that

lives in society. This thing is his Heavyweight title that he wins from his fight

against Max Baer. The Heavyweight title does not actually affect the society’s life

but the process until he can get the Heavyweight title which affect the society of

Great Depression.

As the writer has explained above, the condition of Great Depression in

America is worst. People tries to find foods everywhere they can, and also jobs so

that they can get money to buy foods and to rent a temporary house. At that time,

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to be a successful person is an impossible thing because the Depression not only

robs the poor but also the rich. Poverty becomes the social problem at that time. It

can be seen from the conversation of Mike Wilson between James J. Braddock

where he say he is a stockbroker before the Depression happens but all lost when

it strikes America. Finally, Mike also struggles to make a living for his family in

Depression time.

Mike shook his head. “Stockbroker. But i hired so many of the bastards, might as well been to law school myself.” Under his tattered coat, Mike’s shoulder fell. “still, lost it all...’twenty-nine. (Cerasini, 2005: 88) The society also feels defeated and lost, therefore they only think to find

jobs to make a living for another day. It is the hardest thing to find the job in

Depression. If a person gets a job for one day, in another day, he does not get the

same job or he does not get a job at all. Therefore, the unemployment in Great

Depression reaches fifteen million unemployed. Everybody works very hard to get

money, including James J. Braddock. For society of Great Depression, many

things seems impossible to change by our own hands, especially to become rich at

Depression. But James proves to them that they are wrong. He proves that through

his winning in Heavyweight championship.

His winning shows that he can change his life, it is happens not because

he is a boxer but it is because he never quits to struggle and to hope. Before

Depression his careers are good but same like Mike Wilson, when Depression

happens he gets many loses and the boxing fans begin to underestimate him and to

call him as a bum. The boxing promoter and also his manager’s rival, Jimmy

Johnston tell Gould to tour him on a low-rent circuit and Cauliflower Alley.

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Finally, the boxing commisioners decommissions him, with that decision his

career is completely end (p.39 & p.65).

He must works from dawn to night to cover the daily needs including

electricity and apartment fee. His family and his works are the burden that he must

cares. Therefore, he does not have any chance to think about the heavyweight

championship. But, he always dreams to be a heavyweight champion although it

seems impossible at that time, beside, he does not have any opportunity anymore

to fight on the ring. Therefore, when Joe Gould gives him the opportunity to fight

for two hundreds and fifty dollar, he accepts it. (p.111-112)

This is where his fightings begin inspiring the society in Great

Depression. He wins the fight against Corn Griffin although James is not

supported as a winner but his winning gives a little hope to people in Newark,

New Jersey. His another fight againts John Henry Lewis, a black boxer is won by

James gives more hope to society. They see new hope in James’ winning, even

Mike Wilson said that his fighting is a hope for society. He wins another fight

againts Art Lasky in March 22nd, 1935 which makes him becomes the only one

challenger for Max Baer. His final fight and the fulfillment of his dream are

decided in the fight against Max Baer. This final fight is listened by people from

all over the country in America and all of them come to see the Cinderella Man

fight for them on the ring. His winnings and his final winning in Heavyweight

Championship that seems impossible to be reached at that time have given hope

for poor society in Great Depression.

The scene was markedly different from the group who’d greeted him after his Tuffy Griffith KO back in 1928. Gone were the flamboyantly

62

dressed high rollers with diamond tiepins and new fedoras, the flappers with mink-trimmed coats, fringed dresses, and silk stockings. In their place stood a rough bunch of men in tattered work clothes and scuffed shoes. Worn and lean with hunger, their bodies had been stooped by dissapointment, toil, and want—yet when they saw Braddock emerge, they straightened. Defeated faces were resurrected, weariness turned to hope. (Cerasini, 2005: 177) James J. Braddock has proven to poor society of Great Depression in

America that when the people do not stop struggle, they can face the impossible

things in their life and defeat them. He has proven that by winning the fights

against many stronger and younger enemies than him, enemies that are seems

impossible to defeat but he can, even he can make his dream come true in the time

where all people’s dreams have been taken from them.

3. Sacrificing Himself to Inspire the Poor Society of Great Depression

The last significance that James J. Braddock gave to the society as the

hero figure is his sacrifice to inspire the society so that they can keep struggle for

their life in Depression. As the hero figure, James inspires society through his

struggle, he is a person who believes that he can change something in his darkest

time, although it is not easy. He believes what he does is the right thing to do as a

man and a husband. No one can take that desire from him, even his wife.

He has sacrificed everything to keep his family unite and he has killed

himself by working very hard. He has sacrificed his dignity as a man and beg for

money to bring back his children. Everyman in Depression do that but also many

men who live in Depression sacrifice their lives to get insurance money. Some

men sacrifice his family to be left by them in Depression. But, James sacrifices his

family and his life for everyone who has been defeated by Great Depression. He

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almost loses everything when he accepts Joe Gould’s offer to fight again in the

ring, and also both his life and his family are bet in his fight between Max baer. If

he dies on the ring, his family will lose hope because he is the hope for them, but

if he does not fight, he will dissapointed the poor society in Great Depression who

has put their hope on James. He knows the risk is nearly destroy his life, but if he

does not take this chance he cannot make any progress in his life and his family.

Mae is only worry about the safety but she does not want to care about his

husband dream and his husband faith that he can change things and so on. James

realizes that this fight is not about him anymore but his fights are about the

people’s hope that they put on him.

But Jim didn’t turn. A part of him wished he could—the part that wanted to be good husband, to give Mae anything she asked for. But life hadn’t made that possible for him. His wife just didn’t understand how he felt, how Mike Wilson felt. They were capable, strong, hardworking men, but the world had told them they were helpless, worthless. They were proud husbands and fathers who’d found themselves unable to take care of their wives, their families. He wanted to tell Mae about the thousands of other men living on the streets, in the shantytown Hoovervilles, the ones who gathered around him outside the Garden when he’d won the Lasky fight—men who were in the same fix as he was, and who now looked up to the boxer they called as the Cinderella Man with something like hope in their eyes. (Cerasini, 2005: 212) Another sacrifice that he showes to inspire society is his struggle when

he becomes the boxer. He is often underestimated as boxer because he ends his

career with humiliating defeat against Tommy Loughran. The boxing promoters

often underestimate his career although he has became the pro boxer at that time,

especially Jimmy Johnston who always tries to prevent James to become the

Heavyweight Championship by showing the movie of Max Baer who has killed

his two opponents on the ring. This situation can be seen from Joe Gould protest

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against the boxing commisioners and Lasky’s trainers who delay the fight of

James J. Braddock against Art Lasky.

On February 1, the day the fight was originally scheduled to take place, Barddock paid a visit to Art Lasky in the hospital, posed for pictures and wished his future opponent a speedy recovery. The fight was rescheduled for March 15, then postponed again by Lasky’s trainers and the boxing commission, to March 22. Gould exploded when he heard the news. He complained loudly and long, but in the face of such rank favoritism toward Lasky, he could do nothing but agree to change. Jim Braddock was again left waiting at the altar. (Cerasini, 2005: 168) The poor society also feels the same condition like James feels. They are

defeated and humiliated by the disaster named Great Depression. Many of the

people just accept the condition that they feel because they have no power and no

authority to change their condition. Therefore, many families must leave their

homes when the landlords tell them to leave. James also feels this thing, he has no

power and no authority to change the decision of Boxing commisioners to delay

his fight because they never respect him as a professional boxer. But, he does not

give up to their disrespect action toward him and his manager, instead he proves

to them who is the real winner by knocking Art Lasky out in the game and making

himself becomes the only one contender to Max Baer. The boxing commisioners,

sport reporters, and Jimmy Johnston may underestimate him, but the society really

respects him as the part of them. This can be seen from their response to the fight

of James against Max Baer.

Jim Braddock has spent many years being called a bum, being jeered at, booed, discounted and written off, he didn’t know what to do, really, when at the sound of his name, the pent-up emotions were released in a stadium-quaking explosion of applause. (Cerasini, 2005: 236)

65

His sacrifice to fight all insults, disrespect comments, bad news about his

career, and unfair treatment from boxing promoters has inspired society to do the

same like he does that is to keep fighting against all odds in Depression. James

sacrifices his life and his family to fight for everyone whose hope has been robbed

by Depression. The poor society feels that the fights which James does on the ring

are the fights that he does for themselves. He has became their example because

they need to see somebody do something first, so they can do it by themselves,

and James has showed to them how the losing fight can be won.

Mae looked over the crowd again. She saw men from the docks, vagrants from the street, women and children who’d been abandoned—all of them thrown aside by the world, challenged to summon enough fight inside themselves to keep going. They looked up to her husband, Mae realized, all of them. Jim Braddock had become their example...if he could fight and win, maybe they could too...(Cerasini, 2005: 229) These are the three significances of James J. Braddock as the hero figure

of poor society in Great Depression in America. He has given the inspiration to

society through his winnings in boxing champion, he also defeats the impossible

thing at that time, that is to be the Heavyweight Champion whereas he is poor,

old, and underestimated. But, he can reach his dream in the hard time, and the last

is his life and family’s sacrifice to inspire society so that they have hope to win

the losing fight.

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CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION

In this chapter, the writer will conclude all three problems that have been

analyzed in this thesis. The first problem talks about the characteristics of James J.

Braddock. The writer analyzed the characteristics of James J. Braddock based on

his actions, his thinking, and the other characters’ saying. In characterizing James

J. Braddock, the writer applies the theory of character and characterization.

James J. Braddock is described as a responsible father who always tries to

keep the unity in his family because he believes when a family cannot be united in

Depression; it means that they have lost. It can be seen from his efforts to wake up

before dawn and to wait for hours in the dock so that he can get picked from

hundreds of people who also look for job in the dock. He also insists to go to dock

without having his breakfast. Mae Braddock, his beloved wife looks the

responsibility of James in his action when he cannot box anymore because the

boxing commissioners decommissioned him. He convinces Mae that he can work

although his right hand is broken. Mae sees that James never lets himself beaten

and gives up although he has lost something, it is his boxing license. He is also

honest. He teaches the value of truth to Jay when he stole salami from the butcher

because he wants all his children to become what he hopes. He also shows that he

is charitable by sacrificing his dignity as a man in front of boxing promoters in

Madison Square Garden. He begs for money from them to bring his children back

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and to pay the bill for the electricity. He has thrown his dignity as a man but he

has fulfilled his duty as a father.

James J. Braddock has modesty characteristic. It can be seen from his

profession as a boxer. He will fight with anyone who dares to challenge him on

the ring, even a black boxer like John Henry Lewis because the black people are a

minority in America and the white boxer usually picks their opponents based on

the color of skin, but not for James. He is also brave. He dares to fight opponent

who stronger and younger than him, like the heavyweight championship Max

Baer who has killed two men on the ring. He threats James that he will kill James

on the ring like his two opponents before.

James J. Braddock is an unbreakable man. He shows the hope to society

through his struggles. He never gives up to his condition but he believes that he

can change something about his life in Depression. Another characteristic is

inspiring. Joe Gould, his manager and also his best friend puts his hope in James

because he sees something in James that becomes his hope. Therefore, he sells his

properties to pay James’ training. James has inspired poor society of Great

Depression through his winnings and his struggle. These are the characteristics of

James J. Braddock.

The second problem talks about the ways James J. Braddock is accepted as

a hero figure in Great Depression poor society as reflected in the novel. In this

part, the writer uses the theory of society which consists of the theory of social

problem and social change. The writer focuses on the conditions of Great

68

Depression in the reality which is reflected in the novel and the society who lives

at that time, also the change that James gives to society through his influence and

his leadership. The social problem that the society faces in Great Depression is the

poverty. Therefore, many people, especially men struggle to escape from poverty

by looking for any jobs. Many families evict from their home and must sleep on

the street, besides parents send their children away from them to their relatives so

that their children can get better condition and treatment. High rate suicides

happen during Depression, many men abandon their wife and children to get

better life for them. Desperate, defeated, and shame become the characteristics of

society in Great Depression. This condition shows that the society needs a figure

to give hope for them, and then James J. Braddock comes up with his victory

against his opponents. The ways James is accepted as hero affected by two

factors, his characteristics as unbreakable figure in leading his family, himself,

and his condition and as undefeated figure that influences the poor society through

unity and strength. These two factors bring the change in poor society of Great

Depression.

James’ leadership is shown with his effort to control himself, his family,

and his condition. James changes the point of view of society in facing their own

problems which makes them dare to keep struggle for their life. He changes it

through his fights against many types of his enemies. He also proves his

leadership along his crisis to the society by keeping struggle and not giving up. He

is also supported by his friends and his wife to struggle for his dream. James’

influence is shown with the strength he has to overcome his problems. The society

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feels amazed with the improvement that James gets until he can achieve the

heavyweight championship. Another influence that he shows to society is the

unity of the family. He shows it by sharing joy with his family although it is not

easy for him because he must work from dawn to midnight, but he must do that

because if they cannot unite it is means that they have lost in Great Depression.

He influences the society to keep unites in the family although there is no pleasure

and joy anymore in the family. The unity is the important thing to fight all odds in

Great Depression. Therefore, the society accepts James J. Braddock because his

unbreakable leadership he shows in controlling himself to face the crisis and also

his undefeated characteristic to influence society by keeping the unity in the

family and giving strength to overcome their own problems in Great Depression.

After finishing the second problem, the writer analyzes the third problem.

The third problem talks about the significances of James J. Braddock as the hero

figure in poor society. There are three significances of James J. Braddock as the

hero figure. The first significance is the inspiration which is given by him to poor

society of Great Depression. He gives inspiration to society with his fight against

Max Baer which is bringing the victory for James as the Heavyweight

championship. The society feels that every victory that James gets on the ring is

the victories that are giving hope to them.

The second significance of James J. Braddock as the hero figure is

defeating the impossible thing in Great Depression. The society feels to change

the condition is very hard to do, even impossible. It is because they only think to

keep alive for another day in Great Depression. But, James defeats that impossible

70

thing by his winning in Heavyweight Championship. He proves to society that

they can reach their dream when they never quit and keep struggle for it. He has

proved that he makes his dream comes true in the time where all people’s dream

has been taken away from them by keep struggle and not quit.

The last significance of James J. Braddock as the hero figure is the

sacrifice he makes to the poor society of Great Depression. He sacrifices his

family and his life for the people who have been defeated by Great Depression.

He almost loses everything, including his life when he fights with Max Baer, but

this fight is not about him anymore, it is about everyone’s hope. Therefore he

dares to sacrifice his life to give hope for society. Another sacrifice is the

humiliation that he must feel before he becomes the Heavyweight champion. He is

mocked and underestimated by the boxing promoters, but he fights it all and

shows them that he can achieve many victories that giving hope and strength to

the society until he becomes the Heavyweight champion.

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Bernstein, Andrew, Dr. Philosophical foundation of heroism. <http:// www.mikemenzter.com/heroism.html> (May 8th

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APPENDIX

The Summary of Cinderella Man

The novel was taking place in New York, James J. Braddock, the boxer

who was always underestimated by many people in New York but one event has

changed his fate, his winning to Gerald “Tuffy” Griffiths has brought his carrier

up, he became famous and everybody praised him. His fortunate and happy life

did not last forever, the time of Great Depression stroke America; poverty came to

America and stroke everybody’s life without mercy, even the life of James J.

Braddock. His carrier fell, his business was bankrupt, and he became poor.

The poverty did not make James gave up, he always faced the challenge to

feed his family, even he must queued in the dock to get a job as a temporary

worker, and also he must worked 24 hour to fill the empty stopples with the

money, to keep the smile in his three children, and to feel the love of his wife.

One day, his son stole the salami, James told his son to return it, he also said to

his son that even they were poor they could not steal anything.

When his children were moved by his wife, James acted like a beggar to

get his children back, he made it, and he made his family united again. The time to

get his fame and victory has came, he must fought with Max Baer, the

heavyweight championship to get all that he dreamt for, including happy life. Mae

Braddock, his wife did not support his husband because she is worried about the

safety of his husband, Max Baer has killed two men on the ring.

Mae is realized by the people who prayed for James J. Braddock, they

have thought that James was their hero who tried to show that there was hope in

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this Great Depression time when we were not given up to our life. Mae realized

that she must support her husband to win because he really needed Mae’s support

and her blessing. The fight was watched and listened by every people in New

York, Newark, and West coast included his children and finally the fight was won

by James J. Braddock.