ANALYSIS OF LANGUAGE STYLE IN CHAIRIL ANWAR POETRY FROM INDONESIA

Abstrak

This study analyzes the language styles and figures of speech used in two selected poems by Chairil Anwar, namely Aku and Karawang–Bekasi. The research applies a qualitative descriptive method to identify and interpret stylistic elements based on Martin Joos’s (1967) five levels of formality and Keraf’s (2010) classification of figures of speech. Data were collected through textual analysis, literature review, and expert consultation. The findings show that Aku predominantly employs casual and intimate styles to express individualism, rebellion, and existential defiance, supported by metaphors, hyperboles, and personifications. In contrast, Karawang–Bekasi utilizes formal and frozen styles to commemorate national heroes, featuring personifications, metaphors, hyperboles, and repetitions that emphasize sacrifice, patriotism, and the moral responsibility of remembrance. The study concludes that Chairil Anwar’s strategic use of language style not only reflects personal and national sentiment but also enhances the emotional and historical impact of his poetry. This research is expected to contribute to the study of stylistics in Indonesian literature and serve as a reference for further analysis of poetic language.