GEORGE HERBERT MEAD’S SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM IN A. FUADI’S NOVEL BUYA HAMKA

Abstract

The novel Buya Hamka by A. Fuadi portrays the spiritual and social journey of its character through a complex process of self-awareness formation. Utilizing George Herbert Mead's Symbolic Interactionism theory, this study explores the forms of symbolic interactions that shape the self-awareness (Self) of the character Buya Hamka, which consists of two main elements: I (the spontaneous, creative, and reflective self) and Me (the social self shaped by societal norms and values). The approach used is descriptive qualitative, focusing on the analysis of narrative excerpts, dialogues, and monologues that display inner dynamics, social relations, and religious values within the text. The findings indicate that the character Buya Hamka reflects a balance between personal drives and social awareness. The element of I is evident through the character’s intellectual zeal, moral courage, and creativity in facing challenges, while the element of Me is reflected in adherence to religious values, social concern, and moral responsibility as a scholar and leader. The interaction between the two gives rise to a self that is mature both spiritually and ethically, demonstrating that the formation of a religious personality is the result of dialogue between the individual and the social environment. This study emphasizes the relevance of Mead's theory in understanding the social and spiritual dimensions of literary characters and illustrates that Buya Hamka serves as a philosophical reflection on the formation of human identity and morality within a socio-religious context.