A LITERARY ANALYSIS ON FIGURE OF SPEECH IN KAKAWIN NITISASTRA

Kakawin Nitisastra, one of ancient Javanese scriptures, holds a lot of figurative writings in it. Revelation and analysis of those figurative language are important to enrich Indonesian literary culture and introduce it to character education in present days. The aims of this study are (1) to identify types of figure of speech used in Kakawin Nitisastra, (2) to identify functions of those figurative speech, and (3) to reveal the meanings behind them. By applying literature-based qualitative method, the result of this study reveals that Kakawin Nitisastra contains mostly similes, symbolism, allegory, hyperboles, and personifications related to animals, plants and ancient beliefs in the Vedas. The figures of speech have at least four functions namely to give examples, to compare qualities, to criticize, and to remind readers about proper deeds in the society.