A REFLECTION OF MARRIAGE TEMPTATION IN DANIELLE STEEL’S NOVEL THE KISS: READER-RESPONSE CRITICISM

Abstract

Abstract

This analysis focuses on the marriage temptations which are represented by the characters in Danielle’s novel The Kiss. There are two married couples in the novel. Both couples experience such temptations in their marriages. Those temptations become the object of this analysis. The analysis is based on the theory of Heitler’s three A marriage breakers. Then, the narrative approach is applied in this analysis. The result shows that there are three forms of marriage temptations found in the novel. First, both married couples in the novel face family problems. Second, there is anger which comes from the protagonist’s husband, and this destroys their happiness. Third, there is love affair which happens among the characters. This is as the impact of the family problems. The three marriage breakers happen to the married couples in the novel.  In conclusion, marriage temptation can happen to each married couple. The most important point of this analysis that actually the marriage temptation teaches a married couple to be more mature. Therefore, the married couple should find any solution to such temptation.

Keywords: marriage, temptation, family, couple, reader-response criticism.