The Language and Power of The Characters in the Film “Free State of Jones

Abstract

This study discusses the relationship between power and language in the
Free State of Jones film which is analyzed using Fairclough's theory.
Language is a tool used by humans to communicate with each other.
Sometimes when humans communicate using language there are certain
patterns that can be seen from the interaction. These patterns then become
differences when one person communicates or talks to another person.
These differences can occur due to factors such as who the speaker is and
who he is speaking to. The more dominant the speaker's position, the more
different the conversation is with the other party, plus the other party is in
a submissive position. This can be interpreted that there is a relationship
between language and power. Which is then divided by Fairclough into
power of language and power behind language. A real example of this
statement can be seen from the analysis of the Free State of Jones film. This
study uses a qualitative design. The results of the study show that there is a
relationship between power and language which is exemplified by the main
character, Newt Knight. Newt uses language as a tool to gain power. He
convinces others to agree with what he wants. Newt Knight also became a
victim of the Power behind language, where he was forced to obey his
superiors who had different goals than him.