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i

THE INFLUENCE OF GRANT’S PERSONALITY

ON HIS FOOTBALL TEAM’S MOTIVATION

AS SEEN IN ERIC WILSON’S FACING THE GIANTS

A SARJANA PENDIDIKAN THESIS

Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

to Obtain the Sarjana Pendidikan Degree

in English Language Education

By

Fransiska Ratnasari Harisaputra

Student Number: 131214011

ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM

DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE AND ARTS EDUCATION

FACULTY OF TEACHERS TRAINING AND EDUCATION

SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY

YOGYAKARTA

2017

PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI

A Sarjana Pendidikan Thesis on

THE INFLUENCE OF GRANT'S PERSONALITYON IDS FOOTBALL TEAM'S MOTIVATION

AS SEEN IN ERIC WILSON'S FACING THE GIANTS

ByFransiska Ratnasari Harisaputra

Student Number: 1312140II

Approved by

Advisor

Drs. Bambang Hendarto Yuliwarsono, M.Hum.

ii

Date

12 June 2017


THE INFLUENCE OF GRANT'S PERSONALITYON IDS FOOTBALL TEAM'S MOTIVATION


ByFRANSISKA RATNASARI HARISAPUTRA

Student Number: 131214011

Defended before the Board ofExaminerson 10 July 2017

and Declared Acceptable

Board of Examiners

Secretary : Christina Lhaksmita Anandari, S.Pd., Ed.M.

Chairperson : Yohana Veniranda, M.Hum., M.A., Ph.D.

Member : Drs. Bambang Hendarto Yuliwarsono, M.Hum.

Member : Christina Lhaksmita Anandari, S.Pd., Ed.M.

Member : Priyatno Ardi, S.Pd., M.Hum.

iii


STATEMENT OF WORK'S ORIGINALITY

I honestly declare that this thesis, which I have written, does not contain the workor parts of the work of other people, except those cited in the quotations and thereferences, as a scientific paper should.

Yogyakarta, 10 July 2017

The Writer


131214011

IV

. ~-


LEMBAR PERNYATAAN PERSETUJUANPUBLIKASI KARYA ILMIAH UNTUK KEPENTINGAN AKADEMIS

Yang bertanda tangan di bawah ini, saya mahasiswi Universitas Sanata Dharma:

NamaNomor Mahasiswa

: Fransiska Ratnasari Harisaputra: 131214011

Demi pengembangan ilmu pengetahuan, saya memberikan kepada PerpustakaanUniversitas Sanata Dharma karya ilmiah saya yang berjudul:

THE INFLUENCE OF GRANT'S PERSONALITYON HIS FOOTBALL TEAM'S MOTIVATION


Dengan demikian saya memberikan kepada Perpustakaan Universitas SanataDharma hak untuk menyimpan, mengalihkan dalam bentuk media lain,mengelolanya dalam bentuk pangkalan data, mendistribusikan secara terbatas,mempublikasikannya di Internet atau media lain untuk kepentingan akademistanpa perlu meminta ij in maupun memberikan royalti kepada saya selama tetapmencantumkan nama saya sebagai penulis.

Demikian pernyataan ini saya buat dengan sebenamya.

Dibuat di YogyakartaPada tanggal: 10 Juli 2017

Yang menyatakan

~~Fransiska Ratnasari Harisaputra

v


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ABSTRACT

Harisaputra, Fransiska Ratnasari. 2017. The Influence of Grant’s Personality on

His Football Team’s Motivation as Seen in Eric Wilson’s Facing the Giants.

Yogyakarta: English Language Education Study Program, Sanata Dharma

University.

Personality is a kind of individual differences that can influence the

individual itself or others. This study analyzes the influence of Grant Taylor‟s

personality on the motivation of his football team. Grant Taylor is a football

coach in Eric Wilson‟s novel entitled Facing the Giants. Grant experiences

significant personality development when he faces many problems in his life. The

changing of Grant‟s personality influences his players. Thus, this thesis focuses

on Grant‟s personality and its influence on his football team‟s motivation.

The aim of the study is to answer the two research questions. First, it deals

with how Grant‟s characteristics are described in the novel. The second is how

Grant‟s personality influences his football team‟s motivation.

In answering the two research questions, the researcher applied the

psychological approach since the focus of this study is about someone‟s

personality. The researcher also used some theories, namely the theory of

character and characterization, the theory of personality development, the theory

of motivation, and Maslow‟s theory of needs. This study used library research.

The primary source was taken from the novel itself. The secondary sources were

obtained from the relevant books related to literature, personality, and motivation.

The findings of this study reveal that Grant‟s characteristics are portrayed

as doubtful, insecure, guilty, kind, loving and caring, religious, and hardworking.

His personality develops after he faces many problems in his life. He becomes

confident, optimistic, positive thinking, and trustworthy. The changes of his

personality give influence on his football team‟s motivation through his speech

and actions. His players become the team that has high motivation and strong

concepts in winning the games and developing their behavior.

Keywords: personality, motivation, Facing the Giants


vii

ABSTRAK

Harisaputra, Fransiska Ratnasari. 2017. The Influence of Grant’s Personality on

His Football Team’s Motivation as Seen in Eric Wilson’s Facing The Giants.

Yogyakarta: Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris, Universitas Sanata

Dharma.

Kepribadian adalah semacam perbedaan individu yang dapat

mempengaruhi dirinya sendiri atau orang lain. Studi ini menganalisa pengaruh

dari kepribadian Grant Taylor terhadap motivasi tim sepak bolanya. Grant Taylor

adalah pelatih sepak bola dalam novel Eric Wilson yang berjudul Facing the

Giants. Grant mengalami perkembangan kepribadian pada saat dia menghadapi

banyak masalah dalam kehidupannya. Perubahan dari kepribadian Grant

mempengaruhi para pemainnya. Oleh karena itu, skripsi ini berfokus kepada

kepribadian Grant dan pengaruhnya terhadap motivasi dari tim sepak bolanya.

Tujuan dari studi ini adalah untuk menjawab dua pertanyaan penelitian.

Yang pertama, pertanyaan yang berkaitan dengan bagaimana karakteristik Grant

dijelaskan dalam novel. Pertanyaan yang kedua adalah bagaimana kepribadian

Grant mempengaruhi motivasi tim sepak bolanya.

Dalam menjawab kedua pertanyaan tersebut, peneliti menerapkan

pendekatan psikologi karena studi ini berkaitan dengan kepribadian seseorang.

Peneliti juga menggunakan beberapa teori, yaitu teori karakter dan karakterisasi,

teori perkembangan kepribadian, teori motivasi, dan teori kebutuhan dari Maslow.

Studi ini menggunakan metode studi pustaka. Sumber utama diambil dari novel

itu sendiri. Sedangkan sumber-sumber tambahan diperoleh dari buku-buku yang

relevan dengan sastra, kepribadian, dan motivasi.

Penemuan dari studi ini menunjukkan bahwa karakteristik Grant

digambarkan sebagai pribadi yang ragu-ragu, tidak aman, bersalah, baik hati,

penuh kasih dan perhatian, beriman, dan pekerja keras. Kepribadiannya

berkembang setelah dia menghadapi banyak masalah dalam hidupnya. Dia

menjadi pribadi yang percaya diri, berpikiran positif, dan dapat dipercaya.

Perubahan dari kepribadiannya memberi pengaruh terhadap motivasi dari tim

sepak bolanya melalui cara dia berbicara dan bertindak. Para pemainnya menjadi

tim yang memiliki motivasi tinggi dan konsep yang kuat dalam memenangkan

pertandingan-pertandingan dan dalam mengembangkan tingkah laku mereka.

Kata kunci: personality, motivation, Facing the Giants


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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

It is amazing that after facing all obstacles and challenges, I can finish this

thesis. I hardly imagine having accomplished my thesis entitled ”The Influence of

Grant‟s Personality on His Football Team‟s Motivation as Seen in Eric Wilson‟s

Facing the Giants” without the blessing of my Lord, Jesus Christ. He always

gives me blessings through people around me. I am blessed for having wonderful

people in my life. I would like to convey my greatest gratitude to Mother Mary

for her sincere love and patience touching me to give my best in the rest of my

life.

I would also like to convey my deepest gratitude to my beloved advisor,

Drs. L. Bambang Hendarto Y., M.Hum., for giving me time, attention,

guidance, suggestions, and motivation with his patience in finishing this thesis. I

can learn a lot of things through the processes of accomplishing my thesis. I also

convey my deepest gratitude to Drs. E. Sunarto, M.Hum., especially for the

precious advices that he has given for supporting me in accomplishing my thesis.

My deepest gratitude also goes to Drs. Y.B. Gunawan M.A., my academic

supervisor, for his guidance, advices, prayers, suggestions, and motivation that

have been given to me during my study. My sincere gratitude also goes to all PBI

lecturers, who have taught me to be a mature person. I thank for the guidance and

knowledge they shared with me during my study. I also thank the PBI secretariat

staff, FKIP secretariat, and the library staffs for their supports, good service and

friendliness during the last four years.


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With lots of love, my special gratitude goes to my family, my father,

Bapak Petrus Haryanta, my mother, Ibu M.M. Kasiyem, my brother, Mas M.

Purwoko H.S., my sisters, Mbak Adriana Dwi Cahyani H.S. and Mbak Rosalia

Kurnawati H.S., for their stories, love, prayers, supports, kindness, and warmth.

Who I am now is under the influence of people who take part in my life. I

would like to express my gratitude, especially to Mgr. Pius Riana Prapdi, Pr.,

Romo Dr. Ir. P. Wiryono Priyotamtama, S.J., Romo Stephanus Istoto

Rahardjo, Pr., and Romo Ignatius Slamet Riyanto, Pr., who always pray,

motivate and support for me, especially in my hard times of accomplishing my

thesis. I also thank to my former teacher, Bapak Y. Mei Setiyanta, S.Pd.,

M.Hum., who has given me motivation and inspirations of life so that I can finish

my study.

My deepest gratefulness goes to my friends of PBI‟13, especially Yunda,

Inggit, Adel, Silvia, Angie, Lilis, Thania, Martha, Tibuth, Ryan, Sari, Tiwi,

Cha-cha, Marcel, and Nita, for friendship, support, and discussion we ever had

during my four-year study. My deepest gratefulness also goes to my friends of

Badminton Community, especially Bapak Sutrisno, Mbak Finarsih, Maria,

Bebo, Richi, April, Ayu, and Anik, for spirits, supports, and laughs we have.

Lastly, I would like to thank those whose names cannot be mentioned one by one,

who helped me in the process of my thesis.



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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

TITLE PAGE ............................................................................................................ i

APPROVAL PAGES .............................................................................................. ii

STATEMENT OF WORK‟S ORIGINALITY ...................................................... iv

PERNYATAAN PERSETUJUAN PUBLIKASI ........................................................ v

ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................... vi

ABSTRAK .............................................................................................................. vii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................. viii

TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................ x

LIST OF APPENDICES ....................................................................................... xii

CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study .............................................................................. 1

B. Research Questions ...................................................................................... 3

C. Significance of the Study .............................................................................. 4

D. Definition of Terms ...................................................................................... 4

1. Character ................................................................................................... 5

2. Personality ................................................................................................ 5

3. Motivation ................................................................................................. 5

CHAPTER II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

A. Review of Related Studies ............................................................................ 7

B. Review of Related Theories ......................................................................... 8

1. Theory of Character .................................................................................. 9

2. Theory of Characterization ....................................................................... 9

3. Theory of Personality Development ....................................................... 12

4. Theory of Motivation .............................................................................. 19

5. Theory of Needs ...................................................................................... 20

6. Theory of Critical Approach ................................................................... 22

C. Theoretical Framework............................................................................... 23


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CHAPTER III. METHODOLOGY

A. Object of the Study ..................................................................................... 25

B. Approach of the Study ................................................................................ 26

CHAPTER IV. ANALYSIS

A. The Description of Grant Taylor ................................................................ 28

1. Grant Taylor‟s Characteristics ................................................................ 28

a. Doubtful .............................................................................................. 29

b. Insecure ............................................................................................... 31

c. Guilty ................................................................................................... 33

d. Kind ..................................................................................................... 35

e. Loving and caring................................................................................ 36

f. Religious.............................................................................................. 40

g. Hardworking........................................................................................ 41

2. Grant Taylor‟s Personality Development ............................................... 43

a. Better versus Worse ............................................................................ 45

b. Slow versus Rapid ............................................................................... 52

B. Grant Taylor‟s Personality Influence on SCA Football Team ................... 55

1. Having High Motivation ......................................................................... 57

2. Having Strong Concept ........................................................................... 59

3. Winning the Games ................................................................................ 60

4. Having Good Self-Awareness ................................................................ 62

CHAPTER V. CONCLUSIONS, IMPLICATIONS, AND SUGGESTIONS

A. Conclusions ................................................................................................ 65

B. Implications ................................................................................................ 70

C. Suggestions ................................................................................................. 70

REFERENCES ...................................................................................................... 72

APPENDICES ....................................................................................................... 74


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LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 1: The Summary of Facing the Giants .............................................. 75

Appendix 2: About the author ........................................................................... 79


1

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

This chapter consists of four parts, namely background of the study,

research questions, significance of the study, and definition of terms. The

background of the study explains the description of this study and the reason why

Facing the Giants was chosen as a primary data. The research questions consist of

two questions that should be answered as the focus of this study. The significance

of the study explains the advantages of this study. The last part, the definition of

terms, provides some important terms used in this study to avoid any

misunderstanding.

A. Background of the Study

Feist and Feist (2010) say that personality is a pattern of relatively

permanent and unique character which gives consistency and individuality to

someone‟s behavior (p. 4). Personality also means the changing and interacting of

someone‟s typical qualities into a whole that leads someone to behave as he does

(Kalish, 1973, p. 53). It makes somebody look different and interesting. In this

life, humans need to develop their personalities so that they can understand some

aspects that occur in their lives. The process of developing human‟s personality is

known as a personal development. Piaget says that personal development is a

personal growth which happens by having some processes of expanding and

improving awareness, knowledge, and personal skills (as cited in Mooney, 2013,


2

p. 79). Therefore, every human being needs every possible opportunity to do

things for developing his personality.

The processes of personal development involve the growth of all aspects of

human‟s personality included motivation. Motivation is a thing which usually

becomes the reason for someone to achieve his goals. Maslow states that

motivation is usually complex (as cited in Feist & Feist, 2010, pp. 278-279). It is

caused by many things, such as someone‟s behavior, emotion, society, and

conflicts that happen in our life. Motivation plays a big role in reaching someone‟s

goals because motivation involves the persistence of behavior over time. It means

that someone‟s behavior may spring from several separate motives.

Skinner says that society plays a big role in influencing someone to change

his motivation (as cited in Feist & Feist, 2010, p. 462). The changing of

someone‟s motivation depends on the quality of the factors. It means that the

changing is not always to the better ones, but also to the worse (p. 463). It is

because society does not always reinforce someone‟s motivation. Hence, people

need a figure that can influence them on changing their motivation positively. If

the positive reinforcement from the society is strong enough, its effects will be

more powerful than the punishment. Those issues can be shown in a literary work,

such as movie or novel.

A novel as one of literary works may potrait the issues above. It is because

a novel is made by creativity of the author that can reveal new ideas and

perspectives of life from different perceptions. Murphy (1972, p. 127) states that a

novel can add a special or extra dimension to the learning experience. It provides


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some lessons of life which can be represented by the main character‟s personality.

Those issues can be a reference to conduct the study. It is because a novel is the

most widely practiced and read of literature. According to Stanton‟s statement, a

literature is a unique imitation of life (1965, p. 9).Therefore, the researcher

analyzes a novel which has a relation with the personalities and motivations that

are presented in the novel.

The researcher chose to analyze a novel entitle Facing the Giants by Eric

Wilson (2007). The story of this novel is about a high school football team which

never wins in any football competition. Grant Taylor is the head coach of this

team who has been coaching for six years. He always tries to overcome the

problems until he makes a new philosophy about winning the game by gaining

faith in God. The ways of Taylor facing the problems and motivating his team can

be the examples of good personal abilities which influence other people.

Furthermore, this study aims at discussing how Coach Taylor‟s personality

changes his football team‟s motivation to become higher. This novel shows how

someone‟s personality can change other‟s motivation in facing their lives.

Therefore, by understanding his personality, the researcher wants the readers to be

able to know the influence of someone‟s personality on other‟s motivation. It can

help them understand how to motivate others or how to get motivation from

others.

B. Research Questions

Based on the background of the study presented above, the researcher

formulates two questions to be discussed in this study.


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1. How are Grant‟s characteristics described in the novel?

2. How does Grant‟s personality influence his team‟s motivation?

C. Significance of the Study

There are some significances in this study. Firstly, the researcher realizes

that by conducting this study, she gets a knowledge related to personality which

can develop someone‟s quality of education. By analyzing the personality of the

coach in the novel, the researcher finds that the coach is able to create a good

atmosphere in his team. The coach‟s way of giving motivation to his team makes

the researcher interested in the novel. It can be related to the education field that is

how a teacher‟s personality can develop learners‟ motivation. It means that a

teacher should be able to make his students become more enthusiastic in learning.

Secondly, this study may help students of Faculty of Teachers Training and

Education, especially English Education Study Program as expected teachers in

increasing their knowledge and creativity to conduct an effective teaching-

learning activity. It is because by reading this study, they can get some references

for their materials of teaching-learning in using literary works so that they can use

them in their teaching activities. Third benefit is for the readers. This study can

help the readers get more knowledge about someone‟s personality and personal

development. The researcher hopes that knowing others‟ personality can help

them to learn about how to motivate others.

D. Definition of Terms

To avoid misunderstanding, there are some terms that have to be clarified.

These terms are:


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1. Character

Character is a quality of a distinctive type of a person which implies a

moral standard and involves a judgment of value (Hurlock, 1974, p. 8). In a

literature work, character is created by the author that should be understood by the

reader. The author uses some kinds of characters. The quality of a character can be

seen in every single action, speech, or thought of the person. The reader can

interpret those characters by seeing their moral expressed when they are doing

dialogues or actions. The reader has a freedom to decide whether the characters

have bad or good qualities in the novel.

2. Personality

As Hurlock (1974) says, personality is a kind of individual differences that

can affect the individual itself or others (p. 8). As human beings, people always

have a relation with other people around them with their own uniqueness, talents,

and personalities. Sometimes, the differences make a conflict around them and

need some efforts to solve it. Those problems can change someone‟s personality.

The process of changing of someone‟s personality is called personal development

(p.6). The changing of someone‟s personality is based on the factors that will

affect someone‟s life. It means that the changing of someone‟s personality can be

worse or better.

3. Motivation

Maslow states that motivation implies that energy is involved to activate

the individual to a level that enables the performance of the appropriate behavior

(as cited in Feist & Feist, 2010, p. 279). Motivation is also regarded as causes of


6

someone‟s behaviors. People often use the concept of motivation to indicate the

direction of their behavior (Petri, 1981, p. 4). It means that motivation involves the

persistence of someone‟s behavior. They would be satisfied with various personal

needs in the context of their work. Motivation is one of the personal needs. People

can get the motivation from many things. It can be from a conflict that happens in

someone‟s life because every single moment can give significant effect to

human‟s personality. Skinner says that there is another part besides conflicts that

can motivate someone. Society also plays big roles in developing someone‟s

motivation (as cited in Feist & Feist, 2010, p. 463). It means that it is true when

someone can face his problems, he can be a model or motivation for other people.


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CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter consists of three sections. They are review of related studies,

review of related theories, and theoretical framework. In the review of related

studies, the researcher reviews some of the criticisms of the novel. The review of

related theories is used to review the theories which are directly relevant to the

study. The last part is the theoretical framework. In this part, the researcher states

the contribution of the theories and reviews in answering the research questions of

the study.

A. Review of Related Studies

Facing the Giants is a motivating novel. It shows how a football coach is

able to motivate his team that has never won a single game in six years. There are

very hard processes that are done by the coach and his football team. Finally, at

the end of the novel, the coach succeeds in bringing his team to become a winner.

They have done very hard works in reaching their victory. Therefore, this novel is

very interesting to discuss. There are some people who have criticized this novel.

The first criticism was written by Jessica Lu. It was written on June 10th

2013. Jessica analyzed the value of the novel. Jessica said that the novel gave

some motivating lessons for her. The motivating lessons were about faith and

attitude. After reading Facing the Giants, Jessica said that people should prepare

the fields as an act of faith for the rain. It means that people should have faith that

God always has uniquely pre-wired each child with special gifts, talents and


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passions so that the best thing will happen in His time. In her criticism, she also

said that she learnt about attitude. As human beings, people should not judge

others‟ actions and judge ourselves by our intentions

(http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/637843285).

Another criticism was written by Marella L. Barcelon in the analysis forum

of Facing the Giants. The discussion is about the definition of leadership. Marella

L. Barcelon discussed about the developing leaders for the community. In the

discussion, she stated that leadership is the process of influencing the followers of

the leader to achieve their goal through changes. She analyzed a part which Grant

Taylor helped his team in changing their perspective of always winning

(https://prezi.com/1dhptud5j5e4/analysis-facing-the-giants/).

Based on the explanations above, those two critics have their criticisms

about this novel which are about the value of the novel and the definition of

leadership. Additionally, there is no student of Sanata Dharma University who has

conducted a research on this novel. Therefore, in this study, the researcher

analyzes an aspect of how Grant Taylor‟s personality influences on his football

team‟s motivation as seen in this novel.

B. Review of Related Theories

In conducting this study, the researcher needs some theories to support the

analysis in order to answer the two research questions. They are theory of

character, theory of characterization, theory of personality, theory of personal

development, theory of motivation and theory of needs.


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1. Theory of Character

Character is an important part of a story. In analyzing this character, the

researcher used Robert‟s and Jacobs‟ theory (1989). As Robert and Jacob (1989)

say, when someone wants to analyze a character in a story, he needs to understand

every single action, speech, and thought of the character so that he can arrange the

details of the character (p. 119).

Based on Robert‟s and Jacobs‟ theory (1989), there are two types of a

character in a story, namely a round character and a flat character. A round

character is the character in a story that always develops, changes and grows. It

mostly appears in many parts. A flat character is the character which is not so

important or not as the center of the readers‟ attentions. It mostly does not change,

grow or develop (pp. 120-121).

2. Theory of Characterization

In analyzing characteristics of the characters in the novel, the researcher

needs to know about a characterization of each character. Therefore, the

researcher used Murphy‟s theory of characterization. This theory helped the

researcher to understand the characters in a story. As Murphy (1972) says, there

are nine ways to understand the characters that appear in a story. They are

personal description, characters as seen by another, speech, past life, conversation

of others, reactions, direct comments, thoughts, and mannerisms (pp. 161-173).

a. Personal Description

In personal description, the author describes a character by his appearance

or clothing (pp. 161-162). The author can also tell the readers about the


10

character‟s appearance in details so that the readers can imagine the character‟s

appearance. The purpose is to help the readers understand the character by

knowing his appearance and clothing clearly.

b. Characters as seen by another

In a literary work, the author can describe a character through other

characters‟ opinions in a story (pp. 162-164). It also can be presented as a positive

comment or a negative comment so that it can help the readers understand the

character well. The purpose is to deliver a description of the character to the

readers.

c. Speech

Another way that can be used by the author to describe a character is by

giving a clue through the way of the character speaks (pp. 164-166). The readers

can understand the kind of the character by knowing the language and words that

are used by the character. For example, it can be presented as a motivating word

or other kinds of words so that the readers can guess the character that is

described.

d. Past Life

The author can use the past life of a character to describe the characteristics

of a character (pp. 166-167). The author can also present a clue of the character by

using the past life of the character. It can be in a form of direct comment from

other characters or the character‟s experiences. It also can be the character‟s

conversations or actions that have been done with the others in the past life. The


11

purpose of using the past life is to help the readers understand the characteristics

of the characters well.

e. Conversation of others

The author can give a description of a character through a conversation

with other characters (pp. 167-168). In having a conversation, the character shows

his characteristics. By giving an explanation of the characters‟ conversation, it can

help the readers know a real characteristic of the character by understanding what

they say about the other characters.

f. Reaction

The author can also use the way of a character‟s response to the situations

in a story (pp. 168-170). It can be seen when the character gives reactions to the

problems because every person has a different way in reacting something that

happens in their lives. By knowing the character‟s responses, it can help the

readers understand the characteristic of the characters.

g. Direct Comments

The author gives direct comments to describe a characteristic of a character

(pp. 170-171). The purpose of using direct comments is to give the readers a way

in imagining the characteristics of the character in a story. It can help the readers

know what the author wants in describing the character by understanding the

direct comments that are given by the author.

h. Thoughts

The author can show a direct knowledge of a character‟s thinking and

feeling by writing down something that describes about the characteristic of the


12

character (pp. 171-172). It can help the readers see about what a certain person so

that they can understand a characteristic of the way of the character thinks.

i. Mannerism

Showing manners or habits of a character can be a way for the author in

describing a characteristic of the character (p. 173). The author also can tell the

characteristic of the character to the readers explicitly or implicitly. It can also

show whether the character has a good personality or not.

3. Theory of Personality Development

As human beings in society, people always have a relation with other

people around them. They live in their own uniqueness, talents, and personalities.

It means that there are many differences around them. The differences sometimes

make a problem that needs some efforts to solve it. In solving the problem, people

need to have a good personality. When someone can solve his problem, it can

motivate him for doing something because every single moment can give a

significant effect to human‟s personality. Based on the focus of this study, namely

Grant‟s personality, the researcher would like to explain some important points of

personality development. In this part, the researcher discusses the meaning of

personality, the kinds of personality change, and the conditions responsible for

personality change.

a. The meaning of personality

Allport defines personality as “the dynamic organization with in the

individual of those psychophysical systems that determine his characteristic

behavior and thought” (as cited in Hurlock, 1974, p. 7). It can be said that


13

personality is a dynamic process of determining someone‟s behavior. It means that

someone‟s behavior is developed by his personality. Personality also influences

someone‟s way of thinking because personality is combination of someone‟s

characteristics. Personality and characteristic are not synonymous. The meaning of

characteristic is someone‟s trait which can be shown in someone‟s way of thinking

and acting. It relates to behavior that is controlled by someone‟s effort and

willingness. While personality is the total quality of someone‟s behavior entirely.

It means that personality is a total picture of someone‟s characteristics. In

understanding someone‟s personality, it needs to discover the internal factors

which lie behind someone‟s actions to know the reasons of his acting (Young,

1945, p. 3).

b. The kinds of personality change

Personality can be changed. The definition of change is not the same with

the definition of improvement. Improvement means that someone‟s quality moves

to a higher level. The meaning of change is a movement of someone or something

but it can be better or worse. It depends on the result of the change. In this life,

almost all people want to change the quality of their personalities to be better. The

desire to improve it usually develops when someone becomes aware of what

parents, teachers, or others say to him (Hurlock, 1974, p. 119).

Hurlock (1974) says that there are three major categories of personality

change, namely better versus worse, quantitative versus qualitative, and slow

versus rapid changes (pp. 120-122).


14

1) Better versus worse

The changes that happen in someone‟s personality are divided into two

kinds; some changes are for the better and some are for the worse. It means that

someone‟s personality can change to be better or worse. It depends on the result of

their changes. The change that happens in someone‟s personality shows about

someone‟s effort in adjusting their lives. It means that the more someone is trying

to adjust in his life, the more he will get changes. When someone personality

changes to be better, it improves the self-concept, self-confidence, and self-

assurance of the person (p. 120). By contrast, when someone‟s personality

changes to be worse, the quality of his self-concept will decline and leads to

feelings of inadequacy and inferiority. Those feelings are expressed in many

behavior patterns, such as antagonisms, defensive reactions, and depression (pp.

120-121).

2) Quantitative versus qualitative

The second category of personality change is quantitative versus

qualitative. The difference between quantitative and qualitative can be seen in the

change of those categories. Quantitative changes are about someone‟s

characteristics which are reinforced, strengthened, or weakened (p. 121). It can be

measured or seen in someone‟s characteristics. For example, the change of

someone‟s weight, height, ability to master the vocabularies, or aggressive

behavior. Qualitative changes do not normally occur, it does not mean that

qualitative changes cannot and do not occur. It can change but it may not always

be recognized (p. 121). For example, the quality of someone‟s adjustment will be


15

affected by the alteration that he made, but the change usually cannot occur

directly.

3) Slow versus rapid changes

The third category of personality change is slow versus rapid changes. The

difference between slow change and rapid change is seen on how the change of

those categories. The change is slow when the change is barely visible. By

contrast, rapid changes are the changes that can be seen obviously very visible. In

a personality change, the change normally happens slowly and gradually. It is

because when someone has a change, the change will influence someone‟s habit

so that the new habit will replace the previous habit. Therefore, the improvement

of someone‟s personality need a long time. It is because the old habit has been

reinforced through repeated experiences (p. 122).

A rapid change happens in a short duration. This change is also called as a

danger signal. It is because the change is usually caused by some artificial

stimulation (p. 122). The effect of consuming some artificial stimulation is that it

makes someone forget about his real self-concept or his problems. For example,

when someone in under the influence of alcohol, he would forget his real self-

concept and become a changed person. He can change from a depressed person

into a happy person. Rapid changes can also be persistent (p. 122). Those changes

are not caused by artificial stimulants but they are caused by endocrine or

neurological upsets, such as brain injuries, tumors, cancer, or some other diseases.

Those serious diseases make someone change his personality. Actually, the person

who has changed because of those causes is aware that he is not himself. It means


16

that he knows that his personality has changed but there is no guarantee that he

will return to his former adjustment although he has recovered.

c. Conditions responsible for personality change

The changes of personality usually are the result of someone‟s process in

thinking or feeling. In a normal person, there are several causes that make changes

in his personality, even the causes may or may not be interconnected. According

to Hurlock (1974), there are some conditions that are responsible for personality

changes, namely physical changes, changes in environment, changes in significant

people, changes in social pressures, changes in roles, strong motivation, and

changes in the self-concept.

1) Physical changes

Physical changes may happen because maturation, decline, or illness, or

some other condition that caused of someone‟s lifestyle (p. 124). The physical

changes have a big influence on someone‟s self-concept especially when they

occur rapidly. It happens because when someone has rapidly physical change, he

must not only make readjustment of his physical change but also change his self-

concept. It means that the impact of physical changes is more pronounced to a

person who is initially healthier than one who has been ill from birth. It is because

he must change his self-concept and accept the changes. Those changes are the

causes of the personality change (p. 124).

2) Changes in environment

Personality changes may be caused by changes in environment. It is

because changes in environment may cause change in someone‟s self-concept.


17

However, the changing which is caused by the environment will not guarantee as a

personality improvement. It means that the changes in environment can give a

good effect or bad effect. It depends on how the environment accepts the person

and gives what the person needs. Based on Hurlock (1974, p. 125), there are four

things that should be done by the changes in environment to give a good

improvement of someone‟s personality. First, the changes in environment must

make the status of the person to be better so that the person can feel more secured

in his life. Second, the changes in environment must make the person become

balanced with the environment. It means that the environment can provide his

needs. Third, the changes in environment must give the authority to the person to

be closer with his ideal. Fourth, the changes in environment must give

opportunities to the person to help him realize himself realistically and revise his

goals and aspirations based on his abilities.

3) Changes in significant people

Hurlock says that someone‟s personality change can also be affected by

other people, especially the significant people in his life. When the significant

people have changed, the individual will motivate himself to change his

personality to be like them. The individual will try to get closer with the special

people in his life. The extent of the individual‟s personality changes depends on

how much the significant people‟s attitudes and value differ from the individuals‟.

It means that if there is a great difference of them, it will motivate the individual

to change his personality to be greater (p. 126).


18

4) Changes in social pressure

Hurlock (1974) states that personality changes are also affected by social

pressures. Strong social pressures play a big role in someone‟s personality

development. It happens because when someone has a strong feeling to be

accepted in society but society does not accept his personality, he will change his

personality to be closer with the society‟s standard so that he can be accepted in

his society (p. 126).

5) Changes in roles

Changes in roles also play a big role in personality change. The changes

give effects either to be better or worse. It depends on how well the new roles fit

someone‟s needs. If the changes make the status become more favorable, it will

change someone‟s self-concept better. Hurlock says that there are three conditions

related to role changes that can damage someone‟s personality pattern. The first is

the condition when someone is being prevented to make a better change by people

around him. Second condition is when someone is forced to do something that he

does not want to do. Third condition is when someone is not ready to receive a

role change (p. 127).

6) Strong motivation

When someone has a strong enough motivation to improve his personality,

the changes can be effective. It is because usually people change their

personalities to improve their social relationship so that they can be accepted in

their society. Hurlock states that there are two kinds of people, namely outer-

directed people and inner-directed people. When other‟s opinions about their


19

personalities are bad, outer-directed people will change their personalities as good

as the other‟s standards. It means that strong motivation can be gotten from

external or internal factor (p. 127).

7) Changes in the self-concept

Hurlock says that self-concept is the main part that has a big influence for

someone‟s personality. When the self-concept has changed, it will change the

entire of someone‟s personality. Changing the self-concept is very difficult. It

takes a long time and requires tremendous self-insight. The process of the

changing is slowly and gradually to make the process does not upset the entire of

someone‟s personality. It means that someone who wants to change his self-

concept must be able to recognize and accept his real life. He must see himself as

he actually is, not as he wants to be or as others perceive him (p. 128).

4. Theory of Motivation

Motivation implies that energy is involved to activate the individual to a

level that enables the performance of the appropriate behavior. Huffman and

Vernoy (2000, pp. 392-401) clarify that the meaning of motivation is the process

of activating, maintaining and directing of an individual‟s behavior toward a

particular goal. It refers to some factors of an individual such as needs, desires,

and interests. There are two forms of motivation, namely intrinsic and extrinsic

motivations. Intrinsic motivation occurs from the satisfaction arising out of the

behavior itself. It is someone‟s desire to perform an act for his own sake. On the

other hand, extrinsic motivation occurs because there is an external factor which


20

presses someone to do something. It means that the motivation is not inherent in

the behavior itself.

5. Theory of Needs

Maslow (1971) explains about how people satisfy various personal needs in

the context of their work. It is shown as Maslow‟s Hierarchy of Needs. There are

five levels of personal needs, namely physiological needs, safety needs, belonging

needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs. Those levels are depicted as

hierarchical levels within a pyramid.

Figure 1.1 The First Hierarchical Pyramid of Maslow’s Theory of Needs

(Maslow, 1971)

a. Physiological Needs

The first level has to do with physiological needs. Physiological needs

include air, food, water, sex, sleep, and other factors. It becomes the first level


21

because it is the basic needs and must be satisfied before advancing to other needs

or higher levels. People will always try to fulfill the physiological needs to

continue their lives for fulfilling their other needs (p. 38).

b. Safety Needs

Safety needs are the second level of human‟s needs. People want to be

secured and safe in their lives. It is because people want to seek pleasure and

avoid pain. Safety needs include security of environment, health, employment,

feeling, and property. It means that all human beings want to be safe in every

condition in their lives so that they can feel comfortable in doing everything that

they want (p. 40).

c. Belonging and Love Needs

In their lives, people want to be accepted by others. They need a feeling

that can trust and be trusted by others. Belonging and love needs include love,

friendship, family, and intimacy. Love is an affectionate relationship between

someone and others that include the mutual trust (pp. 40-41). Therefore, people

need love to affiliate with others, be accepted, and give and receive attention.

d. Esteem Needs

According to Maslow, there are two categories of esteem needs, namely

self-esteem and self-respects. Self-esteem consists of someone‟s desire for

adequacy, confidence, achievement, independence and freedom. Self-respect

includes of someone‟s recognition, acceptance, prestige, attention, status,

appreciation, and reputation from others. The reason why people need esteem


22

needs is because they want to achieve and gain approval. They also want to be

competent in their fields (p. 42).

e. Self-actualization Needs

The last level, self-actualization needs, is the top level of the needs which

are considered as growth needs. These include morality, creativity, and problem

solving. As time goes by, people are always changing to reach their goals. They

always try and want to develop their skills and potentials. Therefore, they need

self-actualization needs in their lives. Self-actualization needs are someone‟s

identification of his psychological need for growth, development, and utilization

of his potential. It is as his desire to be better and be everything that he is capable

of becoming. People need self-actualization needs because they want to find self-

fulfillment and realize their potential so that it can help them in reaching their

goals (p. 42).

6. Theory of Critical Approach

A novel is one of literary works that gives a reader a lot of knowledge,

lesson, and value. It is because there are so many interesting elements inside the

story to be analyzed. In analyzing the elements in a story, the researcher firstly

needs to know how to read and understand it. As Rohberger and Woods say that if

someone wants to know what literature is, he should understand how to read and

how to judge it (1971, p. 3). There are five approaches in the literature which can

be used to understand the nature, positive value, and function of a story. They are

formalist approach, biographical approach, sociocultural-historical approach,

mythopoeic approach, and psychological approach (pp. 7-11).


23

In this study, the researcher uses psychological approach to answer the

research questions which discuss the personality and motivation. It is a way to

help a researcher analyze literary works. It focuses on the human psychology, such

as thought, human personality, behavior, and other aspects related to human

psychology (p. 9). As the focus of this study, motivation and emotions are also

among the inner states that influence human behavior which is the part of

psychology field (Tyson, 2011, p. 81). Psychological approach is an approach

which focuses on human behavior (p. 82). The reason why the researcher uses the

psychological approach is because personality and motivation have relation with

human emotions and behavior. It helps the researcher understand human‟s

behavior better because it reveals a personality and personal development of the

character in a story. Therefore, the researcher uses psychological approach as a

psycho analysis to analyze the characters in this novel.

C. Theoretical Framework

There are five theories that are used in this study in order to support the

analysis and to answer the two research questions. Those theories are theory of

character, theory of characterization, theory of personality development, theory of

motivation, and theory of needs.

The theories of character and characterization are used to find out the

characteristics of Grant Taylor in Facing the Giant novel. In addition, the theories

help the researcher understand every single action, speech, and thought of Grant

Taylor so that the researcher can answer the first research question, which is to

identify how Grant‟s characteristics is being presented in Facing the Giant.


24

Secondly, the theory of personality development is used to find out Grant

Taylor‟s personality that is described in this novel. It is also used to find the

development of Grant‟s personality. After finding Grant‟s personality

development, the researcher uses the theory of motivation and the theory of needs

to support the researcher in answering the second research question which is to

identify how Grant Taylor‟s personality influences his team‟s motivation. The

theory of motivation and theory of needs are used to find out the description of

Taylor and his team‟s motivation and needs that are appeared in Facing the Giant

novel so that at the last analysis, the researcher can describe the influence of

Grant‟s personality on his team‟s motivation.


25

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter consists of two sections. They are object of the study and

approach of the study. In the object of the study, the researcher explains the

physical description and the special record of the novel studied. The approach of

the study elaborates the approach that is used in this study, namely psychological

approach. This section also explains the reasons why the researcher uses the

psychological approach in this study.

A. Object of the Study

The object of this study is a novel titled Facing the Giants. It was written in

2007 by Eric Wilson, the New York Times best-selling writer of Fireproof and

Flywheel. There are two editions of Facing the Giants. The first edition was

published in September 2007 by Thomas Nelson as a paperback novel. The

second edition was published in 2008 by Thomas Nelson as a hardcover novel. In

this study, the researcher used the second edition. The genre of this novel is

spirituality. This novel consists of 329 pages in 47 chapters. This novel is based on

the movie directed by Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick. The movie was

released in 29 September 2006 by Samuel Goldwyn Films. This movie was

novelized in September 2007 by Eric Wilson.

This novel tells about Grant Taylor, a coach of a high school football team

named Shiloh Christian Eagles. For 6 years, his team has never won any football


26

competition. When he coaches Shiloh team, the leading scorer has left the team

for joining their rival school team. It makes Grant‟s team become weak.

Therefore, it gives pressure to Grant‟s team. A group of fathers is secretly

organizing to have him dismissed as a head coach.

Grant Taylor does not only have the problems in his football team but he

also has problems in his family. He feels that he cannot provide a decent home for

his wife. He also has a big problem with his wife, Brooke, in their attempts to start

a family. Grant and Brooke have to face infertility. This is the reason why his wife

cannot become pregnant.

Devastated by his circumstances, he cries out to God in desperation. One

day, Grant receives a message from an unexpected visitor. He gets an inspiration

from the visitor to have a stronger goal for his football team. He believes that it is

God‟s way to lead his team to become a winner. Therefore, he also encourages his

team to believe that God will make an impossible thing become possible. It

encourages Grant and his team to become more motivated. They face their giants

of fear and failure to reach their goals of being the winner.

B. Approach of the Study

As the focus of this study is on the personality and motivation of Grant

Taylor who is the main character of the novel, the researcher applies a

psychological approach in this study. This psychological approach is applied to

help the researcher analyze the personality of Grant and the motivation of his

football team. It is because personality and motivation are the parts of

psychological field. Based on the theories explained in the previous chapter,


27

motivation can be caused by extrinsic factors such as environment and other‟s

personalities (Huffman and Vernoy, 2000, p. 392). It can encourage people to

motivate them in reaching their goals. By using the psychological approach, the

researcher could see the influence of Grant‟s personality on his football team‟s

motivation so that it helps the researcher answer the two formulated research

questions which are about personality and motivation.


28

CHAPTER IV

ANALYSIS

This chapter consists of the analysis which aims to answer the research

questions described in the research questions. There are two sections in this part,

namely description of Grant Taylor and influence of Grant‟s personality on his

football team. The first section aims to find out the description of Grant‟s

characteristics. Then, the second section aims to find out Grant‟s influence on his

football team.

A. The Description of Grant Taylor

In this part, there are two sections of discussion. The first section discusses

Grant‟s characteristics that are described by the author in the novel. The second

section concerns with the personality development of Grant Taylor. Based on the

research questions in this study, the researcher focuses on Grant‟s characteristics

and the influence of Grant‟s personality on his football team. Therefore, the

researcher firstly analyzes the main character‟s characteristics using the theory of

character and characterization. Then, the researcher uses the theory of personality

development to analyze the personality of the main character.

1. Grant Taylor’s Characteristics

A character is one of the important things in a story. Robert and Jacob say

that characters can be categorized into two types, namely a round character and a

flat character (1989, pp. 120-121). A round character is the character that plays an

important role in the story and a flat character is the character that remains stable.


29

The round character always develops, changes, and grows. In the novel, Grant

Taylor experiences the changes in his thoughts, feelings and behavior. From those

changes, Grant can be categorized as a round character.

Based on the theory of character and characterization that is stated by

Robert and Jacobs, in analyzing a character in a story, there are some important

things that should be understood by the researcher. The researcher should

understand every single action, speech, and thought of the character (1989, p.

119). Murphy also states that a character can be described by looking how the

author expresses the character in the story (1972, pp. 161-173). By applying this

theory in this study, the researcher will be able to find out the answer of the first

question that deals with Grant‟s characteristics described in the novel. Therefore,

the following points below show the characteristics of Grant that appear in the

story which has been analyzed using Murphy‟s theory.

a. Doubtful

Grant Taylor has many problems in his life. His problems are not only in

his family but also in his football team. One of his problems is when his best

player transfers to another football team. It makes his strongest players should

play both ways, defend and attack. It means that he should rebuild his team. This

condition makes Grant feel doubtful of his ability in coaching.

Still, it‟d been six years, going on seven. Brady had been here with Grant

every step of the way. Someday, Brady thought, I’d like to have my own

shot at this. On the other side of the desk, Grant stared at the season‟s game

schedule with a look of despair. “So basically, we got the toughest schedule

we ever had and less talent than we ever had” (p. 41).


30

From the statement above, a doubtful characteristic of Grant is clearly

shown in his action when he sees the season‟s game schedule. He feels desperate

when he knows that his team gets the toughest schedule. It means that he does not

believe of his players‟ ability so that it forces him to rebuild his team. He looks

like a person who is lost before fighting. It means that he is not sure that his

players can be the winner in the season.

Grant characteristic as a doubtful person is not only shown in his

perception of his player. It is also shown when he knows that some parents do not

like him. In six years of coaching, he cannot make his team become a winner. It

makes the parents of his players doubt his ability in coaching. One day, they have

a secret meeting without telling Grant, but unintentionally, Grant over hears their

conversation in the meeting. They talk about Grant‟s ability in coaching.

Pervis, one of players‟ parents, concluded, “We‟re losing booster support,

game attendance is down, and from the looks of it we‟ve already lost this

season. We‟ve got a weak program, because we‟ve got a weak coach. He‟s

dead weight. We need to cut him loose.” Others around the table voiced

support of this statement. With slumped shoulders, Grant retreated toward

the exit door and think of himself. It’s over. Done. I’ve given it all I’ve got,

and it’s just not good enough (pp. 81-82).

From the quotation above, it can be seen that other characters‟ opinions

make Grant Taylor feel like what they have said. Murphy says that analyzing a

character can be done by analyzing the way of the character thinks (1972, pp. 171-

172). In the statement above, it clearly shows Grant‟s thought that he is not good

enough for being a head coach in his football team. He becomes unconfident of

himself. It makes him feel doubtful of his ability in coaching. Those problems also


31

make Grant become a person who has lack of confidence. It makes Grant feel

depressed and alone. It is clearly seen in his conversation with Brooke.

The chair scraped on the floor as Grant pulled it out and sat down across

from Brooke. She noticed his eyes were grim. “Grant, talk to me.”

Her husband continued. “Neil Prater. Alvin Pervis. Luke Rae. They said I

wasn‟t capable of winning. Called me dead weight. They‟ve just lost

confidence in me. Brooke, I‟ve tried so hard. Why can‟t I win?” (p. 84).

The conversation above shows that Grant feels unable to be a good coach.

He is not confident with his ability because others‟ opinions influence his thought

of himself. It means that he does not believe in his own ability. It makes him

become a doubtful person. Based on the analysis of his speech, his thought, and

the conversation between Grant and Brooke, it can be concluded that Grant is a

doubtful person.

b. Insecure

Insecure is a condition when someone feels not safe in his life. It can

happen in someone‟s family or work environment. Grant, as the main character in

the novel, also feels insecure in his life. He has so many problems. It makes him

feel afraid that something will go wrong because of him. This condition can be

seen when Grant has so many bad experiences in one day.

After the day‟s collective bits of bad news, he was afraid that something in

him might break. He knew if he kept looking into those round blue eyes

she would see right through him – and he couldn‟t risk that. Brooke needed

him to be strong. He needed to hold it together (p. 26).

From the statement above, it can be seen that Grant actually feels insecure

with his life. It is because there are a lot of bad things happen in his life. It makes

him afraid if there is another thing that will be ruined. Grant also feels insecure in

his work environment. It can be seen when he will meet the principal, Dan Ryker.


32

With the shame of Friday night‟s game still in his belly, Grant worried as

he poked his head into Principal Dan Ryker‟s office. Grant had always had

Ryker‟s support, yet he felt tension as he took a seat across from his boss

(p. 39).

The statement above clearly shows that Grant feels insecure in meeting

with the principal. He worries because on the last Friday, his team loses the game.

Even though the principal always supports him, he is still worried because he

cannot bring his team to be a winner. Other things that make Grant feel insecure

are the parents of his players and his colleagues. It is because they want his

position as the head coach to be substituted by his assistant. This characteristic can

be found when his players‟ parents have a secret meeting with the assistant coach

and principal of Shiloh school. The meeting discusses about Grant‟s work. They

do not know that Grant is at his office. Inadvertently, Grant over hears the

conversation between his players‟ parents and the principal. The content of the

meeting is that they want to fire Grant and substitute him with the assistant coach

of SCA team.

Principal Ryker was speaking, “Just last week, I told Coach Taylor we‟d be

getting him new decals. And now we‟re talking about throwing him out?

That‟s a sudden switch.”

“Grant Taylor is not capable of winning. He doesn‟t have it in him. That‟s

the whole point,” said Pervis, one of his players‟ parents.

Neil Prater added, “I‟m not for attacking the coach, I‟m just saying I want

my son to have the best football program possible. My son‟s got a chance

for a football scholarship if he‟s taught by the right coach. Matt‟s gonna be

a senior next year. I don‟t want to see him lose this opportunity” (p. 80).

The statement above is the conversation that happens in the secret meeting

between the players‟ parents and the principal without telling Grant. They want

that Coach Grant is discarded from SCA team. It is because they think that Grant

does not have an ability to make the team win. In the meeting, the players‟ parents


33

also ask to the assistant coach, Brady. They persuade him to substitute Grant‟s

position of head coach to somebody else.

“Brady, you could do better than Grant Taylor,” Pervis said.

“You could,” said Prater.

“What we need is a change,” Pervis insisted.

“Now.”

Grant spun away from the classroom door, torn between confronting these

backstabbers and fleeing. He could hear them still jawing. Hadn‟t they said

enough? (p. 81).

The conversation between the parents and his assistant coach makes Grant

think that he is not good enough for becoming a head coach. It makes Grant feel

insecure of his job because his colleagues do not believe in his ability. They want

to replace his position with his assistant. It means that he will lose his job as a

head coach of SCA football team. The condition makes Grant feel threatened of

losing his job. Based on his thought, his reactions, and comments of others, Grant

is described as a person who feels insecure in his life.

c. Guilty

Having a lack of confidence also makes Grant feel guilty. He feels that the

losing of his team happens because of him. It makes him uncomfortable when he

wants to go to the church. It is because many of his players and parents attend his

church. He feels guilty if he meets them, talking about their last game.

He didn‟t want to go, but he knew it was the right thing to do. “A sacrifice

of praise.” Isn‟t that what the Bible called it?

Grant stared through the Chevy Celebrity‟s windshield, waiting for Brooke

to join him for their drive to Sunday morning service. After Friday night‟s

fiasco, he had no desire to show his face in public. He could imagine the

whispers behind his back, the blank stares. Many of his players and their

parents attended his church (p. 71).


34

In the statement above, it clearly states that Grant feels guilty because his

team never wins in every single game. This condition makes him not want to meet

his players or their parents because he feels that the cause of their defeat is him.

Grant‟s characteristic of feeling guilty can also be shown when Grant has a

conversation with his wife, Brooke. When they talk about Grant‟s football team

and the condition of their lives, Grant says that all bad things happen because of

him.

Grant rested both arms on the table, his palms turned up in a show of

defeat.

“I don‟t know where to start. They‟ve just lost confidence in me. I was so

sure I could turn this program around, and I‟ve just sunk it lower. Brooke,

I‟ve tried so hard. Why can‟t I win?” said Taylor.

“You can win. Stop beating yourself up, Grant,” said Brooke.

“Brooke, I can‟t provide you a decent home. I can‟t provide you a decent

car. I‟m a failing coach, with a losing record. And I can‟t give you the

children you want. It‟s me. We can‟t have our own children because of

me,” said Grant (p. 84).

By analyzing the dialogues that happen between Grant and Brooke, it is

clearly seen that Grant‟s problems give a significant effect to him, especially

psychologically. Grant thinks that he cannot fulfill others‟ needs so that it makes

him blame himself. Grant feels that all bad things in his life happen because of his

fault. He feels guilty of all. Another fact that shows Grant‟s characteristic as a

guilty person is when Grant thinks that he is the main problem of all the problems.

Maybe he was the problem.

Grant closed his hand over his keys. In his ears, he could still hear the

complaints from that late-night meeting: ”Coach Taylor… he’s not a good

coach… He’s dead weight.” (p. 96).

From the statement above, it clearly shows that Grant feels guilty. He

thinks that he is the problem of all bad things that happen in his team. It makes


35

him blame himself. He thinks that he is really a bad coach for his football team.

Based on the analysis of direct comment of him, his thought, and the conversation

between he and Brooke, Grant is a person who feels guilty. As a result, having

many problems makes Grant feel doubtful, insecure and guilty. Those

characteristics are Grant‟s negative characteristics.

d. Kind

Besides having negative characteristics, Grant also has some positive

characteristics. One of Grant‟s positive characteristics that is shown by the author

is kind. The term of a kind person has a meaning as an action or others‟ opinions

of him which show that he is a good man. In this part, the researcher shows that

Grant is a good man by analyzing other characters‟ opinions. It is shown when

some parents of his players have a meeting and talk about him.

“I‟m not asking you to throw Grant out,” Alvin Pervis said.

“Alvin, he‟s a good man,” said Neil Prater.

Pervis wasn‟t finished. “I‟m not saying he‟s not a good man” (p. 80).

The conversation above clearly shows that Grant Taylor is a good man.

The statement is spoken by the parents who do not really like him. It means that

Grant really has a good characteristic. Grant‟s characteristic as a kind person also

can be seen on his attention of others. It can be shown when he thinks about his

players‟ future. He gives suggestion to his player, Matt, who has a big problem

with his father.

“Matt, can I shoot straight with you for a minute?”

“Sure.” Matt met his eyes.

“I feel like you owe your dad more respect.”

“Why? You don‟t know him like I know him.”

“I don‟t have to know him. You need to respect him because it‟s the right

thing to do.”


36

“You know, Coach, my dad doesn‟t even like you. He thinks the school

needs to find somebody else” (p. 132).

The conversation above clearly shows that Grant has a kind heart. He still

cares to his player even his player‟s father does not like him. He gives good

suggestion to his player. He does not care about others‟ treatment of him. He just

wants to do the right thing in his life.

Grant‟s characteristic as a kind person is not only shown in his football life.

It also describes in his relationship with Brooke. One of the reasons why Brooke

wants to marry him is because Grant is a kind person. It can be seen when Brooke

has conversation with Grant.

“Grant, I saw in you a man who wanted to love God.”

“And I just thought you looked good in your cheerleading uniform,” said

Grant.

“Grant, you‟re the nicest and most forgiving person I‟ve ever met” (p.

109).

Through the conversation between Grant and Brooke, it can be seen that

Grant has a good characteristic. Brooke says that Grant is the nicest man she has

met. It means that he is a kind person. Based on others‟ opinions and his speech,

Grant is clearly described as a kind person. Being a good man can influence other

people to love him. In this novel, the author describes other positive characteristics

of Grant by showing in Grant‟s actions, speech and others‟ opinions.

e. Loving and caring

As human beings, people want to be accepted by others with what they are.

It is because in their lives, people need a comfortable situation so that they can

feel secure (Maslow, 1971, pp. 40-41). One way of getting this feeling is love.

Love is someone‟s relationship with others who are filled the overflowing


37

affection. One characteristic of Grant is loving others. In this novel, Grant Taylor

has a kind wife who always loves him in every condition. They move from

Statesboro to Albany after finishing their studies at Georgia Southern University.

Grant has a new job in Albany, in the state‟s south-western corner. He gets a new

job of becoming the head coach position in one of the senior high schools in this

state. It is his first job as a football coach in a senior high school. He is going from

the GSU Eagles to the Eagles at Shiloh Christian Academy. For him, it is a good

sign. He believes that getting this job means that he is flying higher (p. 4).

Unfortunately, in six years coaching Shiloh Eagles, Grant cannot make his

team win in every competition. It makes the principal and the parents of his

players angry. They blame Grant as a bad coach. Those conditions do not make

Grant stop loving his wife. He really loves his wife. The way of Grant loves his

wife can be seen in the following statement.

“Brooke, I‟ve got forty jerseys and thirty-one boys. If you‟ve got two legs

and a head, I‟d probably take you,” said Grant to Brooke.

“Grant Taylor, tell me that‟s not the sound of worried man.” Brooke

reached out for his hand. “From where I‟m sitting, I see a coach who still

has what it takes to help these boys win – on the field and off,” said

Brooke.

Grant said, “Hope you‟re right, sweetheart. I really do” (p. 59).

The statement above clearly shows that Grant loves his wife. Having so

many problems does not make Grant stop loving his wife. It can be seen in the

way how he calls his wife using word “sweetheart”. He still respects to his wife. It

shows that he really loves his wife even though he has so many problems in his

life. Grant‟s characteristic which is shown that he really loves his wife can be seen

from his relationship with his wife. They have a good relationship even they have


38

so many problems in their lives. This condition can be known from someone‟s

opinion of their relationship.

“Thank you for doing this,” Brooke said.

“Anytime.” Jackie slipped into a parking spot at Shiloh Christian academy.

She turned off the engine and looked over at her friend. “You know, you

and Grant are one of the only couples I know who seem to still truly love

each other” (p. 57).

From the statement above, Jackie‟s opinion clearly shows that Grant and

Brooke have a good relationship. They truly love each other even they have so

many problems in their lives. It means that Grant really loves his wife in every

condition of their lives. As a result, Grant is very loving and caring to his wife

without being affected by their problems. Grant does not only love his wife, but

also he cares to his players.

Grant‟s characteristic as a person who cares to others can be seen when he

helps others even though they do not respect him. He gives his best to help others

solve their problems. He does it sincerely even it is in a simple or hard way. It is

because he thinks that helping others does not always need a big action. It can be a

simple one, such as listening to someone‟s story. The example of this

characteristic can be seen when he tries to help one of his players, Matt, in solving

his problem with his father.

Matt saw Coach across the track. Matt had no interest in talking.

“Matt, feel like you owe your dad more respect.”

“Why?”

“Cause he‟s your father.”

“You don‟t know him like I know him.”

“I don‟t have to know him. You need to respect him because it‟s the right

thing to do.”

“You know, Coach, my dad doesn‟t even like you. He thinks the school

needs to find somebody else. My dad, all he does is boss me around. He

doesn‟t even try to understand me,” said Matt.


39

“Matt, you can‟t judge your father by his actions, and then judge yourself

by your intentions. It doesn‟t work that way. You‟re not responsible for

him. You‟re responsible for you. You honor God by honoring your

authority,” said Grant (pp. 131-132).

The conversation between Grant and Matt above shows that Grant cares to

his player. He gives his time to listen Matt‟s problems. He helps Matt to make

peace with his father even he knows that Matt‟s father does not like him. In

helping Matt, Grant does not only listen and give suggestion for Matt, but he also

takes Matt to his father so that Matt can meet his father and solve their problem

directly. As a result, Grant‟s actions show that he really cares about other people

without thinking of someone‟s background. Grant does not only care to Matt, but

also cares to other players. The way of caring can be seen in developing his

players‟ ability. It can be seen in the following statement.

“Oh.” Grant held up a hand. “One more thing. Brooke and I have an old

barn behind our house. If you want, you can come on over and put in some

extra hours, to work on your kicking technique. Just draw yourself a set of

goalposts on the barn with some chalk, and you‟ll be good to go.”

“Thanks, Coach, but I don‟t wanna impose.”

“Not at all,” Grant said. “We‟re just out Old Pretoria Road. Some sweet

tea, a little pecan pie, and you boys‟ll feel right at home.”

David and Jonathan offered enthusiastic thank-yous (p. 59).

The statement above clearly shows that Grants really cares his players. It

can be seen in the way of how he offers his place to his players sincerely. He

really wants to develop his players by providing a place so that his players can

have an extra exercise. Based on his actions, his conversations, and others‟

opinions, it is clearly shown that Grant is a loving and caring person.


40

f. Religious

Grant also has another good characteristic which helps him face his

problems. Another Grant‟s characteristic that is shown by the author in the novel

is religious. Grant Taylor is described as a religious person who always believes in

God, even though he has so many problems. It can be shown in his action to

respond an internal chaos in his team that happens when one of his best players,

Darren, moves to another football team.

“Coach, is it true that Darren transferred to Tucker?” said Matt Prater, one

of his players.

“Coach, maybe if you go talk to him, he‟ll come back” said another player.

Grant answered, “He‟s not coming back.”

“Who‟s gonna take his place? He scored a third of our points last year,”

asked Matt.

“Stop worrying about Darren. Lord knows, we need somebody,” said Grant

(pp. 21-22).

The dialogue above describes the religious characteristic of Grant. It can be

seen when his team feels worried, he still believes that God knows about his

team‟s needs. Grant also believes that God has a good plan for his team so that he

still has a positive thinking of his team. Grant‟s characteristic as a person who has

a strong belief of God is not only shown in the dialogue above, but also shown in

his action when he feels depressed. He feels that he is a failing coach. He also

feels that he cannot be a good husband for his wife because he cannot provide a

decent home and give a child for his wife. In those conditions, Grant asks God

about his life and tries to find the answer through praying to God.

Grant prayed, “Lord Jesus, would You help me? I need You. Lord, I feel

like there‟s giants of fear and failure just staring down at me, waiting to

crush me, and I don‟t know how to beat „em, Lord. I‟m tired of being

afraid. Lord, if You want me to do something else, show me. If You don‟t

want me to have children, so be it.”


41

Is that too much to ask? I don’t understand. Grant thought by himself.

“But You‟re my God. You‟re on the throne. You can have my hopes and

my dreams. Lord, give me something. Show me something,” prayed Grant

(pp. 87-88).

The statement above shows that Grant still believes in God even he is in the

worst condition. Even Grant is not always in a good condition of his life, he

always believes that God has the answers of his problems. It shows that Grant has

a religious characteristic. Another way that shows the main character‟s

characteristic is when other characters talk or think about the main character‟s

characteristic (Murphy, 1972, pp. 162-164). It can be seen when Grant has

conversation with Brooke.

Brooke took the paper from Grant, and said, “So, this is your new team

philosophy?”

Grant pressed his fist to his mouth. “Whaddya think?”

“I think this applies to all of life, not just football.”

“Well, that‟s my point.”

She nodded, eyes sparkling.

“Oh, no. What‟s with that mischievous grin?”

“I‟m just remembering all over again why I fell in love with you. Grant, I

saw in you a man who wanted to love God” (pp. 108-109).

The conversation above shows Brooke‟s opinion of Grant‟s characteristic.

By analyzing their conversation, it clearly shows that Grant loves God. Grant

really loves God because he takes God in every moment of his life. He believes

God‟s plan not only in his team, but also in his entire life. Based on his reactions

of his problems and his conversation with Brooke, it can be concluded that Grant

is a religious man.

g. Hardworking

In the novel, it is clearly shown that Grant is a kind of a hardworking

person who never gives up even though he has many problems in his life. The


42

characteristic can be seen from his responses in facing his problems. Even he has

so many problems in his team and family, this situation does not make him give

up. With his struggle, he can solve his problems. He always works hard to get his

goals in bringing his team becomes a winner. He always shows his spirit in

coaching his team. He also does everything enthusiastically. In this analysis, the

researcher finds Grant‟s characteristic by analyzing his speech. Murphy says that

characteristic of the character can be seen by knowing the language and words that

are used by the character (1972, pp. 164-166). Grant‟s characteristic of

hardworking can be seen in his speech when he coaches his team.

Grant walked backward, goading the boys along. “Show me some power.

No knees. Keep your knees off the ground. Show me something. Here we

go. Ten yards. Show me some muscle, show me some power. Give me

some heart. Let‟s go! Believe me. We get this team to stop talking and start

acting, then we got something” (pp. 115-116).

Grant‟s speech above clearly shows that Grant has a hardworking

characteristic. He does not only give instructions to his players but he also gives

motivations to his players directly. He says that if his players want to get

something, they should do the exercises with their heart. They should give their

best in every condition. It means that those statements describe Grant‟s

characteristic as a hardworking person. He believes that someone who wants to be

successful should work hard.

Grant‟s characteristic as a hardworking person also can be seen on his

action when he coaches. He does not only give motivation through his speech but

also give real action in giving the motivation.

Three days of rain had soaked the practice field at Shiloh Christian

Academy. The boys slogged through mud, ignoring the cold and the deep


43

aches it produced in bones and weary ligaments. They ran without

complaint.

“Team, we‟ve worked hard. You‟ve pushed your bodies to the limit. Kept

up your grades,” said Grant (p. 234).

The statement above shows that Grant still coaches even the rain is coming.

He gives his heart and soul for coaching his team totally. It is also clearly shown

that Grant is a hardworking person. It can be seen on his team‟s motivation in

practicing. They do not complain, even though the condition is not well. The spirit

of the players describes who their coach is.

Based on the analysis above, Grant Taylor has two kinds of characteristics,

namely negative and positive characteristics. The negative characteristics of Grant

are lack of confidence, feeling insecure, and blaming himself. The positive

characteristics of Grant are kind person, loving, caring, religious, and

hardworking. Those characteristics play a big role in Grant‟s personality. In the

novel, it can be seen that the positive characteristics of Grant are more dominant

than his negative characteristics. It makes Grant‟s personality change. Therefore,

in the next part, the researcher describes about Grant‟s personality development.

2. Grant Taylor’s Personality Development

After knowing the characteristics of the main character, the researcher

decides to complete this analysis by revealing the main character‟s personality

development so that the researcher can identify how his personality influences his

football team‟s motivation. In analyzing the main character‟s personality

development, the researcher uses Hurlock‟s theory of personality. Hurlock says

that personality can be improved or changed. It is because people are not

completely satisfied with their personality so that they have the desire to change or


44

develop it. There are three major categories of personality development. The first

category concerns the changes for the better or the worse. It reflects the kinds of

someone‟s adjustments in his life. The second category is a kind of the changes

which is quantitative or qualitative changes. Quantitative changes mean that

someone‟s characteristics are reinforced, strengthened, or weakened. Qualitative

changes mean that someone‟s desirable trait has been changed or replaced by

undesirable one or vice versa. The third category is the duration of the changes.

They are slow and rapid. Slow changes mean that the changes are barely

perceptible. Rapid changes mean that the changes are apparent to all. Normally,

the changes of someone‟s personality are slow and gradual (1974, pp. 119-122).

The purpose of using Hurlock‟s theory is to get deeper understanding about

the main character‟s personality, since the focus of this study is the influence of

the main character‟s personality on his football team‟s motivation. Grant‟s

personality development happens along with some changes in his life. The

changes of Grant‟s personality happen because he has positive characteristics that

have more dominant roles in his personality rather than his negative

characteristics. Based on the analysis of Grant‟s characteristics, it can be drawn

that Grant‟s negative characteristics are lack of confidence, feeling insecure, and

blaming himself. Having lack of confidence makes Grant feel doubtful of himself.

He becomes a person who does not believe in himself. This characteristic

influences his action in doing his work so that he cannot give his best. It makes

him feel insecure in his work environment so that there are many problems in his


45

life. He feels that all bad things happen because his fault. He feels guilty and

blames himself.

Besides having negative characteristics, Grant also has positive

characteristics which help him develop his personality. His positive characteristics

are kind, loving, caring, religious, and hardworking. Being a kind person makes

Grant love and cares to others. He helps others in solving the problems. He is also

a religious person. It can be seen when he has many problems, he still believes

that God never leaves him alone. He trusts that God has a good plan in his life.

Another positive characteristic of Grant is hardworking. He never gives up even

he is in the worst condition of his life. Grant‟s positive characteristics play a big

role in his life. They lead him to have personality development. In this study, the

researcher analyzes the personality development of Grant when he solves his

problems in his life. It is because human can develop his personality toward every

single moment in his life. Therefore, the researcher focuses on the Grant‟s

responses of his problems which make him become a person that has a different

personality than before. The change of Grant‟s personality can be seen through the

reaction and decision that he shows in the novel.

a. Better versus Worse

Human personality can be changed. The meaning of change is not always

to be better but also it can be worse. According to Hurlock, someone‟s personality

change is a kind of reflection of his life adjustments that he makes at the time. The

change depends on how the individual can make the adjustment of himself. If the

individual can get successful adjustment at any age, it will make the individual


46

change to be better. He can improve his self-concept and his self-confidence. By

contrast, if the individual fails in reaching his self-expectations, it will lead him to

a deterioration in his self-concept so that the individual will change to be worse

(1974, pp. 120-121). In this analysis, the researcher finds that Grant‟s personality

changes to be better.

Doubtful is one of Grant‟s characteristics which is clearly described in the

novel when the main character has some problems in his life. Grant feels doubtful

of his ability in coaching when some parents of his players talk and plan to fire

him. It makes him blame himself. He blames himself because he feels that all of

losing games happen because of his faults. He also has problems in his family. He

cannot have children because he is diagnosed that he is infertile. It makes him lose

his confidence. Having a lack of confidence makes Grant become down. He

cannot solve his problems if he still blames himself.

Devastated by his problems, he cries out to God in desperation. Early in the

morning, Grant walks into the grove behind his house. His eyes are staring up the

trees, gauging their size. He thinks about himself and feels that he is nothing.

Then, he steps into a pocket of sunshine and lets his Bible fall open in his hand.

He reads aloud from Psalm 18 which talks about David‟s honest pleading. After

he reads the Scripture, he prays to God. He asks to God for his problem solutions

and he wants that God shows something to him.

One thing that becomes a beginning of Grant‟s personality development is

when he meets Mr. Bridges. On the following day, when Grant goes to school, he

has an unexpected visitor, Mr. Bridges, a man who always prays for SCA‟s


47

students as he passes their lockers. He enters to Grant‟s office and says something

to Grant. It is about his belief that God has a plan through Grant. The author

clearly shows the conversation between them which makes Grant realize his

misunderstanding of his life.

Grant responds to Mr. Bridges, “I admit to you, I have been struggling. But

I‟ve also been praying. I just don‟t see Him at work here.”

“Grant, I heard a story about two farmers who desperately needed rain.

And both of them prayed for rain, but only one of them went out and

prepared his fields to receive it. Which one do you think trusted God to

send the rain?” told Mr. Bridges.

“Well, the one who prepared his fields for it,” answered Grant.

“So, which one are you?”

Mr. Bridges continued. “God will send the rain when He‟s ready. You need

to prepare your field to receive it” (p. 106).

The quotation above explains God‟s way of answering Grant‟s prayer. He

sends Mr. Bridges to talk with Grant about illustration that makes Grant realize his

understanding of faith. Mr. Bridges tries to explain about God‟s plan through

Grant‟s talent. He convinces Grant that Grant still has a chance to be a successful

coach. He tells that the key of Grant‟s success is believing in God. He should be

ready and believe that God answers his prayer. The conversation above makes the

changes of Grant‟s perception of his faith.

The short illustration spoke volumes, and the answer thundered in his heart.

He had prayed for God to move, but he‟d never prepared his fields as an

act of faith. Why would God answer my prayers when He knows I’m not

even ready?” (p. 106).

The statement above clearly shows that Grant realizes the mistake of his

faith concept. He realizes that he should be ready to receive God‟s plan when he

asks to God. The changing of Grant‟s perception leads him in his way of thinking

about his team.


48

Grant smoothed the notepad and wrote: What was it that drove him as a

coach? Where did God fit into his priorities? WHAT‟S THE PURPOSE

OF THIS TEAM?

He scrawled out answers to his questions. It was time to change that. Time

to lead by example.

He recalled his prayer in the grove as he begged God to show him

something. After two hours of praying, searching the Scriptures, and

writing, Grant looked over his notes:

Concept 1: We are here for God‟s glory, not our own.

Concept 2: Loving God and others is the most important thing we can do.

Concept 3: Give God your best in every area.

Concept 4: God deserves our worship and praise whether we succeed or

fail (pp. 106-108).

The statement above clearly shows that Grant‟s personality has changed

because someone around him. Hurlock says that someone‟s personality can be

changed because the impact from others (1974, p.126). In this study, the

researcher finds that Grant‟s personality is so different from his personality that he

has in his early life. His personality has changed after he meets Mr. Bridges. He

changes his perceptions of the way God answers his prayer. The statement above

also shows that Grant puts his team‟s concepts in God. Those concepts lead Grant

in coaching his football team. It is clearly shown that Grant gets back his

confidence in coaching. By applying the Hurlock‟s theory of personality

development, the researcher can say that Grant‟s personality becomes better. He

becomes confident. It improves his self-confidence. He looks very confident with

his ability of coaching. The changing of his perception also makes his confidence

becomes better than before.

Having back his confidence makes Grant become a person who has a clear

goal for his team. It makes him realize that his team‟s concepts should be changed.

In the process of changing, he realizes that he already has a great football team.


49

He believes that he can make his team become a winner even their position is not

on a top. As a result, his personality develops from a doubtful one into an

optimistic coach. It can be seen when he gives motivation to his team before

having a game.

Grant met the eyes of his players. “I feel like I‟m standing before a new

team tonight. It‟s a new day and a new game. What you‟ve experienced in

your hearts this week is about to be released on the field. Stay humble, but

confident. All right, guys, look at me.” Grant watched faces turn his way,

full of anticipation, and he knew this was the moment to light the fuse in

this team. “Play hard! Have fun!” (p. 149).

A few years before, he feels pessimistic when his team has a competition.

Now, he feels optimistic that his players can do their best in this game. He

becomes someone who has high expectation of his team in the game. He believes

that this time is the time of rising his team. He becomes an optimistic person who

always has a positive thinking in his life. Based on Maslow‟s hierarchy of needs,

there are two categories of esteem needs, namely self-esteem and self-respects

(1971, p. 42). Self-esteem is someone‟s desire for his confidence, adequacy,

independent, achievement and freedom. As a result, by having personality

development of changing from a doubtful one into a confident and optimistic

person, Grant fulfills his esteem need.

Grant Taylor can be considered as a person who has a positive thinking in

his mind. It is because he always tries to think positively even if something

happens out of his expectations. His positive characteristic exudes energy that

influences others. For example, when his best player, Darren, moves to another

football club, he still thinks positively that all will be fine even without Darren. It


50

can be shown in his conversation with his players when they feel insecure because

their friend moves to another football school.

“Coach, is it true that Darren transferred to Tucker?” asked Matt.

Grant looked at his team. “I got word this morning that Darren did transfer

to Tucker.”

Some moaned. Others rolled their eyes.

Brock tossed down his helmet. “There goes the season.”

“The season hasn‟t started,” Grant cut in, “and will be whatever we make

it.”

“We ain‟t lost yet,” said J.T. “So we still got a perfect record, Coach.”

Grant nodded to his team. “I agree. Stop worrying about Darren. Get out

there and start your drills. We‟ve got a game to play this Friday night” (pp.

21-22).

Grant thinks positively in responding to the situation. He gives a positive

thinking to his players so that they can feel secure even without their best player in

the team. By having a positive thinking, Grant makes the environment of his team

become positive so that the players still have a spirit to improve their skills. Those

changes make Grant and his team be trusted by others.

Before changing his concepts, Grant is not trusted by others. The parents of

Grant‟s players are doubtful his ability in coaching. It makes them want to expel

Grant as a head coach. They do not believe that Grant can make their sons become

a winner. Grant‟s colleagues are also doubtful of his ability. Those situations show

that Grant is not trusted to coach SCA team. Now, after Grant has changed his

self-concept, his colleagues and his players‟ parents trust him to coach their sons.

It can be shown when SCA team wins in the competition so that SCA team can be

the team in the play-offs.

The principal leaned against his cherry wood cabinet and said to Grant.

“I‟ve gotta tell you, it‟s been fun telling people that we‟re in the play-offs.

Grant, it‟s obvious that God has His hand on you. I mean, what you have

done with those boys. We are glad you‟re here” (pp. 205-206).


51

Thus, this shows that the principal recognizes Grant‟s work in SCA team. It

also shows that he believes in Grant‟s ability in coaching. It can be seen that the

principal accepts Grant as a coach in SCA. It makes Grant feel secure in his work

environment. Based on Maslow‟s hierarchy of needs, people want to be secured in

his life because they want to seek pleasure (1971, p. 40). As a result, being trusted

by the principal makes Grant be able to fulfill his safety need in his life. Another

statement which indicates that Grant is a proper coach comes from his former

head coach at GSU.

”You‟re at the state championship. I saw in you something no one else had.

The ability to train up others, to lead them. I don‟t care what level of ball

you‟re coaching, it‟s surreal when you make it to the championship game.

And, Grant, I could just tell you, I‟m so proud of you and what you‟ve

done.” said Coach Stephens, Grant‟s former head coach at GSU (pp. 249-

250).

The statement above is spoken by Grant‟s former head coach at GSU.

Coach Stephens says that he is really proud of Grant‟s ability in coaching. He

really believes that Grant has a different power in coaching the players. As a

result, based on the statements above, it can be said that Grant becomes a

trustworthy coach for SCA team. He is trusted that he can make SCA team

become a winner. Being trusted makes Grant be able to fulfill one of his needs.

According to Maslow‟s hierarchy of needs, people want to be accepted by others

to fulfill his belonging and love needs (1971, pp. 40-41). Therefore, people need

to trust others and to be trusted by others. It can be concluded that Grant‟s

changing process from an untrusted person into a trustworthy person is one of his

achievement in fulfilling his belonging and love needs.


52

Based on the analyses above, it can be concluded that Grant‟s personality

has changed from the worse to better. It can be seen from his personality changes

that happen in his life. In the beginning of the story, Grant is described as a

doubtful person because of his problems in his life. After meeting with Mr.

Bridges and realizing his concepts are wrong, he develops his personality well. He

improves his self-confidence so that he becomes confident and optimistic. Having

back his self-confidence makes him think positively in his life. It influences his

concepts and ways of coaching so that he can improve his players‟ ability

gradually. The result of the players‟ development makes Grant become a

trustworthy coach. Grant has changed his personality from worse to better. He can

actualize himself so that he can solve his problems and reach his goals. Based on

Maslow‟s hierarchy of needs, the highest level of someone‟s needs is considered

as growth need. It is when someone has changing processes in reaching his goals

by developing his skills and potentials so that he can solve his problems and reach

his goals (1971, p. 42). Therefore, it can be concluded that Grant succeeds in

fulfilling the highest level of needs, namely self-actualization need.

b. Slow versus Rapid

According to Hurlock‟s theory, there are three kinds of changes in

someone‟s personality, namely better or worse changes, qualitative or quantitative

changes, and slow or rapid changes (1972, pp. 120-122). By analyzing Grant‟s

personality development, it can be seen that Grant has better changes of his

personality. The better changes can be seen in the changing of his characteristics.

Grant‟s personality has changed from bad characteristics become good


53

characteristics. It can be clearly shown when he has improved his confidence and

his concepts. Before he changes his personality, he is a person who feels doubtful,

insecure and guilty. Some of Grant‟s characteristics are strengthened. It can be

seen from his characteristic changes. His characteristics grow stronger. Grant

becomes a person who feels confident, optimistic, and trustworthy. He can be

accepted by others.

Grant‟s personality development happens slowly and gradually. As

Hurlock says that personality changes can also be slow and gradual (1972, p. 122),

Grant‟s personality changes also can be said to be slow because the changes

influence his habit so that it needs some stages to change. It can be seen when

Grant should pass some obstacles in his life. When he meets Mr. Bridges, his

personality does not change instantly. The changing of his personality from worse

to be better needs a lot of hard processes. There are some hard efforts to change

his personality. His efforts can be seen when Grant has conversations with his

wife after he meets Mr. Bridges.

Brooke had been waiting patiently. It was one of the hazards of being a

coach‟s wife. The driver‟s door clicked lock and her husband dropped into

the sofa.

“Can we ask Him anyway?” Brooke asked.

Grant jutted out his chin. “I already have.” He scratched at his neck.

“Several times.”

Brooke grinned. She moved closer with a kiss, but felt him stiffen.

“What?”

He shook his head.

She wasn‟t going to let him off that easy. “Talk to me.”

He looked off to the side. “It‟s already tough trying to keep my head up,

without being reminded of my inadequacies” (pp. 102-103)


54

The conversation above shows Grant‟s efforts in developing his

personality. He has already tried to develop his personality many times. Even

though he has already realized that his concepts are wrong, it does not mean that

he can get his self-confidence directly. He still feels unconfident. He feels that he

has many weaknesses that always appear in his mind. In getting his self-

confidence, he should be able to be a trustworthy person. He should be able to

make his team trust him that his ability of coaching can bring his team to be a

winner. It is not an easy way.

Grant entered the room. He asked to his team, “What‟s the purpose of this

team?”

Matt answered, “To win ball games, get a trophy, and people talk about

us.”

“What‟re you getting at, Grant? Asked Brady. “You think we‟re just

wasting our time?”

“If our main goal is only to win football games, then yes.”

Matt‟s jaw dropped. It was all clear to him now, why this team was

stinking it up on the field and why his hopes for a scholarship were

evaporating. “You don‟t want us to win games?” he demanded.

Grant didn‟t even blink. “No. Not if that‟s our main goal. Winning football

games is a too small thing to live for. And I love football as much as

anybody.”

Mat looked to the right for some support. He knew his father and others

had been twisting the assistant coach‟s ear, trying to force some changes,

Brady wore a shell-shocked expression. (pp. 111-112)

In the statement above, it clearly shows that Grant tries to make his team

trust him so that he can be a trustworthy person. Grant tries to change his team‟s

concepts. It means that he should make his team trust him to coach them. He

should show his totality in coaching through his actions and speech. The hardest

thing that he should do is when he should be able to change his players‟ concepts

and motivation in playing football. It is very hard because he should change his

team‟s way of thinking. Those processes play a big role in Grant‟s personality


55

development. The changing of Grant‟s personality happens step by step. As a

result, it can be said that Grant personality has changed and improved slowly and

gradually.

B. Grant Taylor’s Personality Influence on SCA Football Team

This part intends to discuss the influence of Grant‟s personality on his

football team. After knowing the personality development of Grant, this section is

to complete this analysis by showing the influences of the main character‟s

personality development on his football players‟ motivation. In other words, this

part answers the second question that described in the research questions.

As human beings, people have a purpose in their life. In reaching their

goals, they need motivation to support them doing their best. There are two kinds

of motivation, namely intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. The intrinsic

motivation is the motivation that arises from the behavior itself. While extrinsic

motivation is the motivation that occurs because pressing from an external factor

(Huffman and Vernoy, 2000, p. 392). Before discussing the influence of Grant‟s

personality, it is good to know the SCA football team‟s motivation before Coach

Grant‟s personality changing influences them.

In the beginning of Grant‟s coaching, his players‟ motivation is only

related with football. Although they are senior high school students, their primary

goal is to be a winner in every football competition. Another motivation is getting

a scholarship by being a good football player. The players‟ motivation can be seen

in their way of thinking.


56

When Grant gave a briefing about the goals of life, he said. “It‟s not just on

the football field. We‟ve honor Him in our relationship, in our respect for

authority, in the classroom … and when you‟re at home alone surfing the

Internet.”

Matt thought in his mind. No, I’m here to play football. Don’t know about

the rest of y’all.

Matt kept his head down, the challenge echoed in Matt‟s ears (p. 113).

Based on the quotation above, it can be clearly known that the priority of

the players‟ lives is only for football. They do not really pay attention to their

studies. They also do not respect to their teacher in the class. They think that being

a good football prayer is enough without caring about their education and

behavior. As a result, there are two kinds of SCA football players‟ motivation,

namely intrinsic and extrinsic. Their intrinsic motivation can be seen in their

willingness of playing football. They play football for their own volition. While

extrinsic motivation can be found in their purpose of playing football. They play

football because they want to get scholarship. As David says that motivation is

one of three majors that determinants of behavior (1980, p. 4), it can be concluded

that their life motivation is low because they only think of football without caring

other aspects in their lives especially their behavior.

After knowing the players‟ motivation, the researcher analyzes the

influence of Grant‟s personality on his players. Grant has changed his personality

to be better. The changing of his personality brings him to be an optimistic person.

His changing does not only give influence to himself but also to his players‟

motivation. The influence can be seen from the changes that happen in his football

players.


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1. Having High Motivation

Having an experience of personality development makes Grant become a

person who always has a positive thinking. The change also makes him feel

confident and optimistic. Those feelings make him realize that there is something

that should be changed in his coaching. He revises the way of how he coaches his

team. Before, he coaches only by giving the program without giving motivating

actions to his players. After having personality change, it makes him realize that

he should be a coach who gives all of his heart in coaching. This change can be

seen when he gives motivation to his players by supporting them directly.

Grant said. “I wanna see you do the death crawl again. I think you can go

the fifty. But even if you can‟t, I want you to promise me you‟re gonna do

your best. I don‟t want you giving up at a certain point when you could go

farther.”

“Don‟t quit till you‟ve got nothing left. Your very best! I know it hurts.

You keep going!” (p. 123).

Grant‟s speech shows that he gives all of his heart by giving supports to his

players. His personality of feeling confident and optimistic can be seen by

analyzing his words. He always gives positive words to support his players. His

action gives influence to his players. The influence can be seen in the following

statement when Brock should do the death crawl, one of the hardest exercises.

Brock‟s body was shaking now. “It hurts,” he moaned. Matt could only

imagine the way his friend felt out there, doing all the work, carrying

Jemery along. Matt leaned forward. Actually, this was pretty unbelievable.

How was he still going? What was keeping Brock up? Whatever it is, that

dude’s got something burning inside him. All around, the rest of the guys

rose to observe what was going on. Is Brock actually gonna make it?(p.

124).

From the statement above, it can be seen that Grant succeeds improving his

players‟ motivation. It is clearly shown when he asks Brock to do the death crawl


58

exercise, Brock can do it even beyond his limits. It makes other players feel

motivated that they also can do it. They become more enthusiastic in doing the

exercises. The change of the players‟ motivation is also seen when they have to

fight the Giants in final match.

“First of all,” Grant said, “I want you to know we‟re still in this game.

They‟re big, but they‟re also predictable. We have gotta stay together.”

“I‟m with you, Coach,” Matt stated for all to hear.

“Good. Brock?”

Matt watched his friend step forward. This was their workhorse, their team

captain, the Master of the Death Crawl.

“Well, here ya go. Guys, this is what Coach has been teachin‟ us all along,

and it‟s what Mr. Bridges has been prayin‟ for. We‟ve gotta go out and give

it our all tonight. We‟ve gotta rise up and face these guys. We‟ve gotta run

till they can’t keep up!”

All the players shouted excitedly (p. 269).

The conversation between Grant and his players shows that Grant‟s words

improve his players‟ motivation. The difference of the players‟ motivation

between before getting Grant‟s influence and after getting Grant‟s influence is

clearly seen in their motivation of playing football. At the beginning of Grant‟s

coaching, the players only have low motivation. It is clearly seen when they

complain in doing the exercise.

The team was lined up across the end zone, with Grant standing about

twenty yards away. He wondered if his own “dangerous” players weren‟t

beginning to have some effect.

“Your attitude‟s like the aroma of your heart. If your attitude stinks, it

means your heart‟s not right. How‟s your attitude, Brock?” Grant asked.

“It‟s fine.”

“Then you‟ll be okay with the death crawl, right?”

The entire team moaned. (pp. 113-114)

The statement above shows clearly that all the players moan before they do

the exercise. They do not know the purpose of their exercise. They only think that

the exercise is very hard. Based on the statement above, it can be said that they


59

only have a low motivation. Now, after getting Grant‟s personality influence, his

players become on fire in fighting. They become very enthusiastic without

complaining. As a result, the changes of Grant‟s personality make his players

change their motivation. They become enthusiastic in doing their responsibilities.

2. Having Strong Concept

Grant‟s personality development also gives influence on his players‟

concepts. The influence makes the players have different perceptions of their

concepts in their lives and their talents of playing football. The significance of the

players‟ changing starts after Grant changes their way of thinking about their team

goals. It can be seen when he talks about the life goals. It makes his players realize

that their life goals are not only for playing football but also for praising God.

Grant said to his players. “He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us so we could

live for Him. That‟s why we‟re here.” Grant wasn‟t finished. “But see, it‟s

not just on the football field. We‟ve gotta honor Him in our relationships,

in our respect for authority, in the classroom … and when you‟re at home

alone surfing the Internet” (p. 113).

Grant‟s statement above clearly shows how he changes his concept of his

team. He explains that playing football is not only for being a winner or getting a

scholarship, but also for honoring God. Grant‟s statement influences his player‟s

concept in playing football. It can be seen in the following statement.

Brock dropped to a knee. The rest of the team followed. With his taped

wrist on Matt Prater‟s shoulder, he prayed: “Lord, we know our lives are

not about football, but we thank You for allowing us to play tonight. Lord,

we‟re gonna give You our best. If we win, we‟ll praise You. An if we lose,

we‟ll praise You. We give You all the honor and the glory for this tonight,

Lord. Keep us safe. In Jesus‟ name I pray, amen.”

“Amen,” the team agreed (p. 149).


60

The statement above shows how Grant‟s personality as a religious and

optimistic person gives influence to his players. It makes the players change their

concept. Before they realize that playing football is the way of praising God, they

only think that the purpose of playing football is only for being a winner.

Knowing and realizing that having talent as football players is one of some ways

to praise God make them have strong concept in their lives. They change their

concept that every single moment in their lives is a time for giving their best to

praise God.

3. Winning the Games

The story in the novel reveals that the players‟ motivation is only to play a

football. Unfortunately, even their priority is about football, it does not make them

become a winner in a length of six years. It is because they do not really

understand how to reach their goals. They want to be the winner but they do not

really know how to be the one. They only play football without knowing and

applying other aspects which support them. However, Grant‟s personality makes

them change their way in reaching their goals. He coaches them in a different way.

He does not only give them instructions of practicing programs but also teaches

them to believe in God. Grant teaches them to put all things in God. It makes the

players understand that being the winner needs big efforts and belief.

“You‟re about to play the biggest team you‟ve ever faced. But I want you

to remember where God has brought us. I want you to remember how hard

you‟ve worked. I believe that as long we honor God, nothing is impossible.

Give your best to God tonight. And whether we leave the field the victors

or not, we will give God the glory. Now … who will go fight the Giants

with me?” said Grant to his players (p. 256).


61

Grant‟s statement clearly shows that he teaches them to believe in God. It

also shows that the players put their efforts in God. They believe that God always

leads them to be a winner. SCA players realize that being a winner is not easy. It

takes so many progresses that the winner should do. There are many aspects that

are needed to reach the goals. One of the aspects is an attitude. Being a winner

needs a good attitude. It is one of the important things. It is because by having a

good attitude, the players understand how to reach their goal. Before they realize

it, they only think that doing all programs of exercises is enough to reach their

goal without doing other aspects. Now, they realize that it is not enough. They

should have a good character in themselves. The significant change happens when

they put all of their efforts in God. It makes them become religious and confident

of their ability. It also makes them give their best in every single moment of their

lives. The changes of Grant‟s players in winning the games can be seen when they

realize that they should believe themselves and God‟s blessing.

“Coach, it‟s too far.”

“Listen to me. You have got to gimme your best and leave the rest up to

Him. Whether you make this field goal or not, we‟re gonna praise Him. Do

you think God could help you this kick? Do you believe it, David?” said

Grant to David.

“Yeah. If He wants to.”

David nodded and prayed. “Dear Lord, help me make this kick.”

“The kick is up. Does it have the distance? It does. The Eagles have won.

The Shiloh Eagles have defeated the Richland Giants, 24 to 23, to take the

state title for the first time in their history,” said Dale (p. 297).

The statement above shows that David puts his effort in God. Before he believes

it, he feels doubtful. It makes him not confident to do his part. After Grant talks to

him, he believes that in God there is no impossible. He puts his hope in God. It

makes him confident so that he can kick perfectly. Finally, they deserve their best.


62

They become a winner for their first time. The influence of Grant‟s personality

development is not only influencing the players‟ motivation and concept but also

their behavior.

4. Having Good Self-Awareness

The changes of Grant‟s personality do not only influence his players‟

motivation and concepts but also influence their behavior. As Jung says that

motivational interpretations strongly influence someone‟s behavior (1978, p. 28),

it also happens in the players‟ behavior. The influence can be seen when the

players have changed their interpretations of their motivation. As a coach, Grant

has a very big influence on his players‟ behavior. Being a religious person makes

his players realize of their faith. It influences them to believe in God so that they

become persons who have a good self-awareness. The first change happens when

one of the players, Matt, decides to accept Christ as his Lord.

Mr. Layne told to Grant. “After Mr. Mitch started teaching, Matt Prater

stood up and accepted Christ as his Lord. It was awesome. He started

confessing stuff from his life. He started asking his friends for forgiveness.

Next thing we know, other students stand up and do the same thing.” Grant

met Matt. They opened their arms at the same time, meeting in a firm

embrace. “I‟m proud of you, Matt” (p. 143).

Mr. Layne‟s statement above shows that there is a change of Grant‟s

players. Before that, they do not believe in God. They think that they are the best

and never doing a mistake. After realizing that they need God‟s intervention, they

change their behavior. They begin to pray for one another. Then they also begin to

ask forgiveness for sins that they have committed. The significant change is

shown in Matt‟s behavior. Matt realizes that he should respect his father. He

comes to his father and ask forgiveness.


63

Matt said, “I need to talk with my dad. I‟d like to go see him.”

“Uh, Dad. I just wanted to say that I‟m sorry …” said Matt.

Neil didn‟t blink. Did he just say he was sorry?

Matt continued. “I‟m sorry for the way I‟ve been acting. I got right with

God today. And I just needed to say that, uh, from now on I‟ll respect your

authority. Whatever you say, goes. That‟s it.”

Neil swallowed once. He stared straight ahead (p. 147).

The awareness of the precious life is followed by the awareness of precious

family. During his life, Matt does not believe in God. He does not respect and care

his father. He never listens to his father‟s advices. The statement above clearly

shows that Matt has changed his behavior. Now, he accepts Christ as his God. He

also realizes that he has many mistakes in relation with his father. After he gets

suggestions from Grant, he realizes that he should respect to his father.

The change of Grant‟s players does not only happen in Matt‟s behavior, it

also happens to other players. They realize that their lives are not only for playing

football but also for other aspects in their lives. They have changed in their way of

studying. It can be seen when some teachers talk about the quality of the players‟

study.

“Grant. What‟re you doing with those football players?” asked Mrs. Dillon,

a history teacher, to Grant.

“Whaddya mean?” said Grant.

“I mean, Matt Prater and Robert Catt got the highest grades on their history

exams yesterday.”

“Well, Missy Claxton is sure upset about all this,” said Mrs. Carter.

“Why?” Grant asked.

“Because three of your defensive linemen are competing with for the

highest average in chemistry.”

“Wow.” He shot her a look. “Did you say three?”

“You heard correctly.”

“It‟s like they‟re different kids now,” Miss Murdoch noted (pp. 176-177).

There are some teachers who talk about the changes of the football players‟

quality in studying. They feel that there is a big change in the players‟ attitude.


64

The players become aware of their study. Before it, they do not care of their study.

Their priority is only playing football. Now, they realize that education is also an

important thing in their lives. It can be seen in their attitude. They become diligent

and active in studying. The results of some examinations are awesome. Some of

them get highest scores.

Based on the Huffman and Vernoy‟s theory of motivation, there are two

factors that can influence someone‟s motivation, namely internal factor and

external factor. This happens to the players. Their motivation has changed because

of the external factor which is Grant‟s personality. Grant‟s personality changing

makes the SCA football team‟s motivation changed, not only in playing football

but also in their lives.


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CHAPTER V

CONCLUSIONS, IMPLICATIONS, AND SUGGESTIONS

This chapter consists of three parts. They are conclusions, implications, and

suggestions. The first part presents the answers to the problem formulation. The

second part gives necessary implications for education. The last part is suggestions

for future researchers who might be interested in conducting further studies of the

novel.

A. Conclusions

After analyzing Eric Wilson‟s Facing the Giants, especially the main

character‟s personality and the SCA players‟ motivation, the researcher comes to

some conclusions. There are three main points presented in the conclusions. The

first is Grant‟s characteristics as described by the author. The second is the Grant‟s

personality development as reflected in the novel. The last is the influence of

Grant‟s personality on his football team‟s motivation.

Grant Taylor is a head coach of Shiloh Christian Academy football team.

He and his wife move from Statesboro to Albany. Throughout the novel, Grant

has two kinds of characteristics, namely negative and positive. As a negative

person, Grant is described as a doubtful, insecure, and guilty person. As a positive

person, Grant is described as a kind, loving, caring, religious, and hardworking

person.

His doubtfulness is shown when he has so many problems in his life. In six

years coaching, he cannot make his team become a winner. It makes him get a big


66

problem. The parents of his players blame him. They think that Grant is not

capable to be a good coach for their sons. They want to substitute Grant‟s position

as a head coach with his assistant. It makes Grant feel unconfident with his ability

in coaching.

Grant is also described as a person who feels insecure. It happens because

he knows that almost all of the parents want him to be changed. It makes him feel

insecure because he is afraid if he loses his job. Another characteristic of Grant is

described as a person who feels guilty. It is shown when his team cannot be a

winner since he becomes a head coach of the team. It also happens when he

realizes that he cannot give a child for his wife. He thinks that all bad things

happen because of his fault.

Besides having negative characteristics, Grant also has some positive

characteristics described by the author. He is also described as a kind person who

loves and cares about others. It is shown when he helps his player solve the

problem. The problem is between Matt and his father. Even though Matt‟s father

does not like Grant, Grant still wants to help them. It shows that Grant is really a

loving and caring person. Another characteristic of Grant is religious. He believes

in God. It can be seen when he has many problems, he still believes that God

always leads and helps him. He puts all of his life in God. Grant is also described

as a hardworking person. It can be seen from his responses in solving his

problems. He never gives up even he has big problems in his life. It also can be

seen in the way of his coaching. He always gives his best for his team.


67

Grant‟s positive characteristics lead him to have personality development.

His personality becomes better than before. The significance of Grant‟s

personality development starts when he meets Mr. Bridges. Mr. Bridges is an old

man who always prays for all of the SCA students. He talks to Grant that if Grant

wants God to answer his prayer, he should really prepare his field. It means that

Grant should believe that God answers his prayer. The meeting changes Grant‟s

perception of his belief. It also influences his personality.

Grant becomes a confident person who believes in his ability in coaching.

It can be seen when he coaches his team in different ways. He shows the different

concepts of his team. He leads his team to praise God. It clearly shows that Grant

gets back his confidence in coaching. As a result, Grant‟s personality development

is influenced by the significant people around him.

The second personality development of Grant Taylor is that he becomes an

optimistic person. It can be seen when he realizes that he has a great team. He has

a high expectation to his team. He believes that his team will be a winner even it

takes hard processes. This belief also shows that Grant is a person who has

positive thinking. He always thinks positively. It is clearly shown when one of the

best players of his team moves to the school rival team. His team becomes chaos.

In this condition, Grant still thinks positively that God knows the team‟s needs. He

believes that God will lead his team to be a winner even without their best player.

Grant‟s thought shows that he becomes an optimistic person.

The third Grant‟s personality development is being trustworthy. By having

many experiences, Grant succeeds in bringing his team becomes a winner. It


68

makes him to be a trustworthy person. It is clearly shown when he can change his

team‟s quality. He does not only develop his team‟s ability in football, but also

develops their attitude. Those achievements make him to be trusted by others. It

can be seen when the parents of his players believe him to coach their sons.

After knowing Grant‟s characteristics and personality development, the

researcher reveals the influence of Grant‟s personality on his football team‟s

motivation. Having so many processes in his changing makes Grant become a

person who has a better personality. Those changes lead him to be a person who

influences others. As a head coach of football team, he has a big role in his

players‟ motivation.

The first influence of Grant‟s personality is on his players‟ motivation.

Before Grant influences them, their motivation of playing football is only for

getting the scholarship without caring about other aspects in their lives. They only

do the exercises without understanding how to reach their goals. Grant‟s

personality influences his players‟ motivation. Being an optimistic person makes

him think positively. It can be seen when he coaches his team. He gives supports

to them and uses positive words in coaching. He does not only talk positively but

also gives good examples as a good coach. He gives all of his heart to develop his

team. His efforts make his players become more enthusiastic in doing the

exercises. It makes them have a higher motivation than before.

The second influence of Grant‟s personality is on the players‟ concept.

Being a coach does not only give exercises but also think how to make the team

reach the goals. There are some aspects that should be mastered by the players.


69

They should understand the right concept of life. In coaching, Grant also teaches

about the concept of life. Being a religious and an optimistic person makes Grant

realize that their concept in playing football is not exactly right. Therefore, he

talks to his players for realizing them that playing football is one of the ways for

praising God. Before they are told by Grant, their purpose of playing football is

only for getting a scholarship. They do not think other things except playing

football. The change of the players happens after Grant talks about concept to his

players. Their concept has changed become stronger than before. They become

understand that their talent of playing football is an amazing talent so that they

should use it for honoring God.

Having a high motivation and strong concept makes the players become

more enthusiastic in winning the games. They want to be a winner but they do not

understand that being a winner needs other aspects. They think that doing some

exercises is enough for reaching their goals. Realizing those conditions of his

players, Grant talks to them that being a winner needs good attitudes. He talks that

it is not enough if they are only doing some exercises without honoring God. He

also teaches that they should believe themselves so that they can be confident.

Grant‟s actions make the players put all things in God. They become more

confident so that they give their best in every single moment of their lives. It

makes them succeed in football competition. As a result, they become a winner for

their first time.

Grant‟s personality does not only influence his players‟ motivation but also

influences their behavior. It can be seen when almost all of the players change


70

their attitude. First example is the change of Matt‟s behavior. He becomes

regretful after Grant talks to him about his father. Grant gives suggestion to Matt

that he should respect to his father even he does not like him. It makes Matt regret

his mistakes so that he meets his father and asks for apology. Another example is

the change of some players in their study. They become aware to their lives,

especially in their study. Some of them get the highest result in some

examinations. It happens after Grant talks to them about the concept of life. As a

result, the influence of Grant‟s personality is not only on the players‟ motivation

but also on their whole lives.

B. Implications

Based on the result of the study, the researcher presents the implications of

the study especially for future teachers. First, as future teachers, we can learn from

the main character that being a teacher does not only give the materials of

learning, but also gives our passions to understand the students well. The teachers

should be able to support and motivate them so that they can be more enthusiastic

in learning. Second, the teachers are expected to be good models for our students.

We can learn from the main character‟s personality so we can have a good

personality. It will help us to understand and teach the students.

C. Suggestions

Facing the Giants, written by Eric Wilson, is an interesting and motivating

novel. It tells about a football coach‟s life through the main character, Grant

Taylor. Eric Wilson tries to describe how someone‟s personality can influence


71

others‟ motivations. He also wants to describe that when someone succeeds in

solving the problems, it can be motivation for others. By understanding his work,

we can learn how to motivate others or get motivation from others.

In addition, the researcher suggests that future researchers conduct research

using this novel since it has many aspects to be analyzed. They can conduct the

research on analyzing the players‟ personality development or analyzing on moral

value revealed in the novel. In addition, it would be more beneficial if there is a

further analysis about the meaning behind the title of the novel. The next

researcher can use the biographical approach which considers the author‟s life in

analyzing the novel.


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Wilson, E. (2007). Facing the giants. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc.


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Young, K. (1945). Personality and problems of adjustment. New York: F.S.

Crofts & CO.


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APPENDICES


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APPENDIX I

THE SUMMARY OF FACING THE GIANTS

Facing the Giants is a motivating novel which tells about a Christian high

school football coach who uses his faith to face his problems. Written by Eric

Wilson and published in 2007 by Thomas Nelson, the story is based on the movie

directed by Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick.

The story begins when Grant Taylor moves from Statesboro to Albany. He

moves with his wife, Brooke, after finishing their studies at Georgia Southern

University. Grant has a new job in Albany as a head coach of high school football

team, named Shiloh Christian Eagles. In his first time coming to the school, he

thinks that it is a good sign for his career as a football coach. He hopes that he will

fly higher.

For six years of coaching, Grant has never led his team to win a single

game in every competition. The condition makes the leading scorer, Darren, left

his team for joining the rival school team. Moving one of the best players makes

the team become chaos. The chaos happens when other players feel worried about

that. They ask Grant to talk to Darren for coming back but Grant does not. Grant

says that Darren‟s heart is no longer at Shiloh. Grant does not only have problems

in his football team, but also have problems in his family. Coming back from the

school, Grant meets his wife. They discuss about the condition of their

households. Brooke has tested her pregnancy but the result is negative. Brooke

asks Grant to see a specialist.


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Those problems are not the only problems Grant has been facing. Grant

also feels stressed because some problems happen in his house. When he comes

back home, he gets a leak in the back room, the dryer only works half the time, the

car is dying on them, and the stove is broken. His problems do not stop at there.

After having an appointment with the doctor, the doctor gives the result of his

checking. The results show that Grant is unable to give children. This is the reason

why his wife cannot become pregnant. It makes Grant feel guilty. Knowing that he

has to face infertility makes him depressed. He goes to school at night to be alone.

Inadvertently, he discovers that a group of his players‟ parents are secretly

meeting to have him dismissed as head coach. They want to fire Grant because

after Grant‟s seventh season begins with a three-game losing streak.

Having so many big problems in his life makes Grant desperate.

Devastated by his conditions, he cries out to God in desperation. He asks God to

help him facing his problems. He feels that there are giants of fear and failure just

staring down at him, waiting to crush him. He do not know how to beat them. He

asks God to give and show him something. He believes that God can give his

hopes and dreams.

God answers his prayers. One day, there is an unexpected visitor come to

Grant. The visitor is Mr. Bridges, the old man who always prays for the students.

He gives a message to Grant. He says that God leads him to come and tell to Grant

about something important. He tells Grant that Grant needs to prepare his field to

receive God‟s blessings. Through this encounter, Grant realizes that he has wrong

perception of his faith. Before he meets Mr. Bridges, he thinks that it is just


77

enough if he only prays for God to move without thinking that he should prepare

his fields as an act of faith.

Getting a new perception of faith makes Grant change his purpose. He gets

a stronger purpose for his football team. He creates a new coaching philosophy.

He dares to challenge his players to believe God for the impossible on and off the

field. He decides to praise God, no matter what the result. He explains to his

players that the purposes of playing football are not only for winning the games

but also for praising God through their talents. It makes his players change their

concept of their lives. They realize that playing football is just one of the tools

they use to honor God. They become more enthusiastic not only in playing

football but also in studying and developing their behavior. There are many

changes happen in their lives. In coaching, Grant guides and urges each one of his

players to give the maximum effort. He motivates them to believe that they can

win under God‟s guidance. Grant‟s influence does not only spread to his players

but also spread to the rest of the school. The influence plays a big role in his

players‟ motivation.

Having many changes in his players‟ motivation makes SCA football team

wins all their remaining regular season games. As a result, Grant gets a raise in

salary rather than is being fired. He is also provided with a brand-new truck from

one of his player‟s father. After having hard exercises and giving hard efforts, they

advance all the ways to the stage of championship. In final, they face against the

three-time defending champion, Richland Giants. Even though SCA team has only

a third as many players as the Giants, they hold their own and ultimately win the


78

game on a 51-yard field goal from a backup kicker who has never kicked more

than a 35-yard before. As a result, the SCA football team becomes a winner for

their first history. Grant‟s prayers are not only answered in his team but also in his

family. After two years, he and Brooke have children.

Adapted from:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facing_the_Giants Retrieved on April 21, 2017.

http://m.imdb.com/title/tt0805526/plotsummary Retrieved on April 21, 2017.


https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facing_the_Giants

http://m.imdb.com/title/tt0805526/plotsummary

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APPENDIX 2

About the Author

Eric Hamilton Wilson or better known as Eris Wilson is a Canadian author

of young adult fiction. He was born on November 24, 1940 in Ottawa, Ontario. He

was raised in Oregon. He lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife and two

daughters. His detective novels follow the adventures of Tom and Liz Austen,

young sleuths in Canada. Wilson has taught elementary and secondary school in

White Rock, British Columba, and has a B.A. from the University of British

Columbia. Eric Wilson is a suspense writer. He currently has ten novels in print,

four with Waterbrook Press (a division of Random House) and six with Thomas

Nelson. Since he published his first books in 2004, he has had at least one novel

published each year then.

His works include Dark to Mortal Eyes, Expiration Date, The Best of Evil,

and A Shred of Truth. In addition, he has written a trilogy called “Jerusalem‟s

Undead” which debuted with book 1, Field of Blood, in 2008. It was then

followed by Haunt of Jackals in August 2009, and Valley of Bones in May 2010.

Wilson is also the writer of three movie novelizations. The first two, Facing the

Giants (September 4, 2007) and Flywheel (April 2008), had moderate success.

The third novel, however, Fireproof (September, 2008), earned him a spot on the

NYT Bestsellers list for 15 weeks. All three movies were done by Sherwood

Baptist Church.

Adapted from: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Wilson_(suspense_writer)

Retrieved on April 27, 2017.


https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Wilson_(suspense_writer)

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