Representation of modern slavery in the novel Ready Player One Written by Ernest Cline

Mubarok, Mochamad Alif Yasin (2025) Representation of modern slavery in the novel Ready Player One Written by Ernest Cline. Sarjana thesis, UIN SUNAN GUNUNG DJATI.

Preview	Text (COVER) 1_COVER.pdf Download (101kB) | Preview
Preview	Text (ABSTRAK) 2_ABSTRAK.pdf Download (147kB) | Preview
Preview	Text (BEBAS PLAGIARISM) 3_skbebasplagiarism.pdf Download (193kB) | Preview
Preview	Text (DAFTAR ISI) 4_daftarisi.pdf Download (97kB) | Preview
Preview	Text (BAB I) 5_bab1.pdf Download (256kB) | Preview
	Text (BAB II) 6_bab2.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (288kB) | Request a copy
	Text (BAB III) 7_bab3.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (152kB) | Request a copy
	Text (BAB IV) 8_bab4.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (343kB) | Request a copy
	Text (BAB V) 9_bab5.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (154kB) | Request a copy
	Text (DAFTAR PUSTAKA) 10_daftarpustaka.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (215kB) | Request a copy
	Text (LAMPIRAN) 11_lampiran.pdf Restricted to Repository staff only Download (1MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

This study examines the depiction of modern slavery in Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One through the lens of Marxist theory, specifically Tom Brass's framework on unfree labor. Employing a qualitative descriptive method and content analysis, the research explores the types, causes, and impacts of modern slavery on the characters in the novel. The study focuses on key forms of unfree labor such as debt bondage, forced labor, commodification of labor, and systemic inequality, analyzing their representations in the narrative. Additionally, the causes of modern slavery—economic exploitation, commodification of labor, systemic inequality, deproletarianization, and state complicity—are critically examined to uncover the novel’s commentary on capitalist structures. The impacts of modern slavery, including alienation, exploitation, commodification, and resistance, are analyzed to highlight their effects on the characters' autonomy and social consciousness. Using supporting theories from Karl Polanyi, Herbert Marcuse, and others, the research delves into how the novel critiques systemic oppression and labor exploitation. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of modern slavery in literature, particularly its intersection with popular narratives, while also shedding light on the novel's reflection of contemporary capitalist realities.

Actions (login required)

View Item