APPRECIATION TO CHILDREN IN TAYEB SALIH’S “A HANDFUL OF DATES†AND LI YOUNG LEE’S “PERSIMMONSâ€

Abstract

The development of children is highly influenced by the role of caregivers. Appreciation is one of the aspects that will determine children’s behavior and attitude. Through this study, how appreciation affects children’s behavior is reflected in short story “A Handful of Dates†by Tayeb Salih and poem “Persimmons†by Li-Young Lee. This study indicates that appreciation from caregivers contributes to child’s development in both works. In examining the two works, this study uses the close reading method which includes the following: (1) analyzing the characters; (2) identifying the appreciation shown by other characters towards the main characters; (3) drawing the conclusion concerning the outcome of appreciation in children’s behavior. This study finds out that appreciation to children can function as social control and distinction from good and bad. In addition, lack of appreciation can lead children to the false projection of children’s act. Revealing appreciation in the two works aims to invite the readers to nurture the children with a positive and healthy environment.