SIMPLE YET PROFOUND: AN ANALYSIS OF THE POEM 'AKU' BY CHAIRIL ANWAR FOR LITERARY APPRECIATION

Abstract

Poetry is one of the literary forms that possesses the power to convey ideas, emotions, and the inner experiences of the author through compact, imaginative, and symbolic language. In the field of education, poetry plays a significant role in enhancing students' appreciation of literature. This study aims to analyze the poem “Aku” by Chairil Anwar using a stylistic approach and intrinsic element analysis, including theme, diction, figurative language, and the life values embedded in the text. The method used is descriptive qualitative with content analysis techniques focusing on the poem as the primary object of study. The findings show that the poem "Aku" contains strong existential messages, expressing a rebellious spirit against social constraints and a profound desire to live freely and face challenges with courage. This analysis demonstrates how simple language can be effectively utilized to convey deep and complex meanings. In conclusion, understanding the structure and style of poetry can be an effective means of fostering a love for Indonesian literature and improving students’ critical thinking and empathy.