Conflict of Character and Resolution in Animal Stories

Animal stories put forth the animal characters such as Sang Kancil, Sang Harimau, Sang Rusa and Sang Buaya as the characters that lead a life in the forest. Often times, these characters are portrayed as human beings that capable of speaking, thinking, articulating and doing things a human being used to do. Therefore, animal characters are also not escapable from having myriad of conflicts and problems as real human beings do. On the other note, animal stories are prone in displaying intelligent character such as Sang Kancil that has ecumenical ability to resolve problems and conflicts by the employment of diversified tricks to accomplish its goals. This paper will study two main focuses which are identifying and analyzing the applied mechanism by animal characters from Hikayat Sang Kancil and Kumpulan Cerita Sang Kancil as the research data. The methodology of this research employed the qualitative approaches that were library research and research data analysis. The meticulous analysis conducted revealed that an animal character that is Sang Kancil employed the flora and fauna elements as the mechanisms to solve problems and conflicts and the impacts were observable in the positive manner for each problem solved. Hence, humans are benefitted to observe examples and lessons from the animal intelligentsia in resolving conflicts and problems.


Introduction
Animal stories exhibit a story line that puts forth the animal characters as the main character. The animal characters portrayed hold the human traits and behaviours such as ability to talk, think, articulate, cheat and trick. Animal stories set out the animal characters such as mousedeer, tiger, deer and snake that live in forest. This fact has been propounded by Hamid (1986) saying that animal stories is a verbal form of story, known as mergastua stories that apply animals as the characters in a story and have the ability to talk, articulate and possess rationality like human beings.
On the other note, the storyline of animal stories usually involves conflicts that cause many problems among the animals. Othman and Sulaiman (2008) explained that the conflict is a normal and cannot be avoided and the conflicts happen when a party interacts with one another. Conflicts happen are due to the frictional forces, dissenting opinions, values and behaviours between two characters. This can be clearly seen through the character of Sang Kancil that has conflicts with other animals.
Moreover, conflict and problem-solving in animal stories also shows the character of Sang Kancil as a smart, intelligent and brilliant one in resolving those conflicts and problems by using diversified strategies, tricks and tactics. Furthermore, Sang Kancil is a small-sized animal that has been portrayed to be able to defeat the bigger-sized animals than it. Ismail Hamid (1986) stated that Sang Kancil or Pelanduk are the main figures in animal stories in which their brilliant characters are depicted as having the intelligent traits and smart as well as capable of defeating the bigger animals even though Sang Kancil and Pelanduk are usually characterized as physically weak. In addition to this, Sang Kancil is described as an animal that used to help other animals around by employing tricks. Sang Kancil makes a good role as a smart animal to play tricks on other animals. Plus, its intelligence is capable of defeating the bigger animals than it. The story of this sort could give lessons that intelligence and wisdom in strategic management holds a weapon to overtake the strong enemies.
Therefore, the creations of the world either humankind or animals are not exception in encountering unexpected problems that need special mechanism and immediate responses for a resolution. This has been projected by Othman and Sulaiman (2008) as every creation will encounter myriad of problems either big or small in nature. At times, the problems are clear cut to be solved but it may come the other way around. The problems faced should be responded with a specific action and resolution. Not to mention, it takes to have proper and specific skills to solve a problem. The knowledge of problem recognition, concept and factor influence the actions taken to a problem.
In relation to this, the presence of conflict or problem can appear in any circumstances, setting and time. Problems arise are due to the specific causes as stated by Othman and Sulaiman (2008) saying that every problem happened must come from a specific cause. They furthered the contention with the fact that the cause of a problem appears from the micro surrounding or macro surrounding. In addition to this, problem can be defined as a situation when there is a gap or change from the desired outcome with the earned outcome, there is an uncertainty emerges, challenges in reaching a specific goal or in making the best choice. Logically speaking, conflict and problem need to be resolved by using the specific mechanism as a resolution.

Literature Review
Observation made from the past studies by the former researchers has shown some of findings from various aspects. One of them is a research entitled, 'Konflik Emosi dalam Lirik Lagu Nipah oh Nipah' by Rahim and Roslan in 2017. The research used the total of 20 students of sample as the respondents through interview to see the aspect of communicative emotion towards the lyric of the song. The finding of the research showed that emotions associated in the song were sad, angry and happy. It is clearly to say that this research focused on emotional conflict that lies in the lyrics of the song.
Furthermore, the study of conflict was also carried out by Shafie in 2015 with a study entitled 'Konflik Komunikasi Dari "Bercak" ke Menongkah Lumrah karya Azmah Nordin.' The study was seen from the aspect of conflict of communication. Shafie (2015) in her study touched on the authorship of Azmah Nordin in the work that produced the short story "Bercak" and the idea in the short story was later developed in the novel Menongkah Lumrah. According to her, Azmah Nordin highlighted the conflict of human reality in the world of digital entrepreneurship. In fact, the author's creativity is revealed through paintings of human nature that experience conflict as illustrated in her work. In addition, Rusli also conducted a study entitled "Konflik Kejiwaan dalam novel Interlok Karta Abdullah Hussin" in 2015. The study was based on the character of Maniam who was a study sample in showing psychological conflict by using the approach of Psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud, Humanistic Abraham Maslow and Islamic Psychology. The study found that the mental conflict experienced by the character of Maniam was caused by economic and social factors that he has responded based on his subconscious mind until he developed the id within him and the ego attuned his role in resolving the problem. Indeed, this study clearly focuses on Maniam's psychological conflict in the Interlok novel by using the psychoanalytic approach of Sigmund Freud.
A study by Din and Affendi namely ' Unsur Konflik dalam Novel Remaja Terpilih' in 2016 touched on the element of conflict contained in the teen novels such as Azfa Hanani, 6:20 and Merenang Gelora which was shown through Abraham Maslow's Humanistic theory. The study showed that the conflict in the novel was seen from the aspect of youth conflict with family, self and peer group. As a whole, the study found that youth conflict with peers showed the dominant conflict faced by adolescents. In fact, Din and Affendi (2016) also explained that conflict is something normal and teenagers need to handle the conflict wisely.
Based on these studies, it was found that studies on conflict are only seen through human nature; in fact, animal characters also experience the conflicts like those experienced by humans. Due to this, this paper will examine the aspects of conflict that revolves in the nature of animals. The conflict faced needs to be handled wisely and creatively. This has been stated by Tak (1995) that in solving a problem and conflict, it requires creativity. This is because creativity is powerful in sparking imagination and thought in producing something new, creative and useful. She conceptualized that creativity is the resolution of conflicts and problems. In fact, creative result doesn't come in serendipity and the results bear the values of aesthetic, quality and effective.
In addition, Othman and Sulaiman (2008) argued that the key failure in problem-solving is due to the lack of knowledge and skills in the techniques and processes involved in solving the problems. Indeed, proficiency in solving problems is seen to be vital and needs to be improved and act rationally, logically and creatively. In fact, the ability to think creatively and critically is said to be able to produce creative and innovative ideas.
Such statement can be seen indirectly in animal stories through the brilliant, intelligent and smart Sang Kancil that used creative mechanisms of deception or tricks in handling the problems. Past studies found no studies on animal stories that focus on conflict resolution mechanisms and problems. Studies on animal stories have been traced from other aspects such as those conducted by Rosly, Rahim and Halim in 2015 entitled "Pengaruh Elemen Cerita Binatang Berbentuk Digital ke atas Ujaran Kanak-kanak Sindrom Asperger." The research used animal stories of Sang Singa and Sang Tikus in virtual form as the researched subject matter in nurturing the communitive interaction for Asperger's syndrome children by using Theory of Mind (ToM) and Theory of Discourse Analysis. Research finding found that virtual animal stories are indirectly catalyzing the communicative interaction among Asperger's syndrome children.
Research pertaining to animal stories is also ventured by Saad, Kamaruzzaman and Samah in year 2009 entitled, "Fungsi Cerita Binatang dalam Sastera Kanak-kanak Melayu-Arab". The research used animal stories as the source of research data that showed comparison between Malay and Arab animal stories. The focus of discussion were prone to the characters of animal, theme, pattern and function in animal stories. It is clearly seen to assert that the researches on animal stories haven't really touched on problem and conflict resolution mechanism.
Next, the research with title "Mekanisma Penyelesaian Masalah dalam Hikayat Sang Kancil" by Muhammad and Rahman in year 2018. This research focus on resolving problems mechanism that Sang Kancil used to help other animals and itself when they confront with the biggest animals and predator like Sang Harimau and Sang Bedal. Sang Kancil is a small animal but have a good thinking and great idea to trick the biggest animal and resolve the problems. The research by Muhammad and Rahman (2018) focuses on resolving problems mechanism using a flora such as tree truck, tree skin, bamboo and fauna such as fly, bluebottle fly, python and crocodile to solve the problems for other animals and itself. It is clearly different to this research because this research only focus on resolving conflict mechanism that Sang Kancil uses when confront with conflict between Sang Kancil and biggest and strong animals like Sang Harimau, Sang Bedal and Sang Gajah.
Therefore, in addressing problem or conflict, there must be ways for its resolution, action or mechanism. This paper will give a focal attention into two main objectives which are identifying and analyzing the mechanism used by Sang Kancil in Hikayat Sang Kancil and Kumpulan Cerita Sang as a research material by studying its text contents as research data.

Research Methodology
This paper used the qualitative approach through library research in collecting necessary data and related references. The selected data was chosen and disseminated. Then, the collected data was analyzed for the preparation of conclusion. Data analysis was conducted by considering the process of problem-solving as showed in Figure 1:  (Stevens, 1996)

Research Findings and Discussion
The focus of this paper is to see the aspect of conflict that happened between the characters of Sang Kancil with other animals. The resolution of conflicts and problems encountered by Sang Kancil were addressed by the employment of flora and fauna element as a mechanism that was conflict-solving approach as portrayed in Hikayat Sang Kancil and Kumpulan Cerita Sang Kancil. The word flora comes from Latin word which means goddess of flower and garden protector and goddess of fertility in Roman mythology. Herbs are classified as flora. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (2003) explained that these plants live in an area, place or at an age or period. Plants are grouped into flora, depending on the region, age, or typical environment. The area is a different habitat in terms of geography, for example mountains are comparable to land. This is as stated by Yong (1990) that plants can be seen from various types of low plants such as toadstools and algae, flowerless seed plants such as coniferous and flowering plants such as mangrove, reed, sap and so on. In Hikayat Sang Kancil and Kumpulan Cerita Sang Kancil, the character of Sang Kancil used flora as a mechanism in solving the problem or conflict he faces. Among the plants used are bamboo and wooden stump.

Bamboo
Bamboo is a kind of plant that grows rapidly. Bamboo is hard, grows tall and lives in a group. Chan (2003) and Yong (1990) stated that bamboo is green, yellow and black that easily grow over 30 meters. In addition, Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (2003) stated that bamboos are woody grasses that live in tropical and medium temperature regions that have hollow stems, thick rhizomes and shoots that are used for food. Likewise, these characteristics make bamboo is used in making furniture, buildings and tools. Ibrahim and Khamis (2009) also explained that bamboo shoots can be used as vegetables in various types of cuisine. Reed shrubs are used as decorative items or hairstyles and sometimes used in the medical field to treat diseases such as black magic or poison and the leaves are used as food packages. In fact, bamboos are also used in paintings, poetry, hand bars, musical instruments, fishing rods, staples or food staples, and raw materials for daily use such as baskets, hats and used clothes (Chan, 2003;Yong, 1990;and Husin 2008).
The use of bamboo as a mechanism to resolve the conflict between Sang Kancil and Sang Harimau (Pak Belang) and Sang Bedal. The resolution can be seen as a text passage below: Sang Sang Kancil was always in conflict with Sang Harimau because Sang Kancil used to cheat the Sang Harimau. Consequently, Sang Harimau wanted to take grudge on Sang Kancil by aiming Sang Kancil as its food (prey). Sang Kancil wanted to escape itself from being a prey to Sang Harimau, thus Sang Kancil got the idea to trick Sang Harimau. Sang Kancil used flora elements as a problem-solving mechanism. In this regard, Chan (2003) stated that the bamboo hamlet is a peaceful and cool place with a gentle breeze. Therefore, Sang Kancil got the idea of using a bamboo piece that was symbolized as a violin owned by King Solomon because of the noise caused by the wind. The violin needs a bunch of sticks named as violin bow to play and emit the sound from the instrument. Sang Kancil has tricked Sang Harimau by stating that the violin should be swirled in the tongue. Consequently, Sang Harimau who believed in Sang Kancil's words swiped the bamboo (violin) by using his tongue. This caused his tongue stuck between the bamboos. Sang Kancil's trick was a wise move to escape from Sang Harimau. This signifies that Sang Kancil was creative in solving the problem. Ainon and Abdullah (1994) state that problems can be solved by thinking as shown by the character of the Sang Kancil. In another story, Sang Kancil also used bamboo as a problem-solving mechanism with Sang Bedal as follows: Sang  Sang Kancil, 1976:26) The study of this passage shows that Sang Kancil had used the bamboo as a problem solving mechanism to escape from Sang Bedal (crocodile) which has bitten the Sang Kancil's feet. Consequently, the use of the bamboo branches was the symbolic to the Sang Kancil's leg that has been gripped by Sang Bedal. The use of bamboo branches was appropriate because the size of the bamboo branches was almost the same as the size of Sang Kancil's leg. The situation shows the wisdom of the Sang Kancil in manipulating the situation, thus making the Sang Bedal believed and released the Sang Kancil's feet. Although Sang Bedal was a huge and savage animal, Sang Kancil managed to escape from being a victim by using its wisdom and creativity. This situation indirectly describes the Creator's Creativity in resolving the conflict. As described by Ainon and Abdullah (1994), the uses of tricks is a new idea of solving the problem creatively.

Wooden Stump
Trees are the necessity for humans and animals to survive because the trees supply oxygen to all the creations of the world. Russell (2012) argued that tree is a necessity for all living things. The tree absorbs carbon dioxide and replaces it with oxygen. Trees are divided into parts such as tree trunks, bark, branches, twigs, leaves, roots, flowers and seeds that have their specific functions. In addition, tree trunks and branches play an important role in absorbing water from tree roots to leaves and moving foods throughout the tree for survival (Thomas, 2014). When a tree is cut down, it will leave the wooden stump because the roots of the tree are still planted. Mitchell and Von der Gonna (1994) stated that the wooden stumps are unnecessary branches and left in an area to provide nutrients for a long period of time. In fact, the size and the wooden stump vary according to the species and the age of the tree that is affected by the type of soil (Wilson, 1981). Therefore, Sang Kancil used a wooden stump as a conflict resolution mechanism with the Sang Gajah as illustrated in the following passages: Dalam  Cerita Sang Kancil, 1992:58-60) The study of the passage found that Sang Kancil used the flora element of wood stump as a conflict resolution mechanism. The use of the stump was used for a soccer game with Sang Gajah to prove their strength. The match was held because the Sang Gajah and some other animals were envy and angry with the Sang Kancil. In fact, the match was aimed at embarrassing the Sang Kancil, which would have been defeated because of its small size being compared to the large size of Sang Gajah. However, Sang Kancil was aware of himself who cannot afford to fight with bigger beats and even won the game. As such, Sang Kancil used some tactics and tricks to win the fight and resolved the conflict between the Sang Gajah and it. The use of the stumps is a symbolic of Sang Kancil's calf. In order to win the game, Sang Kancil hid his calf behind the wooden stump. The Sang Kancil did not realize the situation then it kicked the tree stump so that Sang Gajah endured the pain that can make Sang Gajah to surrender and eventually Sang Kancil won the game. It is clear that the use of wooden stump as a conflict resolution mechanism proves that Sang Kancil is a wise animal that has successfully resolved the conflict. In this case, Ainon and Abdullah (1994) stated that creativity is symbolizes intelligence like character of Sang Kancil in animal stories who resolves conflicts creatively.

Fauna
The word fauna comes from Latin word which means animal kingdom. This means that the fauna are grouped as animals. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (2003) mentions that fauna are animals especially those that are characterized based on place, district, age or specific environment. Rahim and Banderan (2017) explained that fauna groups are divided into two types, namely, fauna groups and aquatic fauna groups. The main fauna groups are insects, snakes, primates and birds whereas the aquatic fauna group consists of two species, which live in aquatic areas such as fish and shrimp and live in mud like shellfish, crabs and other invertebrate animals. The use of fauna elements as a problem-solving mechanism as found in the Hikayat Sang Kancil and the Kumpulan Cerita Sang Kancil are python and hornet nest.

Python
Python is categorized as a reptile. Reptilian is cold-blooded animal and capable of transforming itself according to its surrounding habitat especially when there is threat from enemies (Ibrahim and Khamis, 2009). In addition, reptiles can be found worldwide from the dry desert areas, downtown, up to hundreds of meters deep. However, reptiles are not found in the polar and mountain peaks. Due to cold-blooded reptiles, they cannot control their body temperature. Reptile animals have a scaly or rectangular skin consisting of bony or knotted, short legs or have no leg feet. Usually a python sneaks in the jungle and acts as a victim of its prey (Chinery, 2004). In the Hikayat Sang Kancil, the character of Sang Kancil also used the fauna element of the python as a conflict resolution mechanism. This can be seen in the following text excerpt: Solomon belt. He wears this rope in coronation ceremony to be a king.' Sang Harimau wants to try and when he hear that exclamation, the tiger instantly takes that python and twisting to his waist. After two and half twist, that python is awake. When he feels something in his twist, he promptly binds strongly.] (Hikayat Sang Kancil, 1976:19-22) The conflict between Sang Kancil and the Sang Harimau was due to the Sang Harimau's resentment against the Sang Kancil. The situation has triggered the Sang Kancil to find tricks to escape from the Sang Harimau. The Sang Kancil, who is described as a clever little one was not afraid when dealing with larger and abusive animals such as Sang Harimau. To escape from Sang Harimau, Sang Kancil had created tricks by using the python as a mechanism of conflict resolution by saying that the python was the belt that belongs to the King Solomon. Sang Harimau who was often been cheated by the Kancil still wanted to try it out. Therefore, when the Sang Harimau was so excited to try the belt, it caused the python to wake up and twist the Sang Harimau around. The situation occurred because the python felt threatened and it later responded by attacking its enemy by twisting the limbs. Thus, Sang Kancil has successfully demonstrated its intelligence to escape from Sang Harimau by using the python. In fact, such actions are spontaneous actions as Makshin (2007) said that individuals who have a creative thinking are able to spontaneously produce a great ideas.

Hornets' nest
Hornet is a dangerous insect and it has a sting that can kill humans and other animals. The poisons it has will cause inflammation and be able to stop the operation of victim's heart through its sting. Usually, hornet will build its nest on the twigs of a tree. Hornet will attack humans and other animals if their nests are spoiled. In this regard, Said (2013) Cerita Sang Kancil, 1992:18-20)