ANALYSIS OF W.S. RENDRA’S COLLECTION OF LOVE POEMS THROUGH A HERMENEUTIC APPROACH AND ITS RELEVANCE TO LITERATURE EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS

Abstract

: This paper analyzes a collection of love poems by W.S. Rendra using the hermeneutic approach as the primary method for interpreting the hidden meanings within the poetic texts. The hermeneutic method was chosen for its ability to uncover deep layers of meaning derived from symbols, poetic language, and emotional context found in literary works. This study employs a qualitative descriptive method combined with an interactive-dialectical hermeneutic model based on Paul Ricoeur’s theory, enabling a comprehensive interpretation through a continuous circle of understanding between text and context. The analysis focuses on several of Rendra’s love poems such as Papaya, Tobat, and Ayam Jantan, revealing human experiences in love, repentance, and emotional reflection. The results indicate that the hermeneutic approach effectively exposes the inner dimensions and moral messages in Rendra’s poetry, which are not only personal but also universal in nature. Furthermore, this approach is shown to be highly relevant in literature education at the junior high school level, as it encourages students to think critically, build empathy, and understand humanistic values through in-depth interpretation of literary texts.