Symbolism and Metaphor in Wayang Beber Pacitan: Hermeneutic Analysis of Visual Language, Mythology and Behavioral Change

Abstract

This research uses the Dilthey hermeneutic approach to analyze the symbolism, metaphor and behavioural change in the Wayang Beber Pacitan. Through a literature review of cultural journals, undergraduate theses, university theses, and online scholarly articles, this research reveals several significant findings. First, the symbols in the Wayang Beber, influenced by Islam, limit the representation of humans in their original form, thus creating symbols representing humans and their social life. Second, symbolism in the Wayang Beber is full of meanings, especially in cultural and social education, with stories containing moral and character education messages. Third, metaphors in the Wayang Beber are not only contained in symbols but also in the storyline that teaches life values such as courage, honesty, and resistance to injustice. Fourth, the visualization of the Wayang Beber considers social messages as well as aspects of beauty and cultural aesthetics of East Java. Fifth, the myths of the Wayang Beber are present in the story texts, character symbolisms, and visualization of event locations. This research concludes that analyzing symbolism and metaphor in the Wayang Beber Pacitan with Dilthey hermeneutics provides a deep understanding of life's meanings and values through the community's cultural myths conveyed through text and visual symbols in Wayang Beber performances.