A Structural Analysis of Sutardji Calzoum Bachri’s Poem “O”

Abstrak

This research aims to dissect the constituent elements of the poem "O" by Sutardji
Calzoum Bachri through the perspective of a structural approach. As one of the pioneers of
contemporary poetry in Indonesia, Sutardji displayed extreme uniqueness through a
grammatical rebellion that freed words from the confines of conventional meaning. The
method used in this study is qualitative descriptive with literature study techniques
(documentation). Based on structural analysis, the poem "O" indicates the existence of a close
organic unity between the physical structure and the mental structure. The physical structure
is dominated by circular/uppercase O typography and versification of assonance rhymes /o/
which creates a magical spell-like effect. Meanwhile, the mental structure reflects the themes
of transcendental silence, suffering, and deep human existential emptiness. The results of the
study concluded that the visual and sound modifications to the physical structure of the poem
"O" are not just aesthetic decorations, but concrete representations of the essence of the inner
meaning of the poem that depicts the endless cycle of grief.