GENRE, SEMANTIC, AND PRAGMATIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRICKSTER HERO: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF AFANDI AND ROBIN HOOD

Abstract

The trickster hero is a universal literary and folkloric figure present in many cultures. This article analyzes the genre, semantic, and pragmatic characteristics  of the trickster hero through a comparative study of Afandi and Robin Hood. The research applies a qualitative comparative method involving genre-based textual analysis, semantic interpretation, and pragmatic examination. The findings reveal that Afandi relies primarily on humor and irony within anecdotal folklore,  whereas Robin Hood functions as a heroic outlaw symbolizing collective resistance and social justice. Despite cultural and genre differences, both characters perform similar pragmatic roles as moral voices of the people,confirming the universality of the trickster archetype.