The representation of cultural and moral values in the legend of Pulo Kemaro and Romeo & Juliet: A comparative literary review

This research is a comparative literature study that aims to compare moral values, cultural values and character in decision-making of the character Tan Bun Ann in the legend of Pulo Kemaro and the character of Romeo in the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. This research uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach to comparative literary studies. The research data is in the form of words, sentences, dialogues, narratives, actions, and events that describe the characters, conflicts, decision-making, and consequences experienced by the two characters. Data collection is carried out through reading and recording techniques, then the data is analyzed by identifying the characters and actions of the characters in dealing with conflicts and comparing their similarities and differences. The results of the study show that the Legend of Pulo Kemaro and Romeo and Juliet have similarities in presenting conflicts of relationships between characters that are influenced by the social and cultural environment, but represent different cultural backgrounds. Cultural values in the Legend of Pulo Kemaro are seen through the meeting of Palembang and Chinese cultures and their relationship with Kemaro Island and Hok Tjing Bio, while in Romeo and Juliet it is seen through the position of the Montague and Capulet families in the social life of the characters. The moral values in both works are seen through the actions, decisions, loyalty, emotional control, and consequences experienced by the characters in dealing with conflicts.