Conflicts Experienced By Nella That Influenced Her Decisions In The Lost Apothecary

Abstract

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner represents the life of a female apothecary, Nella. The story takes place in London in the 18th century. Nella dedicates herself and her apothecary to healing and helping women against the immoral men in their lives. This study aims to examine the conflicts Nella experienced that influenced the decisions she made during her life. This study uses the theory of new criticism by profoundly analyzing the text of The Lost Apothecary through a qualitative descriptive method. The data collection of this study is done by reading the novel closely and repeatedly to get a complete understanding of the whole story. After that, the researchers highlight essential things from the novel, such as phrases, sentences, dialogues, and monologues to be analyzed. Based on the analysis, it finds that two conflicts influenced Nella's decisions in her life. First, the internal conflicts between Nella and her feelings are represented by sadness and caring. Second, the external conflicts between Nella and other characters, her lover Frederick and Lady Clarence are shown as betrayal and disagreement.