Gastronomi sebagai Simbol Psikologis dalam Serial Drama Wǒ, Xǐhuān Nǐ (我，喜欢你) Karya Chen Chang: Kajian Teori Semiotik

Abstract

This study explores gastronomic symbols as psychological representations in the Chinese drama series Wǒ, Xǐhuān Nǐ (我喜欢你) directed by Chen Chang, using the semiotic approach of Charles Sanders Peirce and Carl Gustav Jung’s theory of archetypes. The purpose of this research is to reveal how food is used in the series as a symbolic sign that reflects emotional expression and the unconscious dynamics of the characters. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method with narrative analysis techniques, focusing on selected scenes and character dialogues. The findings show that food in this drama functions not merely as an object of consumption, but also as a form of nonverbal communication conveying affection, emotional wounds, longing, and relational tension. Peirce's semiotic analysis identifies that each dish consists of three components of a sign representamen, object, and interpretant, each reflecting the psychological state of the characters. Meanwhile, the Jungian approach reveals that food symbols in the drama embody archetypes such as the The Self, The Magician, The Orphan, The Shadow, The Warrior, The Rebel, Anima & Animus, The Lover, The Caregiver, expressing collective unconsciousness through everyday actions. This study affirms that gastronomy in popular media can be interpreted as a symbolic sign rich in psychological meaning and complexity.