Abstract:
This study aims at explaining the symbols used in the novel and describing the values of optimistic reflected in the symbols used in Hirata‟s The Rainbow Troops. This research is classified as a descriptive qualitative method. The primary data source of this study is the novel The Rainbow troops by Andrea Hirata. The collecting data process is note-taking technique. This study is also categorized as library research. Based on the findings and discussion, the researcher draws the conclusion such follow. First, it is found that there are six symbols used in this novel. They are classified into Individual symbol. The selected symbols taken from the novel that the researcher consider individual symbol is a symbol which is originally created by authors for the moment of work so interpretating it requires greater attention to context, for their meaning come almost entirely from context. In the novel The Rainbow Troops the symbols which the researcher considers as individual symbols. Individual symbols are Pak harfan and Bu Mus who have a tenancity, Lintang as a symbol of intelegent, PN Timah as a symbol of wealth and injuctice, and the Rainbow Troops team as a symbol of friendship.There are two elements or values which characterize someone as the one who has optimistic life which is reflected in the symbols used in this novel. They are the values of struggle and positive thinking, Second, those symbols reflect the values of optimistic life which is to be the theme of the novel
