This study aims to describe and reveal the meaning of the Epic Mahabharata in Kuntowijoyo's novels in terms of Wolfgang Iser's Aesthetic Response theory. The study of Iser's aesthetic response is basically centered on the process of interpreting the text produced through communication between the text and its reader, concerning (1) the way or act of reading; (2) the interaction between the text and the reader. Readers are directed to react to the text. Called an aesthetic response because it stimulates the imagination of the reader and gives the desired effect. Aesthetic response must be understood in the interaction between the text and reader. The research data source is a novel entitled Mantra Pejinak Ular, and Pasar by Kuntowijoyo. This technique is carried out through 1) identification, 2) classification, 3) interpretation, and 4) inference. The results showed that 1) Kuntowijoyo's novels are inseparable from the epics of Mahabharata, especially in puppet (Javanese version). The Javanese version of wayang is shown by the appearance of the scene of Goro Goro and the Punakawan figures; 2) The epics of Mahabharata are the background for the creation of Kuntowijoyo's novels, including plots, names of characters, names of places and events.

This study aims to describe and reveal the meaning of the figure of the Prophet Khidir as a repertoire in Kuntowijoyo's Wasripin dan Satinah novel in terms of Wolfgang Iser's Aesthetic Response theory. This study is qualitative descriptive, and the data source is the novel Wasripin dan Satinah published by Kompas Publisher in 2003. Using a note-taking technique of all novels related to the Prophet Khidir’s repertoire, it obtained the data. The technique was through 1) identification, 2) classification, 3) interpretation, and 4) inference. The results showed that 1) the figure of the Prophet Khidir in the novel Wasripin dan Satinah was an earlier reference in the text used by Kuntowijoyo as the basis or background for creating his novel. The transformed story of the Prophet Khidir in the Al-Qur'an has a different storyline. 1) In the Al-Qur'an, Prophet Khidir was approached by Prophet Musa to learn. Meanwhile, in the novel Wasripin and Satinah, the Prophet Khidir came to Wasripin to give his knowledge. 2) The novel Wasripin dan Satinah which represents the figure of Prophet Khidir, has given rise to myths in the lives of Javanese people. 3)  an intention conveyed by Kuntowijoyo in presenting the figure of the Prophet Khidir in his work, namely a lesson not to be shirk by glorifying or deifying someone who has superior abilities.