What a powerful chapter…During chapter eleven, Minke’s strong desire to learn, and be educated is revealed. Minke’s desire is so strong, that he is willing to overlook the people close to him. For example, Minke begins to view Nyai and Annelies as obstacles towards his attempt to get educated. “…I have to forget Nyai and Annelies…There is no point in maintaining relations. I must graduate from school as was hoped for by so many people”(Pramoedya 188). Minke later describes all the activities he can do while in school, yet the most interesting one he mentioned was “To be free” (Pramoedya 188). What do you think Minke means when he states “To be free”? Perhaps, he now considers Nyai and Annelies burdens, and he wants to be free from them, in order to make his own decisions without their criticism.
Minke was feeling confused, down and depressed earlier in the chapter, after the fight between Tinglina and Fatso. Especially when Jean mentions “You’re the cause of all this” (Pramoedya 187). Therefore I feel that the letter from Miriam de la Croix is symbolic. It serves as a way to uplift Minke, and make him feel good. After Minke read the letter he states “…Suddenly I felt Brave, and the world became brighter and clearer”(Pramoedya 187). Ironically Minke’s feeling of contentment is taken away suddenly, when he hears news about Annelies illness. He mentions “My head throbbed as is I wanted to break open. I couldn’t stand up straight, my body went flabby” (Pramoedya 196). This section somewhat contradicts Minke’s feelings about wanting to forget Annalies. Mentioning earlier “there is not point in maintaining relations”. After hearing about the news Minke demonstrates concern, because he leaves Wonokromo to support Annalies. Possibly Minke does not want really want to forget Annalies, and Nyai? Why do you think Minke agrees to leave despite what he mentioned earlier?
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From our previous discussion in class, it seems as if your blog also hints at the conflict that Minke is going through. It reminds me of Minke ignoring the mail sent by his parents, but when faced by his mother, he breaks down and apologizes for his negligence. The same apparently happens to Annalies according to your blog. He wants to get away from her (like his parents), but is broken inside when he hears of Annalies being ill. This saids something about his character and his belief that "There is no point in maintaining relations." But he does feel guilty about this belief, thus not truly believing in such a statment.
ReplyDelete"Education sets the mind free," and i believe this is what Minke meant by wanting to be free. Not free from his parents, Annalies or Nyai, but free from Dutch oppression. If Minke can obtain European knowledge, then no European can take advantage of him. He will be able to hold his own, stand his ground and maybe even fight for equal rights. For even Robert who believes he is of "pure blood" can't belittle him. In other words, his education gives him a sense of liberty and confidence.
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ReplyDeleteFreedom seems at this point a big stretch for Minke. There are times where we notice that education seems to set him free because of what it offers. Education allows him a step away from the constraints of being a native, however, the key word here is a step. I say this because, no matter how much European knowledge Minke gains, it seems like he will never have the same privileges of those who are "pure blood." Minke will never be acknowledged in the manner that he desires and even if he would, his familial ties will always be there to pull him down.
ReplyDeleteMinke's relationship with Nyai, Annalies, and his parents are a constant reminder of his roots; roots that evidently Minke himself has problems forgetting. This idea becomes quite clear when he is confronted by his mother because we notice that he respects her and in some way what she tells him hits home for him, implying that her words ring true for Minke. Minke is conflicted and tormented by this push and pull that is going on between who he is and who he wants to become. Who he is, pushes him back to his Javanese roots. Who he wants to become, pulls him towards European identification.
There seems not to exist a middle ground where Minke can truly be free. At least, I see it as though his family is willing to accept his desire to be identified as European as long as he "keeps it real" with them. Where as, from the perspective of the Europeans, it is either their way or the "highway."
I have to agree with Sue-Naina because I feel like Minke is becoming more and more conflicted. At times, it is easy for him to convince himself that he is strong. For example, when he does speak about forgetting Nyai and Annelies, this empowers him. He is able to justify himself by using the excuse of advancement in education. However, after acquiring this strength, he literally crumbles when faced with the smallest conflict (in this case, Annelies becoming ill). This may be exactly why he wants to "forget" the two women. They force Minke to confront his identity because they are Natives - the exact identity that it seems Minke is striving to get away from. How can he associate with both Nyai and Annelies (two strong Native women) when he is trying so desperately to be viewed as European? Can he have such a strong relationship with Native women without suffering the consequences of maintaining such relationships?
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