This Earth of Mankind by Pramoedya Ananta Toer begins the tale by introducing the protagonist Minke. Minke is defined as a follower by the ery first line of this book, "[p]eople called me Minke" (Toer 15). This line immediately speaks of how concious the main character is of what other think, for he donotes "[m]y own name... for the time being I need not tell it" (Toer 15). Although this can be interpreted in many different ways depending upon the each respective perspectives, it does tell a singular fact that he finds how others view him far more important, denouncing him to be a follower of the society. Although he is educated by the Europeans, he still finds himself conflicted with his position in the world he resides within as a Native.
Despite the fact that specifics of titles aren't explained in details, it is easy to grasp that Minke is depicted to be residing in a agricultural hierarchal community that is facing a rupture of reformation cause by industrialization. Minke finds himself rather confused in this torrent of changes for he was never taught to question his flow of information. Hence he finds himself battling his conscience when he finds himself at the gate of Mellema residence. "He didn't greet me...With just one movement of his lips, I could be driven out-God!" (Toer 25). This passage clearly depicts although Minke has been taught by the leading minds of the Europeans, but he's still stuck in the old class system that torments his mind from engaing in any deviation from the tradtion.
If I were to take a traditional approach in literary analysis, Minke would go through a certain change that distinguishes him to be the protagonist of this tale. My question is, would Minke overcome the overbearing societal rules to be a catalyst or be one of the mindless drones who conforms to the outdated tradition?
So far in this story, I am kind of hoping something significant will happen that will change the core beliefs of this main character (Minke) who is so conflicted in his society. I believe Minke does not know where he really belongs in his ever changing community. It is obvious that Minke is a victim of a community that has experience colonization from the Europian, and is suffering from the mentality that what is Europe is better. From the education to the furniture, to the names. I agree with Chan that the main character is self conscious about what people think of him as a native, that he continues to let people call him by this name that was given to him out of pure rage just because he is willing to comform himself to be accepted. Still, I have faith in Minke, that he will eventually use his real name to prove to that he just might be proud of who he is, and where his from.
ReplyDeleteWhen reading this Earth of Manking i also find that there is definitly a distinction in power. There are those in power (leaders) and those who listen to those in power (followers). Right now Minke seems to be a follower, but he doesn't follow with out question. He listens to Nyai and Robert Suurhof, and Annelies when she teaches him about all the work that goes on at her residence. however when minke goes home he questions all that he was told and is uncertain if its true. This shows qualities that Minke is not truely a follower, but simply in the growing stages from follower to leader. He is in school and is continuing his education. Minke may be following now on his own terms because he is uncertain of everything that goes on at the Mellema house but is definitly capable of becoming a leader later in this story.
ReplyDeleteWhether or not Minke is a follower or a leader, he is inferiorized. he is labeled a monkey by mr. mellema, a crocodile by his 'friend' Robert Suurhof, or simply a native which he himself believes carries some connotation of inferiority. The story has set up very clearly the class systems. The dutch are on top along with the other europeans, the natives of Java are on the bottom and the Indos who have both javanese and european blood are somewhere in the middle, in a somewhat confusing state where no one really knows how to treat them. The characters in the story depict certain qualities from each class and the way that this seperation of race creates certain positive and negative qualities in the people.
Annelies is the apitimy of perfection and beauty. She is the symbol of being in between a native and a european. She has the beauty from both sides, but at the same time, she has the ugliness from both sides. For example, Although she is naturally beautiful she tries to highten her level of attraction with clothes and jewelry. And although she is materialistic, she still stays towards her natives roots with the misunderstandings of certain european customs; like being called beautiful.
The story seems like its about to unfold and Annelies character will show the changes and differences that grow between natives and europeans. Minke will hence also grow and maybe find out that all of the interest in finds in european education, science, and his beloved photographs isnt what life is all about.
On pg. 33 I also see somewhat of a foreshadowing, where Nyie tells Minke "happy are they who eat from the products of their own sweat, obtain pelasure from their own endeavors, and advance because of their own experiences."
If it is true that Minke is a follower now, then perhaps in living his life for himself he will find true happiness, outside of the books, the science and the photographs that he believes gives him the power and knowledge to find happiness. He will possibly find his own ways to obtain pleasure outside of the strict and limited pleasures of european society.
While Minke is a follower up until this point in the novel, I agree with Nicholas that there are points of foreshadowing which hint that the societal structure is soon about to change.
ReplyDeleteThere is already a major shift in power in the Mellema's household. It was interesting to me how when Mr. Mellema came in, the so called high class Dutchman, Mr. Mellema, was the one being decribed in wild terms: "He growled like a cat. His rumpled clothes were loose on his body. His hair, uncombed and thin, covered his forehead and ears" (47). Nyai, who is not only a Native but a concubine, is the actual high class, educated person who runs the household. She exclaims, "A mad European is the same as a mad Native!" (48).
Minke is shocked at this distribution of power in this household. While at first he does act like a mindless drone who only conforms to the rules, you can see him beginning to question his role in society and why it is so. I think it will be more so Nyai and Anneliese who will be the catalysts for change in this society, rather than Minke.