Oeroeg and Bumi Manusia: Flipside of the Coin on Dutch Colonialism in Indonesia

This study compares two novels, Oeroeg by Hella Haasse and Bumi Manusia by Pramoedya Ananta Toer. It focuses on two books that feature the same scene: the historical phenomenon of Dutch Colonialism in the Dutch East Indies. This thesis examines how two novelists present their perspectives on colonialism in the Dutch East Indies and the initial stages of Indonesia's struggle for independence. While dealing with the same topic, the two novels present differing perspectives on the subject matter. The aim is to adopt a neutral stance by selecting two authors representing opposing perspectives on colonialism in the Dutch East Indies. Haasse represents the colonizer (the Dutch), while Pramoedya represents the native Indonesian. This comparative study identifies motifs common to both novels and illustrates the impact of colonialism on the characters and their actions. This analysis engages with the interrelationship between literature and colonialism. The authors' background is also...Show moreThis study compares two novels, Oeroeg by Hella Haasse and Bumi Manusia by Pramoedya Ananta Toer. It focuses on two books that feature the same scene: the historical phenomenon of Dutch Colonialism in the Dutch East Indies. This thesis examines how two novelists present their perspectives on colonialism in the Dutch East Indies and the initial stages of Indonesia's struggle for independence. While dealing with the same topic, the two novels present differing perspectives on the subject matter. The aim is to adopt a neutral stance by selecting two authors representing opposing perspectives on colonialism in the Dutch East Indies. Haasse represents the colonizer (the Dutch), while Pramoedya represents the native Indonesian. This comparative study identifies motifs common to both novels and illustrates the impact of colonialism on the characters and their actions. This analysis engages with the interrelationship between literature and colonialism. The authors' background is also examined to understand how it shapes both the writers' stances and the creative process. Furthermore, this thesis investigates how the socio-cultural conditions portrayed in both novels manifest in racial differentiation, the colonial education system, and identity issues. In the discussion, the disparate positions of the two novelists are revealed. Haasse, a second- generation individual born in the Dutch East Indies, does not experience any sense of guilt regarding the events that transpired. Conversely, she believes she lost her homeland. On the other hand, Pramoedya experienced firsthand the cruelty and injustice during that period. Through Minke, he perceived the positive value of Western modernity. However, the discrepancy in status in court and social life did not align with his perspective. Ultimately, colonialism can be observed as a coin with two sides. Heads and tails provide different perspectives but remain intertwined with each other.Show less

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Oeroeg and Bumi Manusia: Flipside of the Coin on Dutch Colonialism in Indonesia