Analysis Of Beyond The Caste System In Colonial Indonesia

Beyond the Caste System in Colonial Indonesia

The complex social hierarchies of colonial Indonesia made it hard for anyone to live outside of the societal norms. Attempting to leave these social norms was almost unheard of because of how inundated the people were with the caste system. In Pramoedya 's This Earth of Mankind, how society views an individual based off of their caste inevitably shapes how that individual sees himself, but witnessing the overcoming of that way of thinking holds new opportunities; this is seen by Minke in the encounter between Nyai and Mr. Mellema. In the beginning of the novel, Minke is complacent in terms of his caste. In colonial Indonesia, natives were at the lowest rung on the social

Minke is very surprised to find that he wasn 't kicked out, but was accepted by Annelies, a mixed blood, as her guest, despite his lower social status. Minke stays in the Mellema household, and meets Nyai, another native. Minke is quite surprised at how she manages the household, and does not act like a typical Native. Nyai is self confident and does not conform to the pre-ingrained societal view of what a Native, a Native woman even, should act like. When Mr. Mellema comes to the household and attempts to kick Minke out, Minke stands speechless, but Nyai comes to his rescue saying, "Close your mouth!"..."He is my guest!" (Pramoedya, 1996, p.48). Mr. Mellema backs down and leaves into the next room. This is quite likely the first time Minke has seen a Native stand up to someone of a higher social class, someone of Dutch lineage, no less. This transformational experience enlightens Minke of his value, outside of his social class. The singular encounter of witnessing another Native 's refusal of social class shapes Minke 's refusal of the caste system he was born

After being invited to Robert Mellema 's room, Minke is berated and passive aggressively attacked by his host. Robert expresses jealousy of Minke 's status as an H.BS. student; however, he disapproves of Minke 's relationship with his sister, saying, "What a pity you 're only a Native." (Pramoedya, 1996, p.105). Minke does not react to this statement like he would have before meeting Nyai and Annelies; he proves his resolve by saying, "It 's a crime to be a Native?". (Pramoedya, 1996, p.105). This bold statement expresses Minke 's new attitude towards his social identity. Minke can now see his value as an educated H.B.S student, and more importantly, as a