Letters of a Javanese Princess and Black Boy: Representing ‘Identity and Acceptance’ in the Battle Against Discrimination and Inequality
By : Angga Fernandi
These two narratives revolve around individuals who pursue power in order to realize their aspirations. “Letters of a Javanese Princess” entails a compilation of letters penned by Kartini, expressing her sentiments on women and traditions in Java. On the other hand, “Black Boy” follows the life of a writer of color in the US who navigates a dynamic environment. Despite their differences, both stories depict protagonists who strive to uphold the ideals of equality and acceptance, irrespective of their identity. In essence, these two stories share common themes.
The concept of identity is portrayed in Letters of a Javanese Princess, specifically in regards to how Javanese women are perceived. Kartini expresses her desire to meet a “modern girl” and suggests that traditional institutions confine women, as evidenced by her statement, “All our institutions are…”. This implies that Kartini is dissatisfied with the status quo and longs to escape the inequality that she has encountered. The term “modern girl” alludes to the submissiveness and monotony that characterize the lives of Javanese women.
In accordance with Javanese tradition, women are expected to fulfill certain roles such as marriage and domestic duties based on their predetermined destiny. However, Kartini questions why women are not allowed to receive an education and are thus lagging behind men. This is evident in phrases such as “many of my cousins and all my older brother…” and “we girls, so far as education goes…” found on page 9. Additionally, women are required to maintain a certain demeanor as the embodiment of Javanese identity, which leads Kartini to desire to break away from tradition, as seen in phrases such as “I am happy only…” on page 12, “when a young lady laughs…” on page 13, and “the ideal Javanese girl is silent…” on page 35.
For a long time, the Javanese have been taught that women are powerless and do not have significant roles, leading them to be looked down upon by men. This belief has remained unchanged even during Kartini’s time, as seen in the statement “From childhood he…” and the notion that “women are nothing…as good as a man” on page 37.
Furthermore, social acceptance is demonstrated through Kartini’s social relationships and mobility. In terms of social relations, Kartini appears to have established positive connections with both the locals and the Dutch. This is evident from her correspondence with acquaintances from Holland, such as Stella, whom she has befriended and become pen pals with. Kartini’s acceptance by Stella is reflected in her enthusiastic greeting, “Dear Stella, I am heartily glad…” (page 12). Additionally, Mevrouw Ovink, who is friendly, treats Kartini well, and they share a good rapport that makes Kartini feel that they are equals and not inferior to the Dutch. It is no surprise that Kartini admires and respects her, as she remarks, “If you say I am…” (page 17).
Kartini advocates for social mobility for women through education, wishing for them to have the same opportunities as men in Java. As she expresses in her writing, ‘We wish to equal…’ (page 24). Despite some individuals questioning the education of women, Kartini and her sisters maintain a strong desire to attend Higher School in Semarang, and even pursue studies in Europe. However, traditional Javanese customs prevent them from doing so, as Kartini reveals in her statements, ‘We want to ask…’ (page 29), ‘My sister and I wish to go…’ (page 30), and ‘She implored her father to allow her…’ (page 34). While Kartini aspires to pursue change in her homeland upon obtaining power, she acknowledges that there are various paths to achieve her goals, stating, ‘When we come back to Java…’ (page 30), ‘We have no…do nothing.’ (page 31).
Kartini employs her proficiency in the Dutch language to express her emotions and ideas regarding Javanese customs. Through letters sent to friends overseas, she seeks their empathy and aid. As she states on page 30, ‘I will work…’ Additionally, Kartini endeavors to cultivate connections with enlightened men who possess a greater understanding of women’s issues. As stated on the same page, ‘but first, we are going to see…’.
Finally, Kartini finds an opportunity to express her thoughts when a government official proposes the construction of a school for girls. Her idea is to establish a vocational school for girls, with the purpose of empowering women with skills and abilities to make a living (page 44). Once her Father grants her permission, Kartini is able to pursue her interests such as writing articles, painting, and learning languages, which fulfills her dream of achieving freedom (page 46-47).
In Black Boy, Richard Wright perceives himself as a member of the “colored people” who are disregarded and undervalued. He recounts being an inquisitive child who constantly seeks out things that intrigue him, and he frequently queries those around him as to why black people are restricted from doing what white people can (as seen in the dialogues between Richard and Mom on pages 27 and 68). As time passes, he becomes aware of the unequal treatment of Negroes in America, particularly in the area where he resides; “I knew that Negroes had never been allowed to catch…” (page 43), and he discovers about incidents such as a white woman slapping a black woman and a black man being killed (pages 85-86). Despite this knowledge, he is determined to improve his life regardless of the difficulties he faces and declares, “I vowed that someday I would end this hunger of mine, this apartness…” (page 148).
In terms of Acceptance, Richard struggles to be respected and accepted by his peers. Although he knows his position as a black man, he tries to do what he wants to do. He feels there are no limitations for people of colour. The problem is that Richard can never really fit in socially even though he wants to. His interactions with his friends are always met with problems, and he does not understand why they always ignore him; At noon recess I went to…” (page 106), Hell, I ain’t gonna stand near you, nigger! (page 92). In addition, he wants to be a writer and he is a hard worker who achieves his dream even though some people rule him out; “Well, I want to be a writer”; “You’ll never be a writer,” he is told. “Who put such an idea in your head?” (page 173).
Richard even wishes he could escape his suffering by going to the north where there is no divide between whites and blacks; he thinks that blacks are respected there; “I knew that I was alive…”, “I dreamed of going north…” (page 199). And so, he travels to the North and he learns that the place is not very racist; “There was no racial fear.” (page 307), “They don’t hate Negroes” (page 435). In addition, Richard is treated equally and accepted by the people he meets, especially by the whites; as shown in “…. treated me as an equal.” (page 317), “…free from the legacy of racial hatred.” (page 318), “…to the North only to speak freely…from fear” (page 405).
In the North, Richards holds many jobs better than he has in the South. Also, he gets chance to write and read some books. It shows that he feels free to do everything he wants to achieve his ambition (page 326; page 332). His dream as a writer comes when he joins the John Reed Club and he is asked to write articles for Left Front and New Masses magazines. Fortunately, his work is acknowledged and he joins the group of writers (page 378-379). Richard keeps on his writing and work from place to place to earn money for a living. He starts making a way by writing novels and guidebooks. . At this point, Richard gains power through his ability and wealth. This is what we can call as the principle of American Dream; as he said “I was in the midst of writing a novel” (page 419); “…to the Federal Writer’s Project” (page 444). As a result, he devotes his life on writing as a way to the human heart; as shown in “my writing was…” (page 407) and “I wanted to try to build…” (page 453).
To sum up, both stories depict discrimination and inequality in the lives of the characters which makes them want to break it. The difference is that Kartini fought for gender equality, while Richard fought for racial equality.
Clevaster 