CHAPTER III RESEARCH FINDINGS
.
A 1. Data Description of Characterization:
According to the theory, characterization may involve developing a variety
of aspects of a character such as appearance, age, gender, educational level, occupation, financial status, marital status, social status, hobbies, etc
.
28
The following are the data of description of the characterization of Anna Leonowens
along with the description, situation, and capture.
No. Characterization Situation
Capture
1. Physical
Appearance Anna was a beautifully long
legged and blonde long haired English woman with
bright complexion, pointed nose, almond shaped and
blue colored eyes, sensually small lips and slim body
shape
2. Fashion
Anna loved to wear western gown or long dresses most of
the time and sometimes using a big hat
28
Ralp. H. Singleton and Stanton Millet, An Introduction to Literature New York : The World Publishing Company, 1966, p. 82
3. Age
Referring to her physical appearance, Anna was still
around thirty years old
4. Gender
Anna is a female
5. Educational level
Since Anna is an experienced teacher, she can
be classified into an advanced learner who
definitely has a high level of educational background
6. Occupation
Anna was hired as an exclusive royal family’s
teacher.
7. Financial Status
By the time she came to the kingdom her economical
situation was poor.
8. Marital Status
Playing her part in the story, Anna had become a widow.
9. Social Status
Her social status was highly considered for two things;
firstly, because she is an English woman, and to Siam
English is one of the most powerful nations in the
world. Secondly, she a special guest of the royal
family officially invited by
his majesty King, the first class man in Siam.
10. Hobbies
Seemingly teaching is not merely a profession to her,
that activity has been her hobby as well
11. Attitude
Behavior Anna has a very good
attitude and behavior. Her overall manner is so English,
yet she is also appreciative and adaptive especially to
other different culture.
12. Impressive
Anna’s courage is unquestionable. Her decision
accepting an invitation to teach a royal family in an
extremely far country is an obvious prove that she dares
to deal with a challenge.
13. A Person with
Principles Anna is a type of person who
dares to argue for her principles as long as she
realizes that they are true. Even to appreciate this sort
of characterization the King said that Anna is not trying
to be equal with a man, but a king.
14. A Logical Person
Science and civilization do teach her to be logics and not
to use all her emotion to act.
15. Dynamic
Progressive Anna’s dynamic and
progressive life style made her able to survive in dealing
with a totally different way of life of Siamese. In fact, it
helped her with the mission coming to Siam, i.e. to
accelerate the civilization development of the nation.
16. Wise and
Disciplined Anna’s discipline and
wisdom are clearly shown when she plays her part as a
teacher. Seemingly she knows well how to exactly
treat the son of the king when he had a fight with her
son in her very first time class. She also did not mind
and is quite patient waiting the prince finish his
educational punishment.
17. Initiative
and Creative These two types of
characterization are the precious values in Anna, the
factors of why the king he liked her so much. One of
the most meaningful initiative and creative action
is when Anna instructed the king’s wives and children to
use rockets and horn of English army to make the
enemy’s troop run away frightened.
A 2. Data Description of Feminism Value:
Next, in finding the feminism values, the writer also refers to several feminism theories. Yet, from those theories the writer mainly concentrated at the
most well-defined one stated by Jane Fredman who talked about ‘law: political right, economic issue: property right, and social field: education right
’. Furthermore, to support the main theory, the writer also referred to theories stated
by Rosemarie Putnam Tong and Mansour fakih, since Fredman did not mention
about ‘an awareness of the gender unfairness’, ‘feminism conscious action’ and ‘Women’s Point of View which is against feminism
’. Those points are concluded as follows:
No. Feminism
Value Event in the Story
Capture
1. Law: the
political right was not needed.
No females in charge in the government; all
political positions were taken by males.
However, Anna proved that female also has the
competency to take part in governance.
2. Economic issue:
the property right.
It is not either explicitly or implicitly stated
about property sharing through the social life of
people in this story. Yet, the story describe a little
bit about property right issue in the king family
and Anna.
3. Social field:
the same opportunity in
education. There are two relevant
cases analyzed about equal opportunity in
education. An action did by the King and the one
implemented by Anna.
4 An awareness of
the gender unfairness,
which is felt by women, either in
the family or society.
supporting theory 1
Awareness toward the gender unfairness was
felt by Anna when she found out that Tuptim
was sent to the king by her family as a gift to
show family’s loyalty and dedication to the
king who has been assumed as a god by his
people.
5. The conscious
action done by either women or
men to change the state of
condition. supporting
theory 1 This conscious action
was also finally done by Tuptim and her lover.
This story also described how Anna responded to
it. Not only that, on slavery matters, Anna
did a very fantastic action that positively
changed Siam.
6. Women’s Point
of View which is against
feminism. supporting
theory 1 The case described in
this story is played by all King’s wives and
concubines who seemed comfortable with their
condition so far. Anna showed on the
contrary.
B1. Data Analysis of Characterization
Anna’s characterization is a really good inspiring education of life. She did shine such a light on Siam as the Chulalongkorn the King Mongkut’s son who
illustrated the story of Anna and his father said: “I was only a boy, but the image of my father holding the woman he loved
for the last time has remained with me throughout the years. It is always surprising how small a part of life is taken up by meaningful moments.
Most often they are over before they start, although they cast a light on the future and make the person who originated them unforgettable. Anna had
shined such a light on Siam”
It is only one of amazing impacts of her characterization that covers three B3 Brain, Beauty, and Behavior. Anna is a ninety nine percent perfect figure
who brought tons of progressive change in Siam. She was fine in many aspects, started from her physical appearance; Anna is a beautifully long legged and
blonde long haired English woman with bright complexion, pointed nose, almond shaped and blue colored eyes, sensually small lips and slim body shape. Those all
physical features are objectively impressive see Picture-Analysis 1. In addition, her fashion style supports her beauty; most of the time, Anna
loves to wear western gown or long dresses dictated by standards of modesty that demanded nearly full body coverage and sometimes she also like to put on a big
hat. Even tough her age information is not clearly mentioned, referring to her physical appearance and fashion style, she looks like still in her thirties see
Picture-Analysis 2.
Picture-Analysis 2 Picture-Analysis 1
The description of her educational level is not obviously stated as well, yet since Anna is prescribed as an experienced teacher; it is absolutely possible that
she can be classified into an advanced learner who definitely has a high level of educational background see Picture-Analysis 5.
Presumably, she must be multi-talented educator as no way for an educated king requests Anna to be his royal children’s teacher should He has no
reliable reference or recommendation. Anna is a professional with good track record, her previous occupation is a school teacher as well, and that is why she
dares come to Siam with a high confidence as teaching seemingly has become her labor of love hobby or her realm see Picture-Analysis 6.
Picture-Analysis 6 Picture-Analysis 5
The following dialogue shows the conversation between Anna and King Mongkut inferring that Anna is educated and has been working as a
teacher for years. King Mongkut :
You... are teacher? Anna
: Yes, Your Majesty, I am.
King Mongkut : You do not look sufficient of age for scientific teaching.
How many years have you? Anna
: Enough to know that age and wisdom do not necessarily go hand in hand.
King Mongkut : I doubt you would say same for being bold and English. They are rather inseparable, Im afraid
Talking about financial status, Anna clearly implied it that she has nothing but few belongings with her, including clothes, a picture, a horn and a military
uniform of her husband. Since she is a widow and comes with her only son, two loyal servants from India are coming with her too escorting their trip. Her beloved
husband, a British soldier, passed away in a war a few years before.
Picture-Analysis 7
The following dialogue shows the conversation between Anna and her son, Louis explaining their financial status.
Anna
: Don’t brother unpacking, Moonshee. It’s only for one
night. It shall be settled to our satisfaction or we’ll be leaving as soon as possible.
Louis :
We don’t have any money. Anna
: That is correct, but I do not need to be reminded of
that.
Her social status was highly considered for two things; firstly, because she is an English woman, and to Siam English is one of the most powerful nations in
the world. Secondly, she was a special guest of the royal family officially invited by his majesty King, the first class man in Siam. It reflects in Anna’s attitude and
behavior which are very positive, like being a polite and full of understanding figure. She also has a good self emotional control that is proven when she deals
with the king, her son, and royal family. Her overall manner is so English, for example, she does not like to be asked about her marriage or what makes her
widow, as she will consider it an interrogation against her private area meanwhile in Siam that type of question is polite before commencing a conversation. Another
example, she does not feel inferior to talk to a great man like king by standing face to face for it is fine in England and is considered more polite meanwhile it is
considered an insult in Siam. Anna is very appreciative and adaptive especially to other different culture; she even wisely stood in the king’s side helping him
illuminate the issue on having lots of wives and concubines when one of her people Mr. Kincaid, a multinational trader from England, discredited the king on
that matter.
Picture-Analysis 9 Picture-Analysis 9
English Era, 1862, 26th February Madam,
We are in good pleasure, and satisfaction in heart, that you are in willingness to undertake the education of our beloved royal children. And
we hope that in doing your education on us and on our children whom English call inhabitants of benighted land that you will do your best
endeavour for knowledge of English language, science, and literature, and not for conversion to Christianity; as the followers of Buddha are aware of
the powerfulness of truth and virtue, and are desirous to have facility in English language and literature, more than new religions....
Believe me, Your faithfully,
S.S.P.P. Maha Mongkut Anna’s other characterizations are also impressive. She is a brave single
parent. Her courage is unquestionable. Her decision accepting an invitation to
teach a royal family in an extremely far country is an obvious proof that she dares to deal with a challenge. Not only that, in the last minutes even though she knew
that the King and His royal family were in great danger, betrayed by His man chasing them with a great number of army, she still insisted to stay with Him and
family and decided to help them. Regardless of her sad life history, she tried her best to support the King in the battle field on the bridge defending him with
braveness. She said she did not want to loose the king as she lost her beloved husband who died in the forest in a war. Nevertheless, whatever the motivation is,
she could never have done it without courage in her. Anna is also a person with principles. She is a type of person who dares to
argue for her principles as long as she realizes that they are true. Even to appreciate this sort of characterization the King, with smile, said that Anna is not
trying to be equal of a man, but equal of a king.
Picture-Analysis 13
The following dialogue shows the conversation between Anna and the King, indicating that Anna is an outspoken type of person. She would
support her argumentation as long as it is true.
Anna :
My husband was never threatened by my ideas or my opinions.
King Mongkut :
And because I am also such I will allow you to always stand upright in my presence, providing head shall
never be higher than mine.
Kaw Rub :
Your Majesty, I believe there has been enough insult caused by this woman, who believes her self to be the
equal of a man.
King Mongkut :
Not the equal of a man, Chao Phya. The equal of a king.
Her democrat way of life makes her think that every body has right to speak up and to accept or reject an opinion but not by threatening it. Based on that
concept, she really has become a woman with principle. Talking about wisdom, commonly a woman tends to use her emotions
more than her brain. However, Anna is different. She could use her knowledge to control her emotion. Science and civilization do teach her to be logical and not to
use all her emotion to act or respond something particularly when she was under pressure.
One of the most emotional situations is when Fa Ying, one of king’s beloved daughters, passed away in a very young age suffering from fever because
of cholera. It was really hard for Anna to survive in such condition actually, yet she realized that the life must go on especially for the royal family. That’s why
she invited the whole royal family members to attend an outdoor gathering having their meals out meanwhile the King kept staying inside his room with his sorrow
and was furious when he found out that there was an outdoor activity like that. Once again, she must face the King’s treatment with wise argumentation.
Anna’s dynamic and progressive life style made her able to survive in dealing with a totally different way of life of Siamese. In fact, it helped her with
the mission coming to Siam, i.e. to accelerate the civilization development of the nation. Her strong adaptation ability made her able to bring a very positive change
for the king and his people. Once, there was a critical situation for Tuptim, the new concubine of king.
She was accused of doing an affair with her former lover and finally the trial decided that she and the man were guilty and should be given a very extreme
punishment, death sentence. As a matter of fact, Anna could not accept it and talked to the king. However, she failed to save the couple for she also must respect
the rule of nation. Anna lost Tuptim but her effort was not in vain. Her action inspired the king, who actually regretted that execution too, to look over the
nation regulation. This part of story shows that to make some change Anna could not just do it abruptly, she must follow, understand, and adapt with the situation
first. Here, flexibility is needed.
Picture-Analysis 15
The following dialogue shows the conversation between Anna and the King, indicating that Anna is a progressive type of person. She struggles
for saving Tuptim from the extreme punishment
Anna
King Mongkut King Mongkut
: Tuptim broke law
: By loving someone?” Sacrifice your life for truth. Persecute no man.” Are these not the teaching of
Buddha ? King Mongkut
: I am king And I say enough
Anna :
You asked me to always tell you what I think. King Mongkut
: What you think …and what you do and how…and when you do them are not the same king. If you
believe I wish to execute this girl…But now, because you sat to court you can tell king what to do, I can
not intervene as I had planed.
Anna :
Intervene? After they’re tortured? :
Yes. But you, a woman and a foreigner, have made it seem king at your command. You have made me
appear week. And impossible for me to step in and not lose face
Anna :
But you are the king. King Mongkut
: To remain such, I can not undermine ability to
command loyalty, which I must have to keep country secure.
Anna :
You have the power… King Mongkut
: Now is not the time to change the way that things are done
Anna’s discipline is clearly shown when she plays her part as a teacher. Seemingly she knows well how to exactly treat the son of the king when he had a
fight with her son in her very first time class. She also did not mind and is quite patient waiting the prince finishing his educational punishment.
Initiative and creative are two types of characterization that become additional precious values of Anna and the king liked it so much. One of the most
meaningful initiative and creative action for king and his people is when Anna
instructed the king’s wives and children to use rockets and horn of English army to make the enemy’s troop run away frightened.
Picture-Analysis 17
King Mongkut : Why did you not go to monastry like king order ?
Anna : Because I lost one man to the jungle, your Majesty.
I was not about to let that happen again. Chulalongkorn
: Mem Anna not fully to blame, Father.After all,you did put me in charge.
King Mongkut : To sound English bugles in own defense.
Anna : Yes
King Mongkut : When King say handful of men could save all Siam,
he was most unusually incorrect. Blending his head and body forward
It was a very decisive moment when Alak who actually was a general of Mongkut’s army but was a fanatic admirer and seemingly a loyal follower of King
Taksin the previous king as well, double crossed King Mongkut and in the last minute meant to execute the whole royal family members, Anna with her initiative
and creative idea asked her son to play the British Army horn to scare Alak’s troops and asked the other family members to launch the rockets, which were
actually going to be used for a celebration, toward the enemies. It worked well and made the whole armies but Alak and his two men run away fearfully.
Here, the king was so grateful of her that he pleased to admit that even a woman, Anna could save the nation. It is to clarify king’s previous statement
when he said “a handful of men could save all Siam, he was most usually incorrect” by bending his head and body forward.
B2. Data Analysis of Feminism Value
In the early 19
th
century, feminist movement demanded in the law, economic and social field. They considered the political right was not needed.
29
In the story of Anna and The King, it is shown that there were no females in charge
in the government; all political positions were taken by males. There was a case when Anna for her very first time came and saw the
prime minister. She was welcomed and got interviewed with several personal questions. Yet along the interview she was always called by the man title “sir”,
and by all means Anna criticized this kingdom behavior. Anna got the explanation even though she seemingly could not accept it.
It was clarified that women do not stand in the presence of his Excellency or in other words who usually deserved meeting the government officials were
men only. Even if the visitor was a female, she should be treated as a male. It means, only men who deserved the political rights. See Picture-Analysis 1.
29
Jane freedman, Concept in the Social Science Feminism. Buckingham: Open University Press, 2001, p.10
Picture-Analysis 1
This dialogue tells a clarification why women do not stand in the presence of his Excellency or in other words who usually deserved
meeting the government officials were men only Adjutant
: Mem Leonowens, Kaw Rub. introduce Anna to
Kaw Rub Mrs. Leonowens, His Excellency, Chao Phya
Kralahome, the prime minister of Siam. introduce Kaw Rub to Anna
Kaw Rub :
Have you any friends in Bangkok, sir?
Anna :
No. I know no one here. Kaw Rub
: Sir
is married? Anna
: A widow.
Can you please explain to me why you call me sir?
Kaw Rub :
Women do not stand in the presence of His Excellency. How long are you in possession of dead
husband?
Anna :
23 months. Kaw Rub
: How did he die?
Anna :
Please convey to His Excellency that my purpose here is as tutor to the kings son and it is not
necessary to ask personal questions. Please.
Kaw Rub :
In Siam, sir, it is custom to first ask questions of personal nature to be polite.
But there was another good case whereas as a female Anna was requested by the king to get involved in political affairs. The kingdom was in trouble; a
group of people was trying to carry out a coup d’etat by killing innocent citizens who were standing loyally in the side of the King Mongkut, supporting his
existence as the chosen king of Siam. As a matter of fact, this was a political strategy, made by one of generals
who adored to Taksin leadership, to fall the king down. Somehow it made the king wonder who was actually behind this tragedy; his men suspected French
Indo-china that meant to colonize Siam. Here the king wisely thought that no way he could win the war against that nation in the battlefield. So, considering that
situation, he decided to make a government to government consolidation with the powerful nation at the time, England.
He asked Anna a favor to mediate this meeting by preparing a British style party in order to respect that prospective ally. Anna not only was asked to prepare
that formal occasion well but also was indirectly asked to help the king to deliver the imperative message asking England to become one of Siam’s friendly allies.
This situation implied that everyone has the capacity to contribute something useful for political world, of course, as long as the person was given a
chance to get involved in it. Anna made so meaningful contribution to the government of Siam that the King was really pleased and decided to present her a
beautiful ring which symbolized the king’s high satisfaction of her did.
King Mongkut : I have decide to give self anniversary dinner and
invite important Englih nobles and diplomats. Anna
:
I don’t understand.
King Mongkut : French Indochina grows stronger and more
aggressive. But if I improve our foreign intercourse with your queen’s special envoy ,French will think
three times before trying to undermine Siam.
Anna :
That’s very clever your , Your Majesty.
King Mongkut : As if to sound English Bougles in own defense. You
shall take charge of all formalities as mem is obvious choice to make certain guests feel at home.
In economic issue, feminist demanded property rights. Before marriage, the property belongs to their husband. After getting married, it automatically
becomes the property of their wives.
30
However it is not either explicitly or implicitly stated about property sharing through the social life of people in this
story. Yet, in the case of the royal family, it is obvious that there were no properties but gifts given by the king, as a husband, whether to his wives or his
concubines after the marriage. Even if the King had passed away all the properties
30
Jane freedman, concept in the social science feminism. Buckingham: Open University Press, 2001, p.10
belonged to him would be handed over to his first son who would replace the king and run the kingdom some day. See Picture-Analysis 16
Picture-Analysis 2
However, Anna had the property of her husband like horn and soldier uniform for instance. She brought her husband’s belongings with her to Siam. There was
nothing more described about it, but those few things which Anna got from her beloved husband has proven that she had got what feminist demanded about
property right in economic issue.
Furthermore, most working fields were limited of women. In social life, the demand was to get the same opportunity in education as men.
31
In the past men wanted the women to be good housewife who manage household and family.
As a result they could only spend their life in domestic. It has been granted that working fields consist of skilled people, and to learn some skill a person must get
it either from a formal education or from an informal one. There is a good case shown in this story. A king, who had a very
prospective mission and vision for the continuity and betterment of his kingdom, invited a teacher who was highly expected to be able to give a maximum
education for the whole royal family members in order to become his successors who will be taking a part and having crucial positions in the government. The
ability of the king and his very important persons in speaking English fluently and in knowing the cultures of other countries proved that they were all well-educated.
The educational issue was believed very important in royal kingdom. However, the story did not illustrate at all about formal education in the society level for it
did not mention a school or other academic-related things in Siam.
Picture-Analysis 3
31
Jane freedman, op cit, p.10
The following is the quoted dialogue showing that everyone deserved the same opportunity in education, no matter who the person is, whether
male or female. King Mongkut
: Dearest family. I desire you all, when of appropriate age, to be educated in English
Language, science and literature. This is necessary and practical gift I give to you
and you must never forget to honor your renowned teacher Mem Anna Leonowens.
The next case is about same opportunity education action implemented by Anna in her teaching process. Anna did not intentionally separate where female
and male should take a sit in the class. She also delivered the same quality materials to all of her students regardless of their gender status or even social
status. Anna showed all students that everybody deserved the education no matter who the person is.
Feminism is an awareness of the gender unfairness, which is felt by women, either in the family or society.
32
In this story there was a feminism issue based on that definition. Awareness toward the gender unfairness was felt by
32
Rosemarie Putnam Tong, Feminist Thought Colorado:Westview Press, 1998, p.88
Anna when she found out that Tuptim was sent to the king by her family as a gift to show family’s loyalty and dedication to the king who has been assumed as a
god by his people. This lady was treated as a thing not as someone. Anna could really feel the
gender unfairness and equality of human rights on that lady. Nothing this poor beautiful lady could do but crying and trying her best to accept the condition of
being inferior and fully controlled. Her lover, Balat who understood this situation as the culture of his nation rather than gender unfairness also tried to accept the
situation and led himself to more positive reaction by deciding to become a monk.
Picture-Analysis 4
This monologue implies gender unfairness: describing A beautiful lady was treated more like a thing rather than as precious lovely god’s
creature. Prime Minister
: The nobleman, Thak Chaloemtiarana Siam’s most prosperous tea merchant pledges eternal
loyalty and wishes to present his most beautiful daughter, Tuptim for His Majesty’s royal favour.
The other definition of feminism is the conscious action done by either women or men to change the state of condition.
33
This conscious action was also finally done by Tuptim and her lover, Balat. This couple determined to do
something crossing the line of the local custom, ready to take serious risks by meeting frequently in the temple even after Tuptim had officially become
concubine of the King. Both of them perhaps did not realize that the action they made was an effort to change the state of condition of gender unfairness. What the
couple felt was merely trying to get their right back by having their true love. Anna herself, in this story, did several actions which were so feminism-
oriented like supporting Tuptim when she was accused guilty and was to be executed; Anna demanded the king to consider over the decision of the court and
to accept the petition.
Picture-Analysis 5
Anna : Stop it
Do you hear me?1 Don’t you dare lay another hand on that woman She has done nothing but to
try and find happiness I will go the King. He will put an end to this savagery
33
Rosemarie Putnam Tong, op cit, p.88
A monologue presented above shows the earnest action did by Anna to defend the couple her best. She attended the court and tried to stop the trial. She
dared to face and deal with the local authority consciously. On the name of feminism, what she did really needed a very great valor. She was not afraid and
did not hesitate to yell before the court using the great name of the king and said that He will put an end to this savagery
In another feminism action, Anna also helped a female slave to get her freedom, and succeeded. Long time ago, in Siam like almost in many other
countries in Middle East, West, North and so on, people could buy people. Slavery was something normal. That was why each government had its own rule
about slavery. However time flies, every country has been heading to better governance.
The interaction that Anna made with a Siamese slave was so challenging that she must let her weeding ring go merely to save that slave. She helped the
woman who was chained by two hands and legs in outside. Her name was La Ore, a slave of Jao Jom Manda Ung. She was trying to escape herself from the palace
by plugging into water, and then married the person whom she loved. But one day, about three or four months after her marriage, she was found by Jao Jom
Manda Ung and brought back to the palace. Then she was chained even though she was pregnant.
Picture-Analysis 5
Anna : She has been chained outside for six weeks. All
because she tried to buy her freedom. Kaw Rub
: Mem Leonowens, Jao Jom Manda Ung is daughter of very influential family.
Anna : Yes. And when La Or offered her the money, she
took it. Her mistress took it. The she accused her of ingratitude and chained her like an animal
where the prince and I found her.
Kaw Rub : Their to throne must never be involved in issue of
bondservant . It will resolve it self in time.
The next day, Anna came to see Jao Jum Manda Ung’ at her house to buy freedom for La Ore by giving Anna’s ring. They both agreed with consequences
until Manda Ung realized that she had been tricked to release that slave. Once she knew the real purpose of that ring, Manda Ung reported to the King. It is shown in
the following dialogue:
J.J. Manda Ung :
She tricked me She broke into my home, set my servant free, then come to me with an offer
to buy her and made payment La-Ore purchased her freedom once
Anna :
La Ore purchased her freedom once, and I believe, had I given this woman my ring first,
she would have taken it and continued to hold La-Ore captive.
King Mongkut :
Kings commitment to noble families must not be compromised.
Anna :
In your letter confirming my employment, you said you wanted Siam to take its place among
the nations of the modern world. You spoke of building something greater than yourself. A
country where no man is above the law. Which is why I chose to come here.
Anna :
Schoolteacher has outstanding memory. J.J. Manda Ung
: I wanted my slave returned and punishment of
this insolent English who dares stand before the Lord of life
King Mongkut :
Kralahome...If you would please honor Jao Jom Manda Ung with an explanation of the law.
Kaw Rub :
Regretfully, I must inform you that bond- servants have the right by law to buy their own
freedom.
J.J. Manda Ung :
That would be most unfortunate, my august mistress and what if every slave in my service
should bring me the price of their freedom ?
What Anna did to that slave perhaps only affected a few persons including the slave herself. Still it could not change the local rules and custom about slavery
in national level. Somehow in a few years after, under the leadership of King Chulalongkorn, Siam became slave-free. It did not stop there, thanking to the
vision of his father, King Mongkut, and the teaching of Anna Leonowens, King Chulanlongkorn not only abolished slavery, but also maintained Siam’s
independence, instituted religious freedom, and reformed the judicial system. The progressive changing happened due to the wise action that Anna did
to Chulalongkorn by giving a deeply meaningful book “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”
34
.
34
Uncle Toms Cabin; or, Life Among the Lowly is an anti-slavery novel by American author Harriet Beecher Stowe. Published in 1852, the novel had a profound effect on attitudes
toward African Americans and slavery in the United States.
The book tells about an American woman - Harriet Beecher Stowe - who asked why there should be slavery in America. The book that Anna gave was really
inspiring to him and made him a good leader for Siam.
Chulalongkorn : I have been doing much thinking, mem teacher, on
why some in this life are masters, like Jao Jom Manda Ung, and others slaves.
Anna : That is something you need to ask your father, Your
Highness. Chulalongkorn
: But you are teacher. Teach… Anna
: This American woman - Harriet Beecher Stowe -
asked the same question. Perhaps you should read her and then we might continue our discussion.
Chulalongkorn : A woman?
Anna : Yes
Chulalongkorn : Uncle Toms Cabin. He reads the title of the book
I shall read it at once, mem.
To be objective here is also presented another contradictive viewpoint made by women themselves in responding feminism concept. They partially
refused the concept of equality and fairness in feminism. It is stated that once they are able to change the women’s position inside the house into women with
excellent carrier, that change will become a disaster towards women themselves. They will suffer both physically and mentally, because of too much equality.
35
Their argumentation brought up to this matter is that the path which is actually wanted by women to become a housewife or a wife who just stays at
home and just becomes a proud mother. As a matter of fact, it is not a matter of being suffered, yet it is a matter of having been comfortable with their current
condition. The example described in this story is played by all King’s wives and
concubines Tuptim who seemed to be comfortable with their condition so far. Once, the first lady, Thiang, was also trying to make sure that Tuptim could
accept her condition of being one of king’s concubines. The lady implied that everything would simply run well both physically and mentally if she could
follow the royal rules and act normally like the other king’s wives and concubines.
Picture-Analysis 6
35
Mansour Fakih, Analisis Gender Transformasi Sosial Yogyakarta:Puataka Pelajar, 2004, p.111.
Here in the monologue, the first lady, Thiang, was also trying to make sure that Tuptim could accept her condition of being one of king’s
concubines. The lady implied that everything would simply run well both physically and mentally if she could follow the royal rules.
Lady Thiang
: You’re trembling. Do not fear, blessed one. His Majesty is a kind
and generous lover
On the other side, Anna was often fighting for equality and fairness before the king and it seemed that she suffered for that, which actually not looked like
that. As a woman, she loved it and was satisfied of having able to struggle for her dignity and respect.
According to the feminist, the traditional values become the basic cause of the inferiority or the subordinate position for women. Traditional values, such as
in Victorian era, propose to all women for only be good wives and only live in private and domestic sphere to take care the household, and to be passive and
dependent on men. They ought not to be active in public sphere.
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It means that women are confined by many rules in household and societies. Those are being
inhibited by women to be their identity. Feminist believes that when women profess the traditional thought she becomes dependent individual. Usually she
depends on men: father, brother, or husband.
36
Soenarjati Djajanegara, Kritik Sastra Feminis: Sebuah Pengantar Jakarta: PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama,2003, p.5
CHAPTER IV CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
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