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Several steps were taken by the writer in analyzing this study. Firstly, the writer read the poems as the main source comprehensively in order to get a deeper
understanding about the poems. From the comprehensive reading, the writer was able to find out the main idea of the poems. Other sources were also by the writer such as
related books about the struggle of Timorese of 1970‟s until 1990‟s to support the analysis.
In answering the problems formulated in the previous chapter, the writer collected the data related to the problem formulation. The analysis was based on the
postcolonial approach in order to get a realistic portrait of the Timorese struggle as described in the poems through the tone and imagery at the period of Portuguese and
Suharto‟s military regime in Timor Leste. The first step in analyzing this study, the writer analyzed the struggle of
Timorese for freedom described in the poems. Then, second the writer reveals the concept of freedom in Xanana Gusmao‟s perspective.
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CHAPTER IV ANALYSIS
The analysis is divided into two parts; the first part is the answer to the problem formulation number one and the analysis on how the Timorese struggle for
freedom as described in the poems. The second part is the answer of the problem formulation number two; it reveals
Xanana Gusmao‟s concept of freedom during struggle against Portuguese rule and Indonesian military occupation.
A. The Description of the Timorese Struggle for Freedom in the poems
Poetry and struggle for freedom. Poetry has become an important part of the Timorese struggle against colonialism. Xanana Gusmao as a poet and leader of the
Timorese resistance offers a lyrical portrayal of the future of Timor Leste, which is free from colonial oppression and exploitation, and the people would enjoy the
benefits derived from egalitarian self- determination. Most of Xanana Gusmao‟s
poems were written during struggle against Portuguese rule and Suharto‟s military occupation from 1975- 1999. The theme dominating
Xanana‟s poetry is a portrayal of Portuguese and Suharto‟s military oppression. The purpose underlying Portuguese
and Suharto‟s regime went to Timor Leste is to civilize and realize assimilation project that is more myth than reality. The theme depicting a
n image of Xanana‟s and his fellow Timorese daily participation against colonial hegemony are in line.
Xanana‟s poems “My Sea of Timor” and “I am at War” are the portrayal of Suharto‟s military invasion and the Timorese struggle against it. The themes of
