41 her opinions. It can be said also that Nyai Ontosoroh is a straight forward person.
She has her own opinions and instead of having someone speaks for her like any other nyais, she dares to speak for her own. It is what also raises an admiration
from Minke’s teacher.
“In literary matters she could still learn from you, but even there she is, all the same, amazing. But you know what I found most amazing about her?
She dared state her opinions Even though there was no guarantee they were correct. She was not afraid of being wrong. Determined, with the
courage to study from her own mistakes. God”p. 233 Nyai Ontosoroh is definitely an amazing and overwhelming character. She
creates herself differently from any other nyais or any other natives Indonesian women. Another example of her being straight-forward can be seen from her
strong will in defending her daughter’s right in the Dutch court.
“Who turned me into a concubine? Who turned us all into nyais? European gentlemen, made masters. Why in these official forums are we laughed at?
Humiliated? Or is it that you gentlemen want my daughter to become a concubine too?” p. 288
c. Dominant
Aside of being intelligent and well-educated, Nyai Ontosoroh also shows a very different aspect from any other Javanese ladies in her era. She is brave and
strict because she knows what she wants to do in her life. The part of the story in which Nyai Ontosoroh yells at her husband for not warmly welcoming Minke at
his first visit can be an indication that she is also a dominant person.
42 “Close your mouth” shouted Nyai loudly in Dutch, “He is my guest.”
Mr. Mellema’s eyes shifted dully to his concubine. And must something happen because of this uninvited Native?” p.48
In that era, women are always inferior to the men Budiman, 1975, yet,
Nyai Ontosoroh who is only a concubine of Mr. Mellema can shout and yell at him. Mr. Mellema who is her master does not even say a thing back. Nyai
Ontosoroh ’s hatred and anger throughout the years to her husband is also showed
by argumentation with her husband. “A mad European is the same as a mad Native” Her eyes burned with
hatred and disgust.” You have no rights in this house. You know where your room is.” The nyai pointed to a door. And her pointed finger was
clawed. Mr. Mellema still stood in front of me, hesitant.
“Do I need to call Darsam?” she threatened.” p. 48 Nyai Ontosoroh does not only yell at her master but also able to threaten
her husband by saying that she is going to call her bodyguard when Mr. Mellema disrespects Minke who at the time is Nyai Ontosoroh
’s guest. Nyai Ontosoroh is also dominant as a mother. After finding out that her husband has another son
named Maurits Mellema and is still in legal marriage with Ms. Amelia Mellema- Hammers, she forces her husband to react and do a thing related to it but her
husband does not even give any reaction. It is what drives Nyai Ontosoroh into an arguing with her husband over and over. She even gives a warning to Robert
Mellema, the first son of Nyai Ontosoroh and Mr. Mellema not to greet nor even speak to his father.
